Fire Flash: 25 Useful Indoor Plant Care Tips

Fire Flash Plant is a stunning and easy-to-care-for plant. This houseplant has a distinctive look and feel, making it a favorite of many indoor gardeners.

This detailed care guide discusses the necessary care practices to keep your Fire Flash Plant the happiest. We’re also breaking down the origin, growth behavior, common problems, and other interesting facts about this Chlorophytum. Read on!

What Is Fire Flash Plant?

Chlorophytum Orchidastrum Fire Flash is the botanical name for Orange Spider Plant, Mandarin Plant, and Sierra Leone Lily. This plant has been given several species names over the years, and some experts are still debating whether some of its names is a subspecies or a cultivar.

Chlorophytum Amaniense is this plant’s most common scientific name, along with many other familiar common names like Mandarin Spider Plant, Fire Glory, and Tangerine. Whatever name you want to use, this attractive plant is known for its vibrant orange-hued petioles and leaf midribs that make it look like it’s on fire.

Adding to its beauty is the rosette arrangement that highlights, even more, the brilliant appearance of a plant on fire. From the center of each plant sits rich green foliage that is lance-shaped with pointed tips and curly edges.

It can be placed as a houseplant near an east or west-facing window, and it can also be grown outside hardiness zones 9-11.

Fire Flash Plant Origin And Family

This Chlorophytum plant was first described in 1824 by John Lindley, but it was only in the 1990s that this plant was introduced to Western households. Its native habitat is in the rainforests of Africa (Tanzania, Gambia, and Zambia).

Orange Spider Plant belongs to the Chlorophytum genus in the Asparagaceae family.

Where To Buy

Are you looking to buy a Fire Flash Plant? When purchasing most of our houseplants, we usually start with Etsy, which has many plants and deals.

For very affordable prices, you can get a Fire Flash Plant for as low as $10 for small plants and as high as $25+ for larger or more mature plants.

Fire Flash Plant Plant Size

The Fire Flash Plant grows to 15-20 inches when grown indoors. It grows slowly and thrives near an east or west-facing window.

Fire Flash Plant Care Needs

Most plants are easy to grow with the proper care, including Fire Flash Plant.

Known for its bright orange petioles, it prefers humidity and relatively dry soil.

When watering this Fire Flash, give it a drench when the soil’s top inch is dry. Like most indoor plants, you want proper drainage holes in your terracotta, plastic, or clay pot.

Read on for more Fire Flash Plant details.

Fire Flash Plant Care Difficulty

In terms of care difficulty, the Mandarin Plant is typically easy-to-care-for. The well-draining soil and how much light this plant receives are the two essential factors to consider while growing it.

Fire Flash Plant Growth Rate

The Sierra Leone Lily grows to a mature height of 15-20 inches as a houseplant. Typically, you will notice faster and bushier growth in the spring and summer.

The majority of Chlorophytum species, including the Fire Flash, grow at a slow rate.

Fire Flash Plant Potting

Chlorophytum plants, in general, prefer a well-draining pot. A medium-sized plastic, terracotta, or clay pot is recommended for your orange Spider Plant.

One of the primary killers of houseplants is lack of drainage, which leads to root rot. Please ensure that your pot has holes at the bottom for any excess water to drain through.

Fire Flash Plant Repotting

Fire Flash Plant typically needs to be repotted every 1-2 years, or you see roots pushing out the drainage holes. When this happens, carefully remove the plant from its pot and do not disrupt the main root ball to avoid transplant shock. You can then transfer the plant into a bigger pot. The roots will adapt quicker when planted on the same substrate that it is used to.

Orange Mandarin Spider Plant, Fire Flash
コチラ、現在ウチの一推しの子となっております😇
葉脈が綺麗に出てきたね pic.twitter.com/YEc4rWl68U

— ぴっから@実生おにいさん 🌵 (@pkkra_green) October 19, 2021

Fire Flash Plant Soil

“Fire Flash Plant grows well when grown in standard commercial potting soil. If you want to make your own instead of purchasing a medium, start by adding perlite, sphagnum moss, coco coir, and pieces of bark. This plant prefers its soil to stay relatively dry.

Additionally, it’s essential to have good drainage to prevent problems like root rot and fungal illnesses.

These are a few soil options that we suggest:

Fire Flash Plant pH

For the Sierra Leone Lily, you’ll want your soil to have a neutral to acidic pH, approximately between 6.1-7.0. A standard commercial potting soil has a pH level near that range, so you won’t need to be overly concerned.

If you need to increase the pH of your soil, add a bit of calcitic lime or dolomitic lime, wood ash, or baking soda.

