Scindapsus pictus is a very good-looking variegated species of flowering plants in the Araceae family. This beautiful ornamental is native to various regions worldwide including India, Thailand, Bangladesh, the Philippines, Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, and others. It is known by several common names, such as Satin pothos, Silk pothos, Silver pothos, Silver vine, Silver satin, or Silver philodendron.
Satin pothos is a pretty popular ornamental houseplant, especially in tropical and temperate areas. Besides its obvious charm and easy-going style, this stunning vine has blessed us with lots of varieties to choose from. The most spectacular cultivars are ‘Argyraeus’, ‘Silvery Ann(e)’, ‘Exotica’, ‘Silver Splash’, ‘Silver Lady’, ‘Platinum’, and ‘Jade Satin’.
About Scindapsus Pictus
- The genus name “Scindapsus” comes from the word “skindapsos”, which is Greek for “upon tree trunks” and refers to the growth habit of this plant. The specific epithet “pictus” means “painted” in Latin, referring to its variegated foliage.
- Due to its special variegated pattern of dark green leaves, silvery margins, and more defined silvery markings, the Scindapsus pictus ‘Argyraeus’ variety has gained the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the RHS.
- Satin pothos plants, like most other vines, will tend to latch onto their surroundings. It will not hesitate to attach itself to anything it can by using its aerial roots.
- Satin pothos plants will easily climb walls, poles, trellises, or pieces of furniture.
- While it will generally spread wherever it feels like it, sometimes the vine might need a little help to keep its shape. You can control its spread by using invisible mini hooks or planting it in a hanging basket for a cascading effect.
- Satin pothos will look absolutely fabulous as a companion plant near other marvellous species of plants, such as Alocasia amazonica, Ficus elastica ‘Burgundy’, Spider Plant, or plants that can provide natural support for it.
- All parts of Satin pothos are fairly toxic to humans or animals if ingested or touched. If you have concerns about the safety of your kids or pets, you should place the plant in a spot where the curious ones won’t be able to reach it.
Scindapsus Pictus Features: An Overview
- This plant belongs to the Scindapsus genus that contains exactly 35 species of flowering plants. Being the only common specimen in cultivation, Scindapsus pictus is the somewhat representative species of this genus.
- Scindapsus pictus is an evergreen and perennial species of flowering vines. In optimal environmental conditions (more often in its natural habitat), this plant can reach from 4 to 10 feet (1.2-3 m) in length.
- The foliage of this plant consists of attractive, relatively small, heart-shaped, and matte green leaves with silvery grey blotches on them. The variegation from its leaves typically varies in intensity depending on the cultivar.
- Although it is a flowering plant, Satin pothos will rarely bloom in cultivation as a houseplant. However, when it does, it exhibits tiny, inconspicuous flowers throughout the summer months.
Growing Scindapsus Pictus
In general, Scindapsus pictus. a.k.a Satin Pothos is a relatively low-demanding houseplant. Although you will have to pay attention to some basic details, growing and caring for this plant is easier than you think!
Satin pothos will make an excellent companion for you if you are looking for a plant to keep indoors. In terms of lighting, this buddy grows at its best in a spot where it can receive lots of bright, but indirect light. The best thing about this houseplant is that you can place it absolutely anywhere it can get the needed amount of sunlight. However, the leaves of Satin pothos will scorch and lose their variegated beauty in direct sunlight. You can easily avoid this by covering your windows with a curtain sheer.
When it comes to temperatures, Satin pothos is a cold-hardy plant. But you don’t have to worry about this because Satin pothos is more of a houseplant than an outdoor specimen. This tropical plant requires warm temperatures and high humidity levels to thrive. Make sure you provide yours with temperatures that range from 65 to 85 °F (18-29 °C) all year round. Humidity-wise, the ideal levels are somewhere between 40% and 50%.
While most indoor-grown plants fall prey to pest infestations and fungal diseases less often, Satin pothos can still encounter some issues along the way. The most common intruders that may bother your plant are spider mites or scale insects. In case of a minor infestation, all you have to do is wash the foliage of your Satin pothos with water. For severe cases, however, you must apply horticultural oil or insecticidal soap designed for houseplants.
Planting Scindapsus Pictus
Since Scindapsus pictus is somewhat sensitive to constantly wet soils, it would be wise to plant yours in a well-draining substrate. Moreover, you can also improve the drainage system by planting your houseplant in a pot that has one or several drainage holes at the bottom.
