How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Scindapsus Pictus

Scindapsus pictus, also called satin pothos, is a gorgeous houseplant well worth growing in your home. This trailing vine has heart-shaped leaves and variegated foliage for interest. Kelli Klein presents an in-depth guide to growing these tropical houseplants.

A shot of leaves of a houseplant called Scindapsus Pictus

Contents

Lovers of different types of pothos who are looking for another addition to your collection – look no further than Scindapsus pictus! While it is not technically a pothos (although it is a close relative), it is nearly indistinguishable – so much so that it is often referred to as silver or satin pothos. 

It has heart-shaped matte leaves and variegated foliage. It makes a lovely addition to any indoor garden. This trailing vine does well in hanging baskets, but can also be grown in pots and allowed to spill over and sprawl. 

Silver satin pothos with its heart-shaped leaves is a tropical variety and for this reason, it will need to be a houseplant rather than an outdoor variety in most climates. The lush foliage of the satin pothos and the striking contrast of the green and silver variegated leaves add visual interest to your indoor houseplant collection. These indoor vines will be most at home in an area with bright indirect light in a pot with drainage holes and a light potting mix. Keep your satin pothos out of the direct sun and you’ll be enjoying the dark green leaves for seasons to come. 

Plant Overview

A close-up of Silver Satin pothos leaves, showcasing green coloration adorned with cream spots.
Plant Type Houseplant
Family Araceae
Genus Scindapsus
Species Scindapsus pictus
Native Area Bangladesh, Borneo, Java, Malaya, Philippines, Sulawesi, Sumatra, Thailand
Exposure Bright indirect light
Height 3-10’
Watering Requirements Regular
Pests & Diseases Scale, spider mites, root rot
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Well-draining, rich potting soil
Hardiness Zone 10-12

What is Scindapsus Pictus?

Scindapsus pictus common names include silver satin, satin pothos, silver pothos, or silver vine. As its nicknames would suggest, it resembles the common pothos and is a close relative. Satin pothos is also in the Arum family. While this pothos is an evergreen flowering houseplant, flowers rarely bloom in domestic environments. 

Native Area

A close-up shot of leaves of a satin pothos houseplant in a well lit area
The plant is native to tropical regions of Southeast Asia.

Scindapsus pictus (satin pothos) originated in the tropical regions of Southeast Asia. There, the silvery visage of Scindapsus pictus grows up the sides of trees. It can be grown outdoors in the same manner as a perennial in warm climates, and when grown as an indoor houseplant, this silk pothos fits right in with other houseplants inhabiting your space. 

Characteristics

A close-up shot of leaves of a houseplant showcasing its dark green leaves with silvery patches.
The houseplant has heart-shaped, dark green leaves with silvery patches.

Scindapsus pictus is a bushy vine with heart-shaped leaves. The leaves are dark green, matte, and variegated. The word pictus translates to ‘painted’, which likely refers to the silvery patches of variegation on the dark green leaves. 

When adding this houseplant to your collection, please remember that satin pothos are toxic to dogs, cats, and humans. It is best practice to keep it out of reach of pets and small children. 

There are several varieties of Scindapsus pictus (and plenty in the genus Scindapsus), all native to Southeast Asia. There are the lovely green and purple leaves of Scindapsus pictus exotica, and the uniquely variegated Scindapsus pictus argyraeus. What’s most exciting is no matter what variety you choose, Scindapsus pictus care is simple and fun! 

Planting

A shot of a houseplant that is developing on a pot with soil on top of a wooden surface in a well lit area
Place the plant in a container with a well-draining potting mix and a location with indirect light.

Choose a well-draining pot with a rich, airy potting mix containing peat moss and perlite. Select a healthy specimen or rooted cutting with at least one node before transferring to the soil. Position in bright, indirect light and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, allowing the top inch to dry between waterings.

How to Grow

Scindapsus pictus is known for being one of the easiest houseplants to keep alive. In fact, the needs of all the varieties in the genus Scindapsus are straightforward, and it can be forgiving if you delay watering every once in a while. 

Light

A shot of leaves of a satin pothos plant basking in bright indirect light indoors
The plant develops best in bright indirect light exposure.

Scindapsus pictus requires full sun, which translates to six to eight hours per day. It prefers bright light in the form of indirect sunlight in order to maintain the matte green leaves and variegated foliage. Harsh direct sunlight will scorch the leaves. Too little light can cause the leaves to lose their variegation. It is a best practice to place your satin pothos near a south-facing window, but not directly in front of it in the line of direct sunlight. 

Water

A shot of a person using a white colored watering pot, in the process of watering a houseplant in a well lit area.
Water the plant regularly and allow the soil to dry between watering.

Scindapsus pictus care involves simulating the same environment the plants experience in their native range. This tropical vine loves humidity and regular watering. Brown leaf tips can indicate dry air, and in this case, it may be beneficial to add a plant humidifier nearby. Increase the relative humidity to 40-50% to prevent these issues.

Satin pothos does best in a plastic pot with a sizeable drainage hole. Water regularly, allowing the soil to dry between watering at the top two inches. Apply room temperature water for best results. Reduce watering during the winter months when the growth slows for the season. Then increase again in spring as they begin to grow new roots and new growth in the growing season.

Too much water can put it in danger of contracting root rot. Ensure the drainage holes in the pot are wide enough, and the growing medium is appropriate.

Soil

A shot of a potting mix with a small shovel
Use a potting mix with good drainage.

This vine does well in hanging baskets, but they’ll also grow in a pot that is placed on a shelf or on the ground. Be sure to fill the container with potting mix with good drainage materials. It prefers its roots to be kept moist, but not waterlogged or soggy. It also prefers slightly acidic soil pH between 5-6, but can also tolerate neutral soils. If you’re working with a poorer potting mix, add some vermiculite or sand to promote good drainage.

Temperature

Large, velvety green leaves adorned with silvery speckles, characteristic of a houseplant, creating a striking visual texture on the plant.
The plant develops best in hardiness zones 10 to 12.

Scindapsus pictus cannot tolerate temperatures below 59°F (15°C) which makes this an indoor houseplant for most USDA growing zones although they can be grown outdoors in zones 10-12. These vines can be moved outdoors in spring or early summer as long as nighttime temperatures stay in the low 60s. It is extremely sensitive to frost/freezes so bear this in mind if you choose to move it outside.

Excessive heat damage can also occur in extreme dry heat which will cause the leaf tips to turn brown. Growing as an indoor houseplant will help eliminate these potential problems. 

Fertilizing

A woman pours liquid fertilizer from a black bottle into a soft pink plastic watering can indoors.
Apply diluted liquid fertilizer during its growing season.

Apply a diluted houseplant liquid fertilizer monthly during the growing season. You may reduce fertilizing over the winter months. The addition of monthly fertilizing will help keep the foliage vibrant and healthy. Dilute the fertilizer to half-strength and gradually increase as spring and summer go on. In the fall, reduce the concentration. 

Maintenance

A shot of a person in the process of repotting a houseplant
Maintenance involves pruning and repotting.

Scindapsus pictus has a bushy growth habit and doesn’t necessarily require pruning. However, occasional pruning of the silvery leaves and green stems can encourage it to put out more growth. You can also thin it via pruning. Prune just below the leaf node. Use sharp pruning sheers and make a straight, clean cut. If you choose to prune, then this will also provide you with the opportunity to propagate your cuttings. Read on below to find out how!

Repot in spring if it has outgrown its current container. Increase the pot size slowly going one to two inches larger than the current pot. This will help you avoid growing problems caused by too much water by not having extra soil to water in order to keep the whole pot moist. 

Propagation

A shot of a rooted cutting of a houseplant that is placed on a glass container with water
The plant is generally propagated from its cuttings.

Take cuttings during the summer when growth is at its height for the year. Place stem cuttings in the water, and they should root in about a month. Scindapsus pictus has a vigorous root system and can even put out aerial roots and climb up trees this way in its native habitat. Once your stems have put out measurable root growth, then transplant them directly into potting soil in a suitable pot.

YouTube video

Common Problems

Satin pothos is a great beginner houseplant because it is generally pest-free and has few disease issues. However, a few concerns may crop up. 

Growing Problems

A shot of a yellowing leaf of a houseplant in a well lit area indoors
Common issues stem from overwatering or underwatering.

Common problems are usually due to either overwatering or underwatering. Avoid overwatering by waiting for the top few inches of soil to dry out before watering again. Overwatering can result in yellow leaves. Conversely, if you notice curling leaves, this can indicate underwatering. Scindapsus pictus does not tolerate cold drafts and soggy soil well. Yellow leaves can also occur with improper humidity levels. Keep the silvery green foliage healthy with the right drainage, water, and humidity.

