How to Grow and Care for Chlorophytum Orchidastrum

The Chlorophytum orchidastrum is a plant known by several common names, including ‘Mandarin Plant’, ‘Fire Flash’, and ‘Sierra Leone Lily’. Its most defining feature is the orange hue of its petioles, the stalks that connect the leaves to the central base of the plant. This orange provides a contrast against the deep green, lance-shaped foliage. While it is a relative of the familiar spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum), its growth habit is distinctly different, forming a central rosette rather than producing cascading plantlets.

Mandarin Plant Care

Light

This plant thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. An ideal location is near an east-facing window for gentle morning sun, or a few feet from a south or west-facing window. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, leading to brown patches and crispy edges. Insufficient light will cause the signature orange of the petioles to fade. During winter, you may need to move it to a brighter spot to compensate for lower light levels.

Soil

A well-draining, peat-based potting mix is recommended for Chlorophytum orchidastrum. This medium retains adequate moisture without becoming waterlogged, a common cause of root rot. You can create your own mix by combining standard potting soil with perlite or pumice to enhance aeration. The plant’s thick, fleshy roots are susceptible to rot if left in overly saturated soil.

Water

Keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy, watering thoroughly when the top inch or two of soil feels dry. The Mandarin Plant is sensitive to chemicals often found in tap water, such as fluoride and chlorine. To avoid issues like brown leaf tips, it is best to use distilled water, rainwater, or tap water that has been left out overnight.

Temperature and Humidity

This plant performs best in average room temperatures between 65-85°F (18-29°C). It should be protected from drastic temperature fluctuations and cold drafts. The Mandarin Plant also enjoys a humid environment. If your home has dry air, you can increase humidity by placing the plant on a pebble tray with water, using a humidifier, or misting the leaves every few days.

Fertilizer

During the active seasons of spring and summer, the Mandarin Plant benefits from regular feeding. A balanced, general-purpose houseplant fertilizer applied at half-strength every four to six weeks is sufficient. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can lead to a buildup of salts in the soil. During fall and winter, reduce or stop fertilizing to allow the plant a period of rest.

Propagating Mandarin Plants

Propagating the Mandarin Plant is successfully done through division, a process best performed during repotting in the spring. Unlike the common spider plant, it grows in clumps from rhizomes beneath the soil surface. To propagate, carefully remove the entire plant from its pot and gently shake off the excess soil to expose the root system.

Using your hands or a clean knife, carefully tease these sections apart, ensuring each new division has a healthy portion of roots and at least one stem with foliage. Pot each new division into its own container with fresh soil and care for it as a mature plant.

Common Problems

One of the most frequent issues encountered with the Mandarin Plant is the development of brown leaf tips. This is almost always a reaction to the minerals in tap water, especially fluoride, or a result of low humidity. Switching to a purified water source and increasing ambient humidity can prevent this issue from worsening on new growth. If you notice the vibrant orange color of the stems beginning to fade, the culprit is usually inadequate light. Moving the plant to a brighter location with more indirect sunlight will help restore its brilliant coloring.

Like many houseplants, the Mandarin Plant can occasionally be susceptible to pests. Common invaders include spider mites, mealybugs, and scale. Regularly inspecting the leaves, especially the undersides and where the petiole meets the leaf, can help you catch an infestation early. If pests are found, they can often be treated by wiping them off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or by spraying the plant with an insecticidal soap, ensuring complete coverage of all surfaces.

Mandarin Plant Toxicity

For households with pets and small children, plant safety is a primary concern. The Chlorophytum genus, which includes the common spider plant, is widely regarded as non-toxic. While some sources may offer conflicting information, the general consensus from reliable horticultural and veterinary resources is that Chlorophytum orchidastrum is safe for cats, dogs, and humans. Although it is considered non-toxic, it is always wise to prevent pets from ingesting large amounts of any houseplant, as it could lead to mild digestive upset.