The best potting soil that you can use for your Satin pothos is a commercial mix specifically made for indoor plants. If you want to make sure that you find this particular potting mix, look on the label for nutrients and organic matter like peat moss, perlite, vermiculite, or pine bark.
- All of our listings have very representative pictures of what you would receive.
- This plant comes fully rooted in a 6" pot, ready to grow in and your beautiful home or your office.
- Enhance Your Environment
- Perfect gift for any occassion!
- This plant's teardrop-shaped, green leaves are decorated with silver variegation, and are soft to the touch. It's an easy growing plant that requires minimal care to thrive. It grows is cascading vines, or can be trained to climb.
- Sunlight: Low to bright indirect light. Avoid direct light.
- Water: Once every week. Allow soil to dry 2" down.
- Pets: Not pet-safe.
- Care: Great choice for the beginner plant parent!
- 4inch pot Scindapsus pictus or Silver vine
- Air purifier. Convenient size. Easy to take care of.
- Prefers shade to indirect light conditions. Keep soil evenly moist.
- Houseplant, Patio plant, or Outdoor plant
Last update on 2023-02-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Satin pothos usually grows actively from spring through fall. During this period of growth, your plant will benefit from extra applications of fertilizer regularly. Feed your Satin pothos with a complete, water-soluble fertilizer designed for houseplants once every month. Avoid fertilizing your plant outside its active growing season because it will affect its overall health and appearance with time. Likewise, commercial soils usually contain enough fertilizer for several months, so you should also take this into consideration after planting or transplanting your Satin pothos.
Even if Satin pothos is not one of those plants that grow fast and spread like crazy, you will still need to repot yours once in a while. When you notice that the roots of your plant start to emerge from the drainage holes of its container, this is your moment of glory. As a rule, your plant will ask for this kind of help once every two years or so.
We recommend you repot your Satin pothos only when its active growing period begins, typically in spring. Look for a pot that is about two inches (5 cm) larger in diameter than the current one and fill it with fresh potting mix. Transplant your Satin pothos carefully and do not forget to give it a nice drink after all this is over to help it settle in its new home.
If your Satin pothos grows too much and looks a bit untidy, you can improve its appearance by pruning it in spring. This process consists mostly of cutting away parts of the stems of your vine. Still, you can also remove any damaged or dead leaves to make your plant look fresh and make room for new, healthy leaves to show up.
Watering Scindapsus Pictus
As mentioned above, Scindapsus pictus is susceptible to root rot when it experiences prolonged periods of over-watering. The most common signs that his plant usually shows when it has its feet constantly wet are yellow leaves and a wilted appearance overall. But no worries! If you adopt a certain watering routine for your vine, things will not get as dramatic.
The best advice we can give you is to always check the soil of your Satin pothos in-between waterings. Make sure you provide your plant with another drink only when the top two inches (5 cm) of soil feels dry to the touch. Another magic trick to give your Satin pothos the time of its life consists of watering it with room-temperature water. That’s all! Further than this, do your thing and have some fun in the process!
Propagating Scindapsus Pictus
Wondering how to propagate Satin Pothos? Like most species of vines, Scindapsus pictus responds best to propagation through stem cuttings. This method is wonderful if you want more specimens around, and it is only natural! And if one of your plant-loving family members or friends has also fallen in love with this beauty, you can take more cuttings and surprise him or her with a gift.
Propagating your Satin pothos through cuttings is a super simple process. First things first, look for the healthiest stems on your vine and cut about 4 inches (10 cm) off them with a sharp, clean knife. Plant the cuttings in a container filled with the same potting mix you already use for your Satin pothos.
Place the container in a location where the cuttings can receive lots of bright and indirect light. For optimal growth, make sure you water the cuttings whenever the top two inches (5 cm) of soil has dried out. With proper care, your cuttings may begin to show new growth after a month or so. When this happens, it generally means that the cuttings have developed a root system. From now on, we suggest you water the cuttings less frequently than usual.
What else can we say about Scindapsus pictus a.k.a. Satin pothos? This superb variegated vine is a must-have for every grower that has a weakness for edgy plants. And, luckily, it is also very low-maintenance overall. If you want to bring a dull spot back to life or to impress your loved ones with a nice view, Satin pothos is the perfect candidate to do so!