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.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
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
12 inches-3 feet
Mature size
Height: 0 ft. 8 in. - 1 ft. 4 in. | Width: 1 ft. 4 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
Maintenance
Low
Canopy layer
4 - Herbaceous (1-3 ft)
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Clumping; Erect
Leaf color
Green
Leaf shape
Lanceolate
Leaf margin
Undulate
Leaf feel
Glossy
Leaf value
Showy
Leaf size
> 6 inches long
Hairs present
No
Leaf detail
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.
Flower color
Cream/Tan; Insignificant; White
Flower form
Panicle; Raceme
Flower shape
Star
Flower detail
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.
Bloom time
Summer
Fruit color
Brown/Copper; Green
Fruit detail
The fruits are green triangular seed pods. When mature, they will turn brown, and the pods will open and release their seeds.
Stem color
Orange
Stem detail
The stems are slender, arching, and apricot-orange colored.
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Non-native
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
Landscape Use
Landscape location
Container; Houseplants; Patio
Garden tags
#non-toxic for cats #non-toxic for dogs #clumping #partial shade tolerant #houseplant #herbaceous perennial #low maintenance #humidity tolerant #summer flowers #interesting leaves #container plant #erect #easy to grow houseplant