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Satin Pothos Scindapsus pictus

Other Common Name(s):

Previously known as:

  • Pothos argyraeus
  • Scindapsus argyraeus
  • Scindapsus pictus var. argyraeus
Phonetic Spelling
skin-DAP-sus PIK-tus
Description

Satin pothos is a tropical evergreen climbing vine with variegated dark green and silvery foliage in the Arum family.  It is native to tropical areas of Bangladesh and Malesia. In its native habitat, this plant climbs on tree trunks, supported by rootlets, and reaches a height up to 10 feet tall and 4 feet wide. It is not frost hardy so it is typically grown as an ornamental houseplant in the United States.

The juvenile leaves are ovate with entire margins and a heart-shaped base. Each leaf is green to dark green and has silverish-gray blotches. The underside of the leaf is paler without blotches. The mature leaves may be pinnately lobed or entire. Tiny insignificant flowers followed by small berries may appear on outdoor plants in the summer, but indoor plants rarely bloom or produce fruit. The indoor plant grows 1.5 to 3 feet tall and should be trained on an upright stake, or it may allowed to trail downward from a hanging basket or pot. 

The satin pothos prefers bright indirect light and moist, well-drained, potting soil when used as a houseplant. Room temperatures of 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit are best suited for this plant. Cooler air and direct sunlight are not tolerated. This plant is hardy in zones 11 to 12 and may be planted outside in partial shade in fertile, moist, acidic, well-drained soil. Pinching the stems will help to keep the plant tidy. It may be propagated by stem cuttings.

Quick ID Hints:

  • tropical evergreen climbing vine
  • green to dark green leaves with silver-gray blotches on the upper surface
  • the underside of the leaf is paler and without blotches
  • juvenile leaves are ovate with cordate base and entire margins
  • mature leaves may be pinnately lobed or the margins may be entire.
  • indoor plants rarely flower
  • insignificant spikes of tiny apetalous blooms enclosed by a spathe may be found when planted outdoors
  • flowers are followed by small berries

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  There are no serious insect or disease problems. Monitor for scale, mites, mealy bugs, thrips, fungal leaf spot, and botrytis. In poorly drained or wet soils, root rot may occur. Yellow leaves may be a sign of overwatering, and curling leaves may be a sign of underwatering. 

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Argyraeus'
    small, dark green leaves with silver edges
  • 'Exotica'
    heart shaped green leaves that are splashed with shimmery silver variegation
  • 'Silvery Ann' or 'Silvery Anne'
    large, lance-shaped, light green leaves with large silver splotches
'Argyraeus', 'Exotica', 'Silvery Ann' or 'Silvery Anne'
Tags:
#evergreen#poisonous#houseplant#slow growing#interiorscape#hanging baskets#spadix#tropical vine#evergreen vine#vine#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for horses#tropical feel#container plant#perennial
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Argyraeus'
    small, dark green leaves with silver edges
  • 'Exotica'
    heart shaped green leaves that are splashed with shimmery silver variegation
  • 'Silvery Ann' or 'Silvery Anne'
    large, lance-shaped, light green leaves with large silver splotches
'Argyraeus', 'Exotica', 'Silvery Ann' or 'Silvery Anne'
Tags:
#evergreen#poisonous#houseplant#slow growing#interiorscape#hanging baskets#spadix#tropical vine#evergreen vine#vine#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for horses#tropical feel#container plant#perennial
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Scindapsus
    Species:
    pictus
    Family:
    Araceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Stem Cutting
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Southeast Bangladesh, West and Central Malesia
    Distribution:
    Native to Bangladesh, Borneo, Jawa, Malay, Philippines, Sulawesi, Sumatera, and Thailand. Used as a houseplant in the United States.
    Play Value:
    Colorful
    Dimensions:
    Height: 3 ft. 0 in. - 10 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 2 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Houseplant
    Perennial
    Poisonous
    Vine
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Cascading
    Climbing
    Growth Rate:
    Slow
    Maintenance:
    Medium
    Texture:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    High Organic Matter
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Available Space To Plant:
    3 feet-6 feet
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    11a, 11b, 12a, 12b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Type:
    Berry
    Fruit Description:
    Plants grown outdoors may produce flowers that are followed by small berries. Indoor plants typically do not produce flowers or fruit.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Green
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Insignificant
    Spadix
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Summer
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    The flowers are insignificant and may bloom during the summer; however, indoor plants rarely bloom. The blooms are spikes of tiny apetalous flowers that are surrounded by a spathe.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Gray/Silver
    Green
    Variegated
    Leaf Feel:
    Smooth
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Leaf Shape:
    Ovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Lobed
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Description:
    The juvenile leaves are oval, entire, 3 to 4 inches long, and have a satin texture. The base of the leaf is heart-shaped. They are matte green to dark green with blotches of silver gray. The underside of the leaf is paler and does not have blotches. The mature leaf may be entire or pinnately lobed.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Hanging Baskets
    Houseplants
    Problems:
    Problem for Cats
    Problem for Dogs
    Problem for Horses