On the other hand, if you’re worried that the pH is way above normal, you can lower the pH with sulfur or aluminum sulfate.

To identify the soil’s pH value, use standard soil moisture meter devices, which double as a pH tester.

Fire Flash Plant Water

When watering the Orange Spider Plant, you’ll want to keep your soil relatively dry. To gauge moisture, stick a finger into the pot, or invest in a soil moisture meter device. You’ll know it’s time to water your Chlorophytum when the soil’s top inch is dry.

Overwatering is one of the most common killers of indoor plants. When in doubt, remember that it’s safer to underwater than overwater the Orange Spider Plant. Also, ensure you have fast-draining soil and a pot with drainage holes.

Fire Flash Plant Light

Fire Flash Plant prefers bright indirect light. Remember, you’re trying to recreate its growing conditions in the rainforests of Africa (Tanzania, Gambia, and Zambia). Placing this plant near an east or west-facing window works well in most situations. It can tolerate low light levels, so you can choose a spot indoors with partial shade.

You’ll know your Fire Flash Spider Plant is getting too much light when its leaves get scorched. On the other hand, its growth will get stunted if it doesn’t get enough sunlight, and you may lose its orange fire-like glow.

Avoid putting your Fire Flash Plant in direct sunlight, as this could severely damage or even kill it.

Fire Flash Plant Fertilizer

Plants, like people, need more food when they are actively growing because they are using up a lot of their energy. This growth spurt usually happens in the spring and summer months for the Mandarin Plant. During this time, you can apply a water-soluble fertilizer every other week.

In the winter months, you don’t need to fertilize because plants’ roots usually go dormant in the cold. This means they won’t need extra food for growth.

Propagating Fire Flash Plant

If your Fire Flash Plant has grown too tall, you may prune back the stem and set the cuttings aside for propagation! Below, we’ve listed step-by-step guides for different propagation methods.

Division

For the Fire Flash Plant propagation method, known as division, you separate the stunning plant at the roots – making two Mandarin Plant plants.

You can divide the stem clusters of your Sierra Leone Lily by following these steps:

1. Dig it up. Take the plant from its container. The natural divisions are pretty straightforward.

2. Pull apart. With your fingers, gently separate the Fire Flash Plant at the root. You may need pruners or shears to cut any tangled, strong roots.

3. Repot. Plant each section of the orange Spider Plant in new pots filled with the same soil they’re used to.

This plant is so pretty! Chlorophytum orchidastrum ‘Fire Flash’. One of three new bbs I picked up yesterday. The rest are on IG (@ teasjungle). pic.twitter.com/3BAiQEALRl

— 🕷scienTEAfic🕷 (@tea_francis) June 14, 2022

Humidity And Aeration for Fire Flash Plant

High humidity (between 60% and higher) is best for this low-maintenance houseplant.

Crispy leaves and browning edges often characterize the lack of humidity in houseplants. Consider getting a humidifier, or placing your plant in well-lit, naturally higher-humidity spaces (such as bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms). You can also create a pebble tray with water to help increase humidity in your living space.

Fire Flash Plant Temperature

The ideal temperature for your Sierra Leone Lily is 65-90 degrees Fahrenheit. This stunning houseplant will appreciate being kept in warm locations.

More importantly, ensure you avoid any sudden spikes or drops in temperatures. Don’t use cold or hot water to water your Sierra Leone Lily so its roots won’t go into shock.

Flowers

The Fire Flash Plant can produce a 6-inch raceme of small white flowers when it blooms. The flowers can last up to a week before it gives way to orange seeds that can be used for propagation.

Indoors, these plants rarely produce flowers.

Non-Toxic

The Mandarin Plant is not dangerous to children or pets. ASPCA states that it will not harm dogs or cats if consumed, and elements in the plant are non-toxic. However, when large quantities are ingested, it can cause nausea, vomiting, and even diarrhea.

Pests, Diseases, And Other Problems for Fire Flash Plant

Is your Fire Flash Plant looking ill? Most would say this is a plant with strong resistance to pests, diseases, and overall problems.

In the following sections, I’ve provided the common issues that affect this attractive plant. Use these tips to help diagnose and treat your Chlorophytum.

Spider Mites

Houseplants can invite unwanted guests into your house in the form of pests. The spider mite is one such instance. The adult mites can be seen fast scurrying about when disturbed, but the larvae won’t be visible.

Neem oil mixed with water may be sprayed on the leaves of your plant to help get rid of spider mite larvae. Sprays containing organic Pyrethrin are also available and work well at eliminating adult mites. Make sure to select pesticides that are safe for people to inhale when sprayed indoors.

