Silk Pothos Scindapsus pictus

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.