Many thanks to Connie of Hartwood Roses for figuring out what our mystery 100 year old plants are… funny that in 20 years I could not solve the issue, and I threw it out to my blog friends and had an answer in like, 20 minutes. I googled the name and the photos are identical to my plants.
” Aspidistra (Cast Iron plant) It was a very popular house plant in the 19th and early 20th century.” Very fitting for This Old House 🙂
Thank you to Tina Eudora of One Wild Swan for the following information: 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. 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.
See previous post for photos ….
So glad you figured out the mystery and that your internet friends came to your rescue…don't you just love that about the internet?! I know from personal experience that Connie is a wealth of knowledge about all things plant'like'! She is one very smart girlie!
Kat 🙂
Hooray!
…love that your mystery had been solved…you sherlock holmes! xoxo, mickey
Oh, shoot, I'm behind. I would have recognized that plant, because I have it in several areas of my yard. It is indeed what they say!
Brenda
Isn't the internet just great! Bloggers ROCK!!!
Initially I thought peace lily until you said it didn't bloom and then I was stumped too. How cool to have this mystery solved after all these years! I have a plant I've had for 25 years now that was a gift to me and I thought that was a long time to keep it going… but wow, the history in those plants is really very unique and interesting!