Some wonder why it doesn’t produce flowers, and apply too much fertilizer in attempts to force flowering. This will stress them putting it at risk for contracting diseases. 

Pests 

Spider mites web on the thick, browning leaves on an indoor plant.
Scale insects and spider mites plague the houseplants.

Scale insects can infest your satin pothos, particularly if you’ve decided to bring it outside in the warm weather months. The scales may hitchhike on your vine back indoors, where it will quickly become evident with the lack of outdoor predators. Scale will appear as small, brown rounded lumps on stems and leaves. Pop off these insects with a Q-tip dipped in alcohol. If the infestation of these brown spots has not progressed too far, then remove infected leaves to prevent their spread. You can apply an organic insecticide such as neem oil in more serious cases.

Spider mites are the most common issue for most indoor houseplants. They prefer a warm, dry environment with low humidity. A good preventative method is to increase humidity around your houseplants. The first signs of mites will be tiny holes in the leaves or small yellowish spots on the foliage. You may even notice tiny web clusters on the leaves as well. If spider mites have already appeared, but there is little to no damage then they can likely be manually removed with a forceful spray of water or wiping down with a damp cloth. If the infestation is more serious, then insecticidal soap can be effective at eliminating all the spider mites.  

Diseases

Close-up of dark brown, mushy textured clumps of decaying roots.
Root rot is a common disease of the houseplant.

Root rot is the main disease that can affect these houseplants. The symptoms of root rot appear as a soft, mushy stem, wilting, and rotten roots. This type of rot is harder to recover from but can be remedied if fresh, white roots have not yet turned to mush. Cut back the rotted roots and set them into a pot of dry soil. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you care for Scindapsus pictus?

Bright, indirect light. Water regularly when the top inch of soil dries out. Prune as needed and propagate cuttings as desired. This houseplant has the same care requirements as standard pothos.

Is a Scindapsus pictus a pothos?

It is not a pothos. Both are in the Araceae family, however, Scindapsus is its own genus.

Is pictus Scindapsus rare?

No, it is a very common houseplant.

Does Scindapsus pictus grow fast?

No, it has a relatively slow growth rate.

Can Scindapsus grow in low light?

Yes, however, the leaves may lose their variegation.

Share This Post
A group of potted plants including Calathea, Maranta, Marantaceae, Haworthia, Ficus lirata, Benjamin, Echeveria, with a yellow spray bottle.

Houseplants

9 Houseplants You Should Be Misting Regularly

Many of our beloved houseplants are native to tropical regions with high humidity. Therefore, they often require a boost in air moisture. Join farmer Briana Yablonski to learn about humidity-loving houseplants that may benefit from regular misting.

A shot of shriveling plant that showcases dying houseplants

Houseplants

9 Reasons Your Houseplants Keep Dying (and How to Stop It)

Houseplants can be tricky! Though many are tough perennials that thrive indoors, some face difficulties in the comforts of our homes. These nine common issues are easily correctable with a few simple tricks. Join longtime houseplant grower Jerad Bryant in diagnosing and correcting the problems.

A bonsai-style Adenium obesum with thick, twisted roots and white flowers, growing in a round clay pot.

Houseplants

21 Houseplants That Like Low Humidity

Most homes have average or low humidity levels, especially in arid climates. Tropical houseplants won’t thrive in these regions; plants like cacti, succulents, and vigorous vines are ideal. Avid houseplant grower Jerad Bryant shares these 21 best houseplants for dry sites.

marigold flowers in hydroponic containers

Houseplants

15 Best Hydroponic Houseplants and How to Grow Them

Growing houseplants hydroponically is a modern way to get beautiful growth without soil, pots, or laborious maintenance. However, some plants grow better than others in these tech-savvy systems. In this article, plant expert Matt Dursum shows you the best hydroponic houseplants and how to grow them.

A woman in a yellow sweater waters a cactus in a white pot from a white watering can, a houseplant that is watered rarely.

Houseplants

13 Houseplants You Should Water Very Rarely

Different types of plants need different amounts of moisture. Overwatering some of them can lead to a disaster! Houseplant enthusiast Melissa Strauss has an important list of houseplants to water sparingly so you can avoid a bad case of root rot.