Scindapsus Pictus

Botanical Name — Scindapsus Pictus
Common Name — Satin Pothos or Silver Vine
Plant Family — Araceae


Background

Satin Pothos are native to Southeast Asia to the western Pacific. These vining, climbing plants are notable for their fuzzy, heart-shaped leaves and tight growing habit. They are often compared visually and in care requirements to their Araceae family member the Golden Pothos, which is one of the most popular houseplants in North America. Like the Golden Pothos, Scindapsus Pictus houseplants make great specimens for hanging baskets or trained on moss poles.

Take One Home

Growth Requirements

Sun

• Prefers 3 to 4 hours of bright indirect light. Avoid the leaves from receiving too much direct light since that can burn the leaves and or turn them a light shade of green. Can be placed on an east or north facing window sill. If you have south or west facing windows, place a couple of feet away from the window and or provide shade with a sheer curtain.
• Scindapsus Pictus may lose some variegation if the light is too low. The variegation will be brighter if the plant has increased bright light.

Temperature/ Humidity

• Satin Pothos like room temperatures around 65 to 75 °F. They should always be kept above 50 °F.
• Though they like high humidity, they can tolerate and thrive where there is low humidity.

Water

• Allow the soil to completely dry to 2 inches down between waterings. Water thoroughly when dry and let the excess drain out the bottom of the planter.

Soil/Roots

• Use a well aerated, quick draining potting mix. Quality potting soil should be perfect.

Flowering

• Scindapsus Pictus rarely flower in cultivation since it is only in the juvenile phase as a houseplant. Flowering only occurs in its mature phase. Mature plants in the wild will produce a number of erect flower stalks together.

Fertilization

• In spring and summer, fertilize once a month with an organic houseplant fertilizer. Never fertilize in winter.

Propagation

• Scindapsus Pictus are easily propagated by tip stem cuttings. Simply place a cut stem that has two nodes on it in a glass of water and wait for it to root. Then plant in a small container once it has roots.

Health

Diseases

• The most common insect pests for Scindapsus Pictus in homes are scale and mealybugs. Spider mites can occasionally be a problem as well.
• Sudden change in temperatures from high to low can cause scattered brown patches, usually located in the center of the leaf.
• Overwatering can cause root rot.

Maintenance (pruning, legginess, repotting)

• Repot your Satin pothos once the plant has become root bound. Choose a planter that is one or two sizes larger than your current planter. Make sure to add fresh soil when repotting.
• Plants can be selectively pruned to keep the vines from getting too long and to also encourage new growth or a fuller look. You can cut back to 2 inches if necessary.

Toxicity

• Scindapsus Pictus is toxic to animals and humans because it contains calcium oxalate. This will cause burning in the mouth and the sap may also be irritating to the skin. Make sure to keep this plant away from your pets.