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Scindapsus

Often mistaken for Pothos (Epipremnum), the Scindapsus genus includes many popular plants. These plants are known for their thick leaves, which display an array of unique patterns, and their low maintenance. They are also easily propagated through cuttings, so you can grow your collection or share them with other plant parents.

How to care for your Scindapsus

Use these instructions to care for a Scindapsus. This guide will tell you how to water a Scindapsus; its light, temperature, humidity preferences and any additional care it might need to help it grow.

Silver Satin Pothos

LIGHT

Keep your Silver Satin Pothos in indirect bright light. Too little light will cause the silver color to fade, but too much light will burn the leaves.

WATER

These plants like to be mostly dry between waterings due to their thick leaves. Water when 75% of the soil volume is dry. Always water through and discard any excess water in the saucer to discourage root rot.

HUMIDITY

Your Silver Satin Pothos does well in average household humidity. However, if the air is very dry it will appreciate the occasional misting.

TEMPERATURE

Silver Satin Pothos prefer average to warm temperatures of 65-85°F. Avoid cold drafty areas and open vents.

FOOD

Feed monthly in the spring through fall with a general-purpose indoor plant fertilizer.

TOXICITY

The SIlver Satin Pothos is toxic to humans and pets if ingested.

ADDITIONAL CARE

Trim out any dead, discolored, damaged, or diseased leaves and stems as they occur with clean, sharp scissors. Snip stems just above a leaf node; new growth will emerge from this cut and trimming close to the node will also prevent an ugly stub at the site. Use sharp pruning shears to avoid tearing the stems.

Scindapsus Jade Satin

LIGHT

Your Scindapsus prefers indirect bright light. This plant can only tolerate some direct sun in the morning; extended periods of direct light can burn the foliage.

WATER

Water your Scindapsus when the soil volume is 50-75% dry. Water thoroughly until water comes out of the drainage holes, and be sure to empty the saucer of any excess water. These plants are sensitive to overwatering—if the soil remains constantly wet, the roots will rot.

HUMIDITY

Average household humidity is fine for your Scindapsus, but higher humidity encourages larger leaves. Your plants will benefit from a pebble tray or adding a humidifier.

TEMPERATURE

Your plant will grow well in temperatures between 65-80°F. Keep away from drafts, especially during the winter months.

FOOD

Feed your Scindapsus monthly in the spring and summer with a general-purpose fertilizer. No fertilizer is needed in the fall and winter months when the plants are dormant. Always fertilize on moist soil, never dry, as it can burn the roots.

TOXICITY

Scindapsus are toxic to humans and pets if ingested.

ADDITIONAL CARE

Scindapsus are easily propagated through cuttings to make new plants or help fill out the mother plants. Since these are climbers, you can add plant stakes or a moss pole to encourage larger leaf growth. 

Scindapsus Moonlight

LIGHT

Your Scindapsus Moonlight prefers indirect bright light. This plant can only tolerate some direct sun in the morning; extended periods of direct light can burn the foliage. 

WATER

Water your Scindapsus Moonlight when the soil volume is 50-75% dry. Water thoroughly until water comes out of the drainage holes, and be sure to empty the saucer of any excess water. This plant is sensitive to overwatering—if the soil remains constantly wet, the roots will rot. 

HUMIDITY

Average household humidity is fine for your Scindapsus Moonlight but higher humidity encourages larger leaves. Your plant will benefit from a pebble tray or adding a humidifier.

TEMPERATURE

Your Scindapsus Moonlight will grow well in temperatures between 65-85°F. Keep away from drafts, especially during the winter months.

FOOD

Feed your Scindapsus Moonlight monthly in the spring and summer with a general-purpose fertilizer. No fertilizer is needed in the fall and winter months when the plant is dormant. Always fertilize on moist soil, never dry, as it can burn the roots. 

TOXICITY

This plant is toxic to pets and humans if ingested.

ADDITIONAL CARE

Trim out any dead, discolored, or damaged leaves using clean, sharp scissors. As the plant ages, the older leaves will naturally turn yellow or brown and fall off. This Scindapsus is easily propagated through cuttings to make new plants or help fill out the mother plant. 

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What's a Scindapsus?

Botanical Classification: Scindapsus pictus

About

Often mistaken for Pothos, the Scindapsus genus includes many popular plants like the Scindapsus pictus and Scindapsus treubii. The main difference from Epipremnum is the number of seeds it produces as well as its leaf shapes. This genus is native to parts of Southeast Asia, New Guinea, Queensland, and the Pacific Islands.

Scindapsus are known for their thick leaves which display an array of unique patterns and their low maintenance. They are also easily propagated through cuttings, so you can grow your collection or share them with other plant parents!

Fun Fact

Most Scindapsus are known for their silvery patterns called blister or reflective varigation. This occurs when tiny air pockets form between the pigmented lower parts of the leaf and unpigmented upper parts of the leaves. When lights reflect off these air pockets, the leaves appear to sparkle.

Pictured Left: Silver Satin Pothos

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