Photo: Connor McInerneyCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Orange Orchid Plant Care
Dichromanthus aurantiacus (La Llave & Lex.) Salazar & Soto Arenas
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Dichromanthus aurantiacus is a striking plant known for its unique orange-colored leaves, making it stand out in any collection. Originating from tropical regions, this plant is popular among enthusiasts for its vibrant foliage and easy-care nature.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect to filtered sunlight
65–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Orange Orchid?
Water Orange Orchid every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect to filtered sunlight. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Orange Orchid Native To?
What Is the Orange Orchid?
Orange Orchid (Dichromanthus aurantiacus) belongs to the Orchidaceae family within the Dichromanthus genus. Orange Orchid is native to much of Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador.
Orange Orchid displays an epiphytic, clumping orchid growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Orange Orchid produces colorful, fragrant blooms in various shapes and sizes.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Orange Orchid?
Dichromanthus aurantiacus requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Orange Orchid Need?
Orange Orchid thrives in bright indirect to filtered sunlight. Avoid placing Orange Orchid in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect to filtered sunlight
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Orange Orchid Prefer?
Dichromanthus aurantiacus grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Orange Orchid prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Orange Orchid?
Loose, well-draining orchid mix with bark and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Orange Orchid to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Orange Orchid?
Feed Orange Orchid every month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Orange Orchid?
Repot every 1-2 years after flowering. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Orange Orchid?
Orange Orchid can be propagated through division, back bulbs, keiki propagation. Similar propagation techniques also apply to cinnabar orchid plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Orange Orchid Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Orange Orchid, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Orange Orchid?
Orange Orchid is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Orange Orchid Need?
Orange Orchid grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Orange Orchid is native to much of Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador. In cooler regions, grow Orange Orchid as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Orange Orchid is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Dichromanthus genus — compare its care with other Dichromanthus species on PlantoScan.
Dichromanthus is part of the Orchidaceae plant family — browse all Orchidaceae genera and species.
Orange Orchid thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Dichromanthus aurantiacus (La Llave & Lex.) Salazar & Soto Arenas, family Orchidaceae (first published in Lindleyana 17(3): 173 (2002).) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Orange Orchid, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Connor McInerney, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9a – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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