Scindapsus Pictus: The Satin Pothos That Isn’t Pothos

Lovers of various kinds of pothos who’re in search of one other addition to your assortment – look no additional than Scindapsus pictus! Whereas it’s not technically a pothos (though it’s a shut relative) it’s practically indistinguishable – a lot in order that it’s sometimes called silver or satin pothos. 

It has heart-shaped matte leaves and variegated foliage. It makes a stunning addition to any indoor backyard. This trailing plant does properly in hanging baskets, however may also be grown in pots and allowed to spill over and sprawl. 

Silver satin pothos with its heart-shaped leaves is a tropical plant and for that reason, it can must be a home plant quite than an outside plant in most climates. The plush foliage of the satin pothos and the putting distinction of the inexperienced and silver variegated leaves add visible curiosity to your indoor houseplant assortment. These indoor vegetation will likely be most at dwelling in an space with brilliant oblique mild in a pot with drainage holes and a lightweight potting combine. Hold your satin pothos out of the direct solar and also you’ll be having fun with the darkish inexperienced leaves for seasons to return. 

Fast Care Information

All About Scindapsus Pictus

Scindapsus pictus (satin pothos) originated within the tropical areas of Southeast Asia. There, the silvery visage of Scindapsus pictus grows up the edges of bushes. It may be grown outdoor in the identical method as a perennial in heat climates and when grown as an indoor houseplant, this silk pothos plant matches proper in with different vegetation inhabiting your area. 

Scindapsus pictus frequent names embrace silver satin, satin pothos, silver pothos, or silver vine. As its nicknames would counsel it resembles the frequent pothos and is a detailed relative. Satin pothos can also be within the Arum household. Whereas this pothos is an evergreen flowering plant, flowers hardly ever bloom in home environments. 

Scindapsus pictus (satin pothos) is a bushy vine with heart-shaped leaves. In addition they have darkish inexperienced, matte, variegated leaves. The phrase pictus interprets to painted which possible refers back to the silvery patches of variegation on the darkish inexperienced leaves. 

When including Scindapsus pictus to your assortment, please consider this satin pothos plant is poisonous to canines, cats, and people. It’s a finest apply to maintain Scindapsus pictus (satin pothos) out of attain of any pets or babies. 

There are a number of types of Scindapsus pictus (and lots within the genus Scindapsus), all native to Southeast Asia. There are the stunning inexperienced and purple leaves of Scindapsus pictus exotica, and the uniquely variegated Scindapsus pictus argyraeus. What’s most enjoyable is it doesn’t matter what selection you select, Scindapsus pictus care is straightforward and enjoyable! 

Scindapsus Pictus Care

Scindapsus pictus (satin pothos) is thought for being one of many best houseplants to maintain alive. In reality, the wants of all of the vegetation within the genus Scindapsus are simple, and it may be forgiving when you delay watering each from time to time. 

Solar and Temperature

Scindapsus pictus require full solar which interprets to 6-8 hours per day. It prefers brilliant mild within the type of oblique daylight with a purpose to keep the matte inexperienced leaves and variegated foliage. Harsh direct daylight will scorch the leaves of satin pothos. Too little mild may cause the leaves to lose their variegation. It’s a finest apply to put your satin pothos plant close to a south-facing window, however circuitously in entrance of it within the line of direct daylight. 

Scindapsus pictus can not tolerate temperatures under 59 levels Fahrenheit which makes this an indoor houseplant for many USDA rising zones though they are often grown outdoor in zones 10-12. These vegetation may be moved outdoor in spring or early summer time so long as nighttime temperatures keep within the low 60s. This can be very delicate to frost/freezes so bear this in thoughts when you select to maneuver it exterior. Extreme warmth harm may also happen in excessive dry warmth which is able to trigger the leaf tricks to flip brown. Rising the satin pothos as an indoor houseplant will assist get rid of these potential issues. 

Water and Humidity

Scindapsus pictus care entails simulating the identical surroundings the vegetation expertise of their native vary. This tropical plant loves humidity and common watering. Brown leaf suggestions can point out dry air and on this case, it might be useful so as to add a plant humidifier close by. Enhance the relative humidity to 40-50% to forestall these points. Satin pothos does finest in a plastic pot with a sizeable drainage gap. Water recurrently, permitting the soil to dry between watering on the prime two inches. Apply room temperature water for finest outcomes. Scale back watering through the winter months when the plant progress slows for the season. Then enhance once more in spring as your Scindapsus pictus vegetation start to develop new roots and new progress within the rising season.

An excessive amount of water can put your Scindapsus pictus vegetation at risk of contracting root rot. Make sure the drainage holes within the pot you develop your plant are vast sufficient and the rising medium is suitable.

