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Overview
Scindapsus spp. is a genus of evergreen climbing and trailing aroids in the family Araceae, with around 35 species native to tropical Southeast Asia and the western Pacific. The commonly grown S. pictus, satin pothos, has matte dark green heart-shaped leaves 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long in juvenile growth, marked with silvery-grey patches and enlarging where the vine climbs. Stems climb tree trunks by short aerial roots or trail from a height, reaching 3-10 feet (1-3 m) indoors and far longer in the wild. Like other aroids, mature plants in the wild produce a small flower spike enclosed by a hood-like bract, though plants rarely flower in cultivation. The leaves enlarge and change shape as the stems climb and mature. All parts contain calcium oxalate crystals that irritate the mouth and digestive tract if chewed.
Native Range
Native to tropical Southeast Asia and the western Pacific, including India, Indonesia, the Philippines, and New Guinea. Grows in humid lowland and montane rainforest, climbing tree trunks in shaded, moist conditions.Suggested Uses
Grown as a trailing or climbing houseplant in hanging baskets, on shelves, and trained up moss poles, and as a ground cover in frost-free tropical gardens. Plants are kept in containers of at least 1 gallon (4 L). Cold sensitivity limits outdoor use to tropical and subtropical climates.How to Identify
Growing Conditions
Sun Requirements
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plants grow in warm, frost-free conditions in bright, indirect light, with direct sun fading the leaf markings and deep shade reducing them. The potting mix is kept lightly moist and allowed to dry slightly at the surface between waterings, as soggy soil causes root rot. Average to high humidity suits the foliage, and growth slows below about 60 F (15 C). Stems are trained up a moss pole to encourage larger leaves or left to trail. Spider mites and mealybugs occur on indoor plants in dry air. All parts are toxic if chewed, causing mouth and throat irritation.Pruning
Trim trailing stems at any time to control length and encourage branching. Cuttings taken below a node root in water or moist mix. Remove yellowed or damaged leaves at the base.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons