The satin pothos (Scindapsus pictus) is a silvery-marked dark green vine plant that grows well in Asia. The satin silver pothos is a trailing houseplant that’s sometimes called the satin silver pothos. Growing in hanging baskets or climbing up a moss pole, the eye-catching tropical plant is stunning. This lovely plant is also known as Scindapsus pictus ‘Argyraeus’ and incorrectly identified as a Philodendron Silver.
How to care for satin pothos: Potting soil that drains well, bright filtered sunlight, medium to high humidity, and a temperature range of 65°F to 85°F (18°C – 29°C) are ideal for the Scindapsus pictus. Water monthly throughout the growing season to help it grow quicker. Only water when the top 2″ (5 cm) of soil is dry.
The finest way to look after satin pothos is discussed in this article. There are also tips on how to deal with some common problems with this popular houseplant.
What is Satin Pothos (Silk Pothos)?
Satin pothos, silver pothos, and silver Philodendron are all names for Scindapsus pictus ‘Argyraeus,’ but it is not a true pothos or Philodendron. The heart-shaped leaves of the long stems may reach 10 feet (3 meters) in length. The satin pothos, which grows indoors in pots, has trailing stems up to 3 feet (0.9 meters) long. Satin pothos plants, when pruned regularly, may produce bushy foliage in pots. You can also place them in a bright area, like a basket.
The silver satin pothos, pictus, is named after a painter in part of its scientific name. The silver dots and blotches on the matte green leaves are referred to as variegation. Pothos is the name given to a variety of plants.
True types of pothos, such as the golden pothos /devil’s ivy (Epipremnum aureum), belong to the genus Epipremnum. Pothos plants come from the genus Epipremnum, and the golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is one of them.
Satin Pothos vs. Philodendron Silver
The satin pothos is a separate species from the silver philodendron, which looks very similar to it. Long trailing vines, heart-shaped leaves, and silver variegation characterize both plants. Occasionally, the same names for these plants are used interchangeably, resulting in mix-ups.
The satin pothos (Scindapsus pictus) is neither a Philodendron nor an Epipremnum (normal pothos plants), despite what its name suggests. The common name ‘pothos’ stuck because the satin pothos was formerly classified in the genus Epipremnum.
Types of Satin Pothos (Scindapsus pictus)
There are a variety of Scindapsus pictus cultivars to choose from in this photograph, such as ‘Exotica.’ The number of silver markings on the leaves varies depending on the variation in variegation. You should usually place satin pothos in a brighter area to care for them with lighter leaves.
Scindapsus pictus ‘Argyraeus’ has sparse silver variegation, Scindapsus pictus ‘Exotica’ has heavier variegation that looks like silver splashes, and Scindapsus pictus ‘Silver Ann’ has silver pothos leaves to choose from.
How to Care for Silver Satin Pothos (Scindapsus pictus)
Let’s examine how to care for a satin pothos at home in further detail. This guide explains how often to water a pothos, when to repot it, and how to grow it.
Light Requirements for Silver Pothos (Scindapsus pictus)
Satin pothos plants thrive in bright, indirect light. This hanging potted plant is best situated near an east- or west-facing window, where it receives some morning or evening light. To avoid scorching the silver leaf pothos, do not place them in the sun’s direct rays.
In low-light conditions, silver pothos is a plant that you can grow. The plant’s vines, on the other hand, may turn sparse and leggy, with a unkempt appearance. Silver variegation may lose its vibrancy if there isn’t enough light. If you notice your scindapsus pictus leaves becoming duller, move it to a more exposed area to foster quicker development.
Silver pothos houseplants need a minimum temperature of 60°F (15°C). As long as it is sunny and the temperature is above 65°F (18°C), you can grow pothos plants outdoors. Place the scindapsus pictus plant pot in a bright spot with filtered sunlight. Don’t put it wherever it’s in full sun all day, such as on a deck, patio, or window sill.
Best Soil for Growing Silver Satin Pothos
The rich, well-draining potting mix for satin pothos (Scindapsus pictus) should contain Organic material should be present in the finest potting mediums to retain moisture, yet it should not be heavy enough to impede drainage. If the plant grows in wet, waterlogged soil, it will slow down its development.