Soil

This vining plant does properly in hanging baskets, however they’ll additionally develop in a pot that’s positioned on a shelf or on the bottom. You’ll want to fill the container with potting combine with good drainage supplies. Satin pothos prefers its roots to be stored moist, however not waterlogged or soggy. It additionally prefers barely acidic soil ph between 5-6, however may also tolerate impartial soils. Should you’re working with a poorer potting combine, add some vermiculite or sand to advertise good drainage.

Fertilizing

Apply a 20-10-10 diluted home plant liquid fertilizer month-to-month through the rising season. You might scale back fertilizing over the winter months. The addition of month-to-month fertilizing will assist maintain the foliage vibrant and wholesome. Dilute the fertilizer to half-strength and steadily enhance as spring and summer time go on. In fall, scale back the focus. 

Pruning

Scindapsus pictus has a bushy progress behavior and doesn’t essentially require pruning. Nevertheless, occasional pruning of the silvery leaves and inexperienced stems can encourage it to place out extra progress. It’s also possible to skinny the plant through pruning. Prune slightly below the leaf node. Use sharp pruning sheers and make a straight, clear lower. Should you select to prune your satin pothos then this may even give you the chance to propagate your cuttings. Learn on under to learn the way!

Propagation

Take cuttings through the summer time when plant progress is at its top for the 12 months. Place stem cuttings within the water and they need to root in a few month. Scindapsus pictus has a vigorous root system and may even put out aerial roots and climb up bushes this fashion in its native habitat. As soon as your stems have put out measurable root progress then it’s possible you’ll transplant them straight into potting soil in an appropriate pot.

Repotting

Repot in spring if the plant has outgrown its present container. Enhance the pot measurement slowly going 1-2 inches bigger than the present pot. This can aid you keep away from rising issues attributable to an excessive amount of water by not having further soil to water with a purpose to maintain the entire pot moist. 

Troubleshooting

Satin pothos is a good newbie houseplant as a result of it’s typically pest-free and has few illness points. Nevertheless, there are a couple of issues with satin pothos that will crop up. 

Rising Issues

Widespread issues are often on account of both overwatering or underwatering. Keep away from overwatering by ready for the highest few inches of soil to dry out earlier than watering once more. Overwatering can lead to yellow leaves. Conversely, when you discover curling leaves this may point out underwatering. The 2 issues that satin pothos doesn’t tolerate properly are chilly drafts and soggy soil. Yellow leaves may also happen with improper humidity ranges. Hold the silvery inexperienced foliage wholesome with the fitting drainage, water, and humidity.

Some marvel why their satin pothos plant doesn’t produce flowers, and apply an excessive amount of fertilizer in makes an attempt to pressure flowering. This can stress Scindapsus pictus argyraeus or Scindapsus pictus exotica plant, placing it in danger for contracting ailments. 

Pests 

Scale bugs can infest your satin pothos, notably when you’ve determined to carry it exterior within the heat climate months. The scales might hitchhike in your plant again indoors the place it can shortly develop into evident with the dearth of outside predators. Scale will seem as small, brown rounded lumps in your plant’s stems and leaves. Pop off these bugs with a q-tip dipped in alcohol. If the infestation of those brown spots has not progressed too far then take away contaminated leaves to forestall their unfold. In additional severe circumstances you may apply an natural insecticide equivalent to neem oil. Typical contact pesticides work as properly.  

Spider mites are the most typical problem for many indoor houseplants. They like a heat, dry surroundings with low humidity. A great preventative methodology is to extend humidity round your houseplants. The primary indicators of mites will likely be tiny holes within the leaves or small yellowish spots on the foliage. You might even discover tiny internet clusters on the leaves as properly. If spider mites have already appeared, however there’s little to no harm to the plant then they will possible be manually eliminated with a forceful spray of water or wiping down your vegetation with a humid material. If the infestation is extra severe, then insecticidal cleaning soap or natural pesticides containing pyrethrins may be efficient at eliminating all of the spider mites.  

Ailments

Root rot is the primary illness that may have an effect on your satin pothos. The signs of root rot will seem as a delicate mushy stem, wilting, and naturally rotten roots. This sort of rot is more durable to recuperate from however may be remedied if there are nonetheless contemporary, white roots on the plant that haven’t but turned to mush. Reduce the rotted roots and plant them right into a pot of dry soil. 

Regularly Requested Questions

Q: How do you take care of pictus Scindapsus?

A: Vivid, oblique mild. Water recurrently when the highest inch of soil dries out. Prune as wanted and propagate cuttings as desired. This plant has the identical care necessities as commonplace pothos. 

Q: Is a Scindapsus pictus a pothos?

A: It isn’t a pothos. Each are within the Araceae household, nevertheless, Scindapsus is its personal genus. 

Q: Is pictus Scindapsus uncommon?

A: No, it’s a quite common houseplant. 

Q: Does Scindapsus pictus develop quick?

A: No, it has a comparatively gradual progress charge. 

Q: Can Scindapsus develop in low mild?

A: Sure, nevertheless, the leaves might lose their variegation.