Scindapsus

( skin - DAP - sus )

At-A-Glance Information

This popular houseplant genus is commonly called Satin Pothos, Silver Philodendron, or Silver Vine, and includes species native to Southeast Asia, New Guinea, Queensland, and some of the islands in the western Pacific Ocean. These plants are valued for their heart-shaped, attractive foliage that is commonly marked with silver or other colors. These vines are considered fast-growing with vining stems that can reach up to 4 to 10 feet long. Use these tropical plants outdoors in containers or as vertical climbing vines on trellises. They are commonly cultivated as indoor houseplants outside of their preferred climate range. Take care when cultivating these vines in the landscape, as plant parts are toxic to humans and pets if ingested.

Scindapsus Species and Varietals

The genus Scindapsus includes 35 species, and is a member of the plant family Araceae. The plants in this species are closely related to those in Epipremnum (Pothos), Monstera. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Scindapsus officinalis (Pipul, Gajpipul, Tiakathal, Gaj Pipali, Long Pepper, Gajpeepal, Moto Peepar, Medicinal Vine-Taro, àoyòng téngyù, 药用藤芋, Sin-peik-chin, ဆင်ပိတ်စင်, Thoolo Pipalaa, ठुलेा पिपला, Kaan Chirnu, कान चिर्नु, Gaj Piplaa, गज पिप्ला)
These plants produce thick stems and dark green leaves. Varieties of this species will have mottling or markings on leaves. These plants are native to forested areas in India, China, Myanmar, and Nepal, and produces fruits that are used in Ayurvedic medicine practices.

Scindapsus pictus (Satin Pothos, Silver Pothos, Silver Vine, Silver Philodendron)
These plants have variegated leaves and can reach about 10 feet long at maturity. Nodes appear along the underside of stems, and cling to structures or other plants. Flowers are insignificant. This species is native to tropical and subtropical regions of South Asia, northern Australia, and the western Pacific Islands. This species has many ornamental cultivars.

Caring for Scindapsus

Take care when cultivating these vines in the landscape, as plant parts are toxic to humans and pets if ingested. These vines prefer to be planted in filtered or dappled light conditions in the landscape. Choose a space in the garden that has some protection from strong winds, which can dry out and damage foliage. Scindapsus plants prefer soil that is light, well-draining, and has plenty of bark. An Orchid bark typically works well. Water newly planted vines regularly as they establish a strong root system. At maturity, these plants still like to have some moisture in the soil around their roots, but like to have the top 2-3 inches of soil dry out completely between waterings. These vines do not necessarily need to be pruned, and will form single vines from their base. If plants are becoming too leggy, they can be cut back for a new flush of growth in springtime. Scindapsus plants can survive for decades in the landscape before needing to be replaced.

Growing Scindapsus in Containers
Container cultivation of Scindapsus plants allows for them to be brought inside to overwinter in cooler zones. Choose a container that has adequate drainage holes and that is at least two inches larger in diameter than the nursery pot. Use well-draining potting soil to fill in the bottom, and then place the plant in the container and fill in more soil around the outside of the root ball, being careful to not pack it down too much. Silver Pothos do well in Orchid bark. Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system. At maturity, these plants still like to have some moisture in the soil around their roots, but like to have the top 2-3 inches of soil dry out completely between waterings. As a general rule of thumb, water every 2 weeks. These vines do not necessarily need to be pruned, and will form single vines from their base. If plants are becoming too leggy, they can be pruned back for a new flush of growth in springtime. Every few years in springtime, check to see if the plant is outgrowing its pot. Choose a new pot that is about two inches larger with sufficient drainage holes, and repot. In cool zones, bring the container indoors or into a greenhouse during the winter, and place it back into the garden again when temperatures remain above 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Growing Scindapsus Indoors
Scindapsus plants are commonly available at many plant nurseries and other retailers. Because they are native to tropical and subtropical areas, they are commonly grown indoors as houseplants or in greenhouses in many regions around the globe. Choose a container that has adequate drainage holes, and place it in an area that receives medium to bright indirect light. Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system. At maturity, these plants still like to have some moisture in the soil around their roots, but like to have the top 2-3 inches of soil dry out completely between waterings. As a general rule of thumb, water every 2 weeks. Every few years in springtime, check to see if the plant is outgrowing its pot. Choose a new pot that is about two inches larger with sufficient drainage holes, and repot. Indoor-grown Scindapsus plants typically survive 5 to 15 years with proper care before needing to be replaced.

Propagation

Scindapsus, or Silver Pothos, plants are most easily propagated through taking cuttings and rooting them.

Propagating Scindapsus by Cutting

Gather your materials. You'll need a clean, sanitized, sharp pair of garden shears, rooting hormone, a pencil, and a 3-inch pot filled with well-draining compost or other organic material. A good substrate for propagation of cuttings is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
In late summer or early fall, choose the plant that you'd like to propagate. Ensure that the plant has had a good watering the night before, as this will improve the chances the cutting will take root. Cut one or more 6-8 inch portion(s) of the end of a non-blooming branch and strip the leaves off of the lower half. Make a hole in your planting medium by pushing your pencil into the soil. Plant the cutting and fill in soil around it to support it, but do not pack the soil down too much.
Moisten with water, and ensure that the pot has good drainage. It should be kept in warm, sunny conditions in a protected area. Water whenever the soil is dry under the top layer. After about four to six weeks have passed, the cutting should be rooted. New growth indicates the formation of roots.
Ensure that the soil stays moist until the plant establishes itself, and then resume regular care.