How to Grow and Care for a Green Orange Spider Plant

The Mandarin Plant, Chlorophytum amaniense, is often called the “green orange spider plant.” A close relative of the common spider plant, it has a different appearance, featuring broad, dark green leaves emerging from a central rosette. Instead of producing cascading plantlets, its most notable feature is the vibrant orange petioles (leaf stalks) that create a vivid contrast with the leaves. This plant is also sold under names like ‘Fire Flash’ and Chlorophytum orchidastrum.

Mandarin Plant Care

Light

The vibrant orange stems of the Mandarin Plant are directly linked to its light exposure. It thrives in medium to bright indirect light, like that from a south- or west-facing window filtered by a sheer curtain. Consistent, indirect sunlight will intensify the orange color of the petioles, while low light will cause it to fade. Protect the plant from direct sun, as this can scorch the leaves.

Soil

The Mandarin Plant prefers an organically rich and well-draining medium. Standard potting mixes for houseplants are suitable, especially when amended with pumice or coco coir to improve aeration and prevent waterlogging. A pot with at least one drainage hole is necessary to allow excess water to escape.

Water

This plant has thick, fleshy roots that store water, making it somewhat drought-tolerant. Water thoroughly only when the top one to two inches of soil feel dry. Allowing the soil to dry out between waterings is important to prevent root rot. Watering frequency depends on pot size, light, and humidity, ranging from every 5-7 days in summer to every 7-12 days in winter.

Temperature and Humidity

As a tropical native, the Mandarin Plant appreciates warmth and humidity. It performs best in average household temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C). While it tolerates average home humidity, it will flourish with levels of 50% or more. To increase ambient moisture, you can place the pot on a tray of wet pebbles or use a room humidifier.

Fertilizer

To support growth during spring and summer, the Mandarin Plant benefits from feeding. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer, like a 10-10-10 formula, is a good choice. Fertilize the plant about four times a year during its active growing season, and reduce or stop in fall and winter. Always follow the package’s dilution instructions to avoid over-fertilizing.

Propagation Methods

Unlike the common spider plant, Chlorophytum amaniense does not produce runners with plantlets. The primary way to propagate it is through division, best done during spring or summer repotting. Remove the plant from its pot and loosen the soil to expose the root ball. The plant grows from rhizomes, which are underground stems that produce the root and shoot systems.

Using your hands or a clean knife, divide the root ball into sections, ensuring each new division has healthy rhizomatous roots and a few leaves. Pot these new clumps into their own containers with fresh soil. Water the divisions lightly and place them in indirect light to recover.

Common Issues and Solutions

A loss of the brilliant orange color in the petioles is a frequent concern, caused by inadequate light. Moving the plant to a location with brighter, indirect sunlight will restore the coloring over time.

Brown, crispy leaf tips are often caused by low humidity or sensitivity to chemicals like fluoride in tap water. This can be addressed by increasing humidity or switching to filtered water. The plant can also attract pests like spider mites or mealybugs; if spotted, isolate the plant and treat it with insecticidal soap.

Pet Safety and Toxicity

The Mandarin Plant (Chlorophytum amaniense) is a reassuring choice for households with pets and small children as it is non-toxic to cats, dogs, and humans. While it is best to discourage pets from nibbling on any houseplant, this plant is not poisonous if ingested. This makes it an excellent option for adding color to homes with curious companions.