For growing silver satin pothos, a suitable potting medium is rather easy to make. Potting soil, peat moss, and perlite should all be mixed in equal proportions. To help improve drainage, you might add charcoal pieces or coco coir chips instead of perlite.
The roots are nourished by the moisture in the peat moss. Watering the soil thoroughly is the best way to determine whether it is light enough. You should aerate the soil if water collects on the surface or drains slowly. Instead, if you have to water the satin pothos more frequently because the soil drains too quickly, add more sphagnum peat moss.
How to Water Satin Pothos Houseplant
When the top part of the soil dries out, you should water satin pothos as frequently as possible. The scindapsus pictus plant should be watered twice a week in the summer, or more often. The silver leaf pothos requires less watering throughout the winter.
Watering is intended to ensure that the roots are always slightly wet. Press on the potting soil to check for moisture to determine when to water your pothos plants. Leave for a few days until the top part of the soil dries completely if there are signs of moisture. The drainage holes in the pot should be partially moist, so you may check them as well.
Depending on a variety of factors, how often you water your satin pothos is :
- Air temperature—In the winter, compared to the summer, you’ll need to water your scindapsus pictus less often. In the winter months, plants breathe less and release less moisture. Check the plant every few days during the summer to see if it needs watering.
- Type of pot—In comparison to potting mix in plastic or ceramic pots, soil in terracotta pots evaporates faster. As a result, satin pothos in unglazed clay pots may need watering more often than other types of pothos.
- Type of soil—How often your plant needs hydration will be determined by the soil density.
Check that the top 2″ (5 cm) of soil is thoroughly dry before watering houseplants for the best advice. Next, give the plant a good soaking. Pour enough filtered or rainwater until your pothos drains out the bottom to thoroughly water it. The roots are adequately hydrated as a result of this watering technique.
Roots don’t get soggy and disease when the soil of the plant is partially dried between irrigations. In addition, since the top part of the soil is constantly damp, you avoid fungus gnats and white mold problems with plant soil.
The Best Indoor Temperature for Scindapsus Pictus
In a temperature range of 65°F to 85°F (18°C – 29°C), satin pothos plants thrive best. They have a similar constant average room temperature to their native tropical environment. To thrive, the plants must be protected from temperature shocks. In the summer and winter, it may be difficult to maintain the correct temperature.
For example, if it’s too close to hot radiators in the winter, the plant’s growth might slow down. Its lovely green and silver leaves might wither, curl, and turn brown as a result of cold drafts. Hot sunlight beating through windows or cold air from the air conditioning might both cause temperature problems in the summertime.
The Right Humidity for Growing Satin Pothos at Home
Pothos plants, which are made of silver satin, prefer high humidity to thrive in the home. For optimum growth, aim for humidity levels of at least 40%. Misting the leaves daily, placing on a pebble tray, or using a room humidifier are all ways to ensure humidity levels are optimal for Scindapsus pictus plants. To raise humidity levels in pothos plants, here are a few care tips to consider:
- Misting—spray a fine mist over the top of the plant with distilled water in a spray bottle.
- Pebble tray—Fill a tray with water and lay a layer of little stones on top. The evaporation will aid to naturally humidify the leaves by placing the satin pothos pot on the pebbles.
- Room humidifier—With a humidifier, keep your indoor humidity levels high.
- Location—If humidity levels are high in your bathroom or kitchen, you can also put your pothos there.
How to Fertilize Silver Satin Pothos
Silver pothos isn’t a demanding grower, and it doesn’t need much fertilizer. During the growing season, feed your scindapsus pictus plant with a houseplant fertilizer diluted by half. During the winter, pause feeding, and when growth becomes vigorous in the spring, resume.
Its beautiful foliage is also kept healthy and bright by the right quantity of fertilizer. Feed it monthly if the leaf color begins to fade. Slow-release fertilizer is an option as well. As often as you water the plant, these granules will provide a constant supply of essential nutrients. It’s important to keep in mind that overfertilizing isn’t any different from depleting nutrients.
