For the past twenty years I have carried the nerve-wracking responsibility had the great pleasure of keeping my great-grandmother’s engagement gift plants alive. These two plants lived in her apartment on Staten Island, then at my grandmother’s house for many years… they moved to Connecticut with my Aunt, who I lived with for four years while I went to college and started my “adult life”. When I got married, they came to live with me. (gasp!) I have no idea what they are, and my Aunt and grandmother couldn’t identify them either. They have no blossoms like the smaller peace plants in front of them… any of you green-thumbs out there have a clue? We’ve just moved them to the front porch of this old house, where they will stay until early fall, moving inside when the nights get too cool.
This is what my family’s refrigerator looks like before we “live” out of it.
The barn/garage siding is almost done, painted a dark brown, as was the original.
Karen, I am not sure, but it looks like what I have heard called a corn plant. Don't know the actual plant name for it.
It looks like a member of the Dracena family of which there are hundreds. If your photos are correct it also looks like there might be some spider mite damage (tiny specks of color loss). When I have had Dracena they are a plant that is susceptible to spider mites (little buggers)and if you see a slight webby looking stuff on the undersides of the leaves and teensy tiny specks moving really slow, that would be them. Best solution is to mix a new spray bottle filled with water and about 1/4 to a half 1/2 teas. liquid dish soap.
Tina
Karen, it looks to me like aspidistra (Cast Iron plant) It was a very popular house plant in the 19th and early 20th century. What a wonderful family heirloom … stressful, though it is.
Connie
Oops hit the button before finishing that thought.
With the mixture in the spray bottle, spray the leaves (it won't damage them) or wipe the leaves with the solution and a soft towel. Spraying is best though as some of the solution will drip down into the base of the leaves where some of the mites or their eggs might be hiding.
Awesome that your family has cared for them for so long and they look great!
They appear to be cast iron plant. They can grow well in the shade and are almost impossible to kill. They also tolerate cold temperatures with no problem here in the South.I have these growing around a small pond.
LOl.. well, Anonymous, that is probably why I've been able to keep them going for all these years… thank you, and you are correct. they are Cast Iron Plant.
The plants have certainly found a great home and look good too at your front door.
Going to be another hot day here…. stay cool!
Di
Good Lord… I can't keep a plant alive and these have survived, that long! Impressive!
I'm glad that you have discovered what they are and am very IMPRESSED that you've managed to keep them alive for so long. I wouldn't have lasted a month! I am very, very bad at growing anything…
Ok, had to comment, Karen!
I can't believe it, but I too have plants that are descendants of begonias that my great grandmother(who I never met)once had.
I never knew anyone else who had something like this!