Scindapsus Care
Scindapsus pictus and Scindapsus treubii: Silvery Ann, Moonlight, Platinum and more
At a glance
| βοΈ Light | Medium to bright indirect. |
|---|---|
| π§ Water | When the top half of the soil is dry. Leaves curl when thirsty. |
| πͺ΄ Soil | Airy: our Chunky Monkey Mix or Tropical with bark. |
| π‘οΈ Temp | 16β29Β°C. |
| π¨ Humidity | Average is fine. |
| πΎ Pets | Not pet safe Toxic to cats and dogs if chewed. |
| π± Care level | Easy |
| π Grows to | Trails or climbs 1β2 m. |
Scindapsus have thick, matte leaves splashed or washed with silver. They're often mixed up with pothos (one type, Scindapsus pictus 'Argyraeus', is sold as satin pothos), but they're a different plant. Scindapsus are slower than true pothos but very easy, and they tell you clearly when they're thirsty by curling their leaves.
Light + placement
Medium to bright, indirect light keeps the silver bright and the vines full. It tolerates lower light but grows slowly. Avoid direct sun, which bleaches the leaves.
Watering
Water thoroughly when the top half of the soil is dry. The leaves curl inward when it's thirsty and flatten again within a day of watering, which makes it easy to read. Yellow leaves mean too much water.
Soil + repotting
An airy mix like our Chunky Monkey Potting Mix, or Tropical mix with extra bark. Repot every 2 years in spring.
Feeding + upkeep
Feeding: We feed with Kelpy, a gentle plant food made from BC kelp. Mix 1 teaspoon into 1 litre of water and use it every time you water; this is a hungry plant. Kelpy is gentle enough to use year-round. Our rule of thumb: if your plant is putting out new growth, even in winter, keep feeding. If it's resting, you'll be watering less, so it gets fed less too.
For a slow, natural boost, top-dress the pot with a thin layer of worm castings every few months, or mix some in when you repot. Prefer a granular food? BIOS Natural Plant Food mixes into the top layer of soil (about 1 tablespoon per 6-inch pot) once a month while your plant is growing. A little white fuzz on the soil afterwards is normal; it's the helpful fungi at work.
Trim and replant vines to keep it full, or give it a pole to climb for bigger leaves.
Propagation
Cut below a node and root in water or moss. See Propagation 101.
Common problems
| What you see | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Leaves curling inward | Thirsty | Water deeply. |
| Yellow leaves | Overwatering | Let the top half dry first. |
| Leggy vines, small leaves | Low light | Move to a brighter spot. |
| Silver fading | Low light | Brighter indirect light. |
| Brown crispy patches | Sunburn | Move out of direct sun. |
Varieties we carry
Same care for every scindapsus, including Silvery Ann, Moonlight, Platinum and Argyraeus (satin pothos). Only what's in stock online right now is shown.
Frequently asked questions
Is scindapsus a type of pothos?
No. It's a close cousin with very similar care. The name 'satin pothos' belongs to one type, Scindapsus pictus 'Argyraeus', though it often gets used for others too.
Is it safe for pets?
No. It's toxic to cats and dogs if chewed.
Why are my leaves curling?
It's thirsty. Water deeply and the leaves will flatten out.
How fast does it grow?
Moderately: slower than pothos, especially in lower light.
Scindapsus care kit
- Chunky Monkey Potting Mix: Bark-rich and airy, for climbers and aroids.
- Coco Coir Support Pole: Something to climb, for bigger leaves.
- Moisture Meter Β· $14.99: Tells you when the bottom of the pot is actually dry.
- Kelpy Plant Growth Booster: Gentle BC kelp plant food you can use year-round.
- Worm Castings: A slow, natural boost from our Soil Bar. Top-dress every few months.
Bring your plant (or a photo) to 515 Chatham St #103 and we'll take a look. Open 11β5, 7 days a week, with street parking nearby. Get directions β
More plant care guides
ZZ Plant Β· Pothos Β· Calathea Β· Hoya Β· Heartleaf Philodendron Β· Peperomia Β· Ferns Β· Prayer Plant Β· All plant care β