Care of the indoor plant Scindapsus pictus or Satin pothos |
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The genus Scindapsus, family Araceae, comprises 40 species of climbing plants native to tropical regions of Asia and the Pacific. Some species are: Scindapsus pictus, Scindapsus latifolius, Scindapsus splendidus, Scindapsus officinalis, Scindapsus marantifolius. Common name: Shrubby whitevein. This species is native to Southeast Asia, Malaysia and the Philippines. They are tropical evergreen plants with a climbing habit with elegant foliage consisting of glossy dark green or bluish leaves with silver spots and edges and an oval shape ending in a point. They do not usually bloom indoors. These delicate plants are used in pots as indoor or greenhouse plants. Scindapsus pictus can grow in diffuse light or light shade exposure; never expose it to direct sun. In winter the temperature should not be lower than 15 ºC (59 ºF). The soil should be light and well drained; Use a mixture of indoor plant growing medium with coarse sand and compost. The transplant is done in early spring. Water frequently with lime-free water in spring and summer so that the soil does not dry out completely (without ever flooding); slightly reduce watering the rest of the year. It's important that the ambient humidity is high; place a plate with wet stones under the pot. Spray the leaves from time to time and clean them with a damp sponge (always with water without lime). Fertilize in spring and summer with mineral fertilizer for indoor plants every 20 days. They can be pruned at any time of the year to control their growth and maintain a compact appearance. They are difficult to cut plants because they are sensitive to fungal attack if there is excess watering and insects and mites in case of drought. They propagate by layering but it's not a quick process. It's advisable to buy new specimens in nurseries, in plant stores or in garden centers. |
Images of the indoor plant Scindapsus pictus or Satin pothos |
 Scindapsus pictus Argyraeus  Scindapsus pictus Argyraeus |