White Flies

Whiteflies are grayish-white, triangular bugs that fly around like tiny moths. They can cause significant leaf damage by feeding on the sap of your Orange Spider Plant.

Whiteflies and their eggs can be vacuumed off, but make sure to empty your vacuum bag outside before the bugs get the chance to multiply.

In the event of a severe infestation, spray the leaves with insecticidal soap, neem oil, or horticultural oil. These products will coat the eggs, larvae, and adults, thereby suffocating them. Reapply the chosen treatment as needed.

Scale Insects

Adult scales are sedentary and covered in a waxy coating, but they will give birth to tiny crawling bugs.

Armored scales can be scraped off, but you must do it gently using an old ID card or with your fingers. Take care not to rip the leaves of your Fire Flash Plant.

Use insecticidal soap, horticultural, or neem oil to suffocate scale insects. When you see active crawlers, spray your plant with a general pesticide. Follow it up with a second application after a week. We recommend some products below:

There’s a new kid in town: Chlorophytum amaniense ‘Fire Flash’ or Mandarin Plant💚🧡
Related to the spider plant so easy care!! pic.twitter.com/JVyxnBQGO8

— 🌱 Shannon Walsh 🦋🦋🦋 (@FlutterbyFlora) December 31, 2020

Aphids

Aphids are tiny bugs that will eat the leaves of your Mandarin Plant, resulting in black and brown patches.

Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to manage an infestation. Dish soap in low doses can help eliminate pests without endangering your plant. Select a fragrance-free product, like Ivory Liquid.

Begin by combining 1 teaspoon of dish soap with 1 gallon of water, and then adjust the ratio as necessary. Spray this solution on your affected plant, especially on the underside of leaves where aphids can usually be found.

Mealybugs

Mealybugs may infest your Sierra Leone Lily. If you spot these little parasites with their white fluff, act promptly. A cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol will kill mealies on contact, turning them brown or orange. A spray of diluted Neem oil also works well as a preventive measure.

Brown Leaf Tips

Occasionally, you might notice brown leaf tips on your orange Spider Plant. Typically, this indicates that your plant is underwatered or is quickly losing moisture from its lush green leaves through transpiration.

Improve the humidity levels in your indoor growing space, or water your plant as soon as the topsoil dries out.

Brown leaf tips might also point to an issue with the plant’s roots, so make sure your plant has a breathable, well-draining growing medium.

Drooping Leaves

If you notice drooping leaves on your tropical plant, it might be thirsty or need more moisture in the air. Plant leaves will usually remain fresh and perky for longer if you keep a humidifier nearby.

Another cause of downward-curling leaves is overexposure to bright light. In this case, you can move your plant away from the nearest source of light and heat.

Yellow Leaves

A myriad of factors can cause yellowing leaves on Mandarin plants. For one, a lack of light can deprive your plant of nourishment and turn its leaves yellow. Alternatively, there might be an issue with underwatering, overwatering, or an inconsistent watering schedule.

Remove yellowing leaves so the plant can focus its energy on growing new green leaves instead.

Root Rot

A typical cause of death for the Sierra Leone Lily is root rot, which occurs when you overwater your plant. Remember to use only water when the soil’s top inch is dry.

Poor drainage is another source of root rot, and this Chlorophytum needs standard commercial potting soil that drains well.

When choosing a pot for your plant, ensure there are drainage holes to allow excess water to flow through. Clay pots and unglazed ceramic planters can also help absorb moisture from the soil and slowly release it into the air.

Similar Plants to Fire Flash Plant

Love Orange Spider Plant? Here are some other fantastic indoor pot plants you should try:

Caladium Lindenii – This plant is renowned for having sagittate, light to dark green leaves with oval-shaped base lobes. This plant is sought-after because of its striking leaf patterning and dazzling white veins.

Iresine Herbstii – This attractive plant and its vibrant red leaves with hot-pink veins make a great addition to your indoor garden. Use them as bedding and border plants to add a splash of color and drama to your home.

Graptophyllum Pictum – This plant has tastefully variegated chocolate-purple leaves. In addition to its attractive foliage, this beauty helps treat earaches, constipation, and many skin ailments.

Alocasia Polly – Gazing at the unique leaves of Alocasia Polly can transport you to an Amazonian rainforest. This plant belongs in your collection of unique and beautiful species that are perfect as decorative plants.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a houseplant with some wow factor, the Fire Flash Plant is an excellent choice. Follow the tips we’ve shared above, and you’re on your way to reaching your plant’s full growing potential!

Can’t get enough of Chlorophytum plant guides? Check out these other options from Two Peas In A Condo!

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