Mandarin Spider Plant Chlorophytum orchidastrum
Other Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Chlorophytum macropodum
- Phonetic Spelling
- klo-ro-FY-tum or-ki-DASS-trum
- Description
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The green orange spider plant is native to the seasonally dry tropical regions of West Africa. It is an evergreen, herbaceous perennial in the asparagus family (Asparagaceae) and is a close relative to the spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum). The genus name, Chlorophytum is derived from the Greek words, chloros, meaning "green" and phyton meaning "plant." The species epithet means "orchid flower," even though the flowers are not especially orchid-like.
They thrive in bright, indirect light and well-drained, loamy soil, A potting mix that includes perlite and sand can improve drainage for houseplants. The plant prefers moderate temperatures above 60 degrees Fahrenheit and a humid environment between 50 to 60%. It is recommended that the plant be watered when the top 1 inch of soil or potting mix is dry. Avoid overwatering. They are winter hardy in zones 10b to 12b and need to be protected from freezing temperatures. Repotting may be required about every 1 to 2 years or when root-bound. Repotting is best done in the spring. It can be propagated by division.
The plant is best known for its rosette of broad, vibrant, lance-shaped green leaves with orange petioles and midribs. It has an erect and clumping habit and grows 8 to 16 inches tall and 16 to 24 inches wide. The flowers are star-shaped and white to creamy white and appear along an 8-inch shaft from the center of the plant during the summer. Upon pollination, the plant produces green triangular seed pods.
The green orange spider plant is a popular houseplant due to its strikingly beautiful foliage and easy care.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: This plant is generally insect and disease-free. As in most houseplants, monitor for scale, aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites. Potential diseases may include root rot and leaf spot. Brown leaf tips are the result of low humidity. Scorched leaves can occur from direct sunlight.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Chlorophytum
- Species:
- orchidastrum
- Family:
- Asparagaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- West Tropical Africa to Zambia
- Distribution:
- Native: Benin, Burkina, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leona, Togo, Zambia, and Zaire
- Play Value:
- Colorful
- Easy to Grow
- Dimensions:
- Height: 0 ft. 8 in. - 1 ft. 4 in.
- Width: 1 ft. 4 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Houseplant
- Habit/Form:
- Clumping
- Erect
- Maintenance:
- Low
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- Loam (Silt)
- Soil pH:
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- Available Space To Plant:
- 12 inches-3 feet
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 10b, 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Green
- Fruit Description:
- The fruits are green triangular seed pods. When mature, they will turn brown, and the pods will open and release their seeds.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Cream/Tan
- Insignificant
- White
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Panicle
- Raceme
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Summer
- Flower Shape:
- Star
- Flower Description:
- The flowers are small, dense, white to creamy-white, star-shaped blooms that appear along an 8-inch cylinder or shaft. They appear at the center of the plant in loose racemes or panicles. They bloom from July to August and are relatively short-lived.
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Leaves:
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Glossy
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Leaf Shape:
- Lanceolate
- Leaf Margin:
- Undulate
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- > 6 inches
- Leaf Description:
- The leaves are broad, shiny dark green, lanceolate, and measure up to 12 inches long, tapering to a point with wavy margins. They appear in rosettes and have bright orange petioles and orange midrib.
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Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Orange
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Description:
- The stems are slender, arching, and apricot-orange colored.
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Houseplants
- Patio
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Humidity
