Our Guide To Growing Fabulous Scindapsus

Scindapsus Care Guide

Scindapsus pictus is commonly known as Satin Photos or Silver Vine and one of the easiest rambling houseplants in our shop. 

There are some islands in the Pacific, New Guinea, Southeast Asia, and Queensland where these attractive variegated plants grow wild. The leaves of Scindapsus Pictus are silvery in color and are surrounded by green leaves. They are easy-going and adaptable plants that can handle some sun as well as some shade.

It's known for its heart-shaped matte leaves with shimmering grey dots and fast-growing trailing vines. 

The Scindapsus Pictus vine can reach a length of about 10 feet. Indoor foliage plants can be grown in a variety of ways. This plant is often grown in a hanging planter, trained to climb a trellis or moss pole, or as a tabletop plant.

Detailed Guide to Scindapsus Pictus Growing and Care:

Light:

When it comes to light levels, this plant truly shines. Place them in an area with indirect light, like a room that you’d have to turn a lamp on to read during the day.   A curtained window is perfect as well, as long as light passes through the curtains during the day (not blackout curtains). Without some filtered light during the day, your Scindapsus will not grow well.

Water:

This houseplant suffers from overwatering most of the time. The most effective way to keep them happy is to let half or two-thirds of the soil completely dry out before you water them again. After watering, drain out any water that has not been absorbed through a drainage hole or tilt the pot shortly afterwards to allow excess water to escape. Depending on the time of year, water the plant every 1-2 weeks, allowing the soil to dry in between.

Humidity: 

Scindapsus enjoys a  humid environment around the plant (40% - 50% humidity around the plant). If the air is dry in winter, use a humidifier/humidity tray. Do not mist the plant, because its aerial roots will also absorb moisture.

Temperature:

A temperature between 60°F and 85°F is ideal for Scindapsus, so most household temperatures should be just fine. They don’t like cold temperatures, and will suffer from leaf loss or death if they are too hot or cold. 

Feeding:

Scindapsus are happy even if you give them a balanced fertilizer every one to two months. When grown in a warm environment and watered regularly, these plants are not heavy feeders.

Potting:

You can grow the Scindapsus in a hanging pot or in a pot with a trellis or moss pole.

Repotting:

These plants do not need frequent repotting. You should report only when the roots come out of the drainage holes. It is advisable to use a pot with appropriate drainage.

Propagation:

Take 10 cm tip cuttings in spring or early summer and place them in a moist peat-moss-based potting mix. Within a month, the cuttings will root easily.

Diseases and pests:

Generally free of pests and diseases, but may be infested with scales or spider mites, which can be easily washed away. Overwatering, inadequate lighting, high temperatures, and imperfect soil conditions all cause stress on plants. All of these will lead to disease.

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