How to Prune Satin Pothos
Pruning is rarely required for silver satin pothos plants. Cutting off the ends of stems, on the other hand, might promote bushier growth. If the trailing stems get too long, you may trim them as well. Getting stem cuttings for propagation is another reason to trim a scindapsus pictus plant.
In the spring, right before it starts to grow quicker, is the ideal time to prune a satin pathos. Any dead leaves or damaged stems should be checked for. As needed, prune the plant. Snip off at least a 4″ (10 cm) section of stem with two or three leaves if you’re pruning to propagate the plant.
Easy Satin Pothos Propagation Tips
Silver satin pothos propagation can be done best with stem cuttings planted in water. Put the cutting in a jar of water after trimming off a stem just below the node. Wait a few weeks for roots to appear that are approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) long. Plant in a fresh potting soil container. Water can support satin pathos plants for up to a few months. You’ll eventually have to move them to a pot that’s appropriate for them.
Repotting Silver Satin Pothos Plants
Every year in early spring, it’s best to repot a silver splash pothos. In a fresh, rich potting medium, your plant will thrive faster. To keep the plant healthy, transferring your scindapsus pictus to a new, bigger pot allows the roots to spread out more.
Poor drainage, roots protruding through the drainage holes, and sluggish growth are all indications that your plant requires repotting. Select a pot that is 2″ (5 cm) bigger than the existing one when repotting your plant. The risk of overwatering and soggy soil is reduced by choosing the right pot size.
To repot a Scindapsus pictus, follow these steps:
- Without harming the stems or root ball, carefully remove the plant from its pot.
- To get rid of all old soil, remove all excess dirt and pour water over the roots.
- The roots should be white and healthy, not brown and mushy, when inspected for signs of rot or damage.
- As needed, prune old or dying roots.
- Fill the new pot halfway full with the appropriate potting soil.
- Make sure the pothos plant is growing at the same height as it was previously.
- Fill in the remaining area with soil.
- Give the plant a thorough watering after gently pressing the soil around its stems.
Silver Pothos Care: Pest and Diseases
You may avoid several illnesses and pests that afflict particular houseplants if you take care of a Scindapsus pictus. Let’s now explore ways to solve some satin pothos plant care problems.
Disease problems
The most prevalent ailment afflicting silver satin pothos is root rot brought on by overwatering. By watering the plant just when the soil is partially dry, you can prevent root rot and other fungal problems. When there is significant damage to the root system, indications of root rot usually emerge.
Brown stems, as well as soft or black spots on the leaves, are visible. Repotting a dead pothos plant in fresh, sterile potting soil is your only chance to assist it recover. Make certain that the silver splash pothos receives adequate drainage and just water when it is partly dry.
Pest problems
Scale and spider mites are the two most common kinds of household pests that may cause issues. Act quickly as soon as you see evidence of these plant pests. These creatures can infest other plants inside your house, in addition to killing your silver pothos.
Is Silver Pothos Toxic?
Cats, dogs, and other domestic animals are poisonous to silver satin pothos plants. Scindapsus pictus contains calcium oxalates, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). These poisons induce saliva, oral cavity swelling, vomiting, and swallowing difficulties when consumed.
FAQ About Satin Pothos Care
Houseplants that are simple to maintain include satin pothos plants. Your lovely indoor plant, on the other hand, may be stressed if it shows certain symptoms.
Why are silver satin pothos leaves turning brown?
Low humidity, over-fertilizing, or too much sunlight are all reasons why silver pothos leaves turn brown.
- Humidity is too low. Increase humidity by misting your plants on a regular basis, and cut off the brown tips. A spider mite infestation is also possible in the presence of low humidity.
- Too much fertilizer—Silvery pothos leaves may turn brown due to a buildup of mineral salts. Don’t fertilize for a month, then dump plenty of water over the soil.
- Direct sunlight—If the plant is exposed to direct sunlight for too long, satin pothos leaves will turn brown.
Why are satin pothos leaves turning yellow?
The attractive silver and green variegated leaves may begin to yellow as a sign of overwatering. Before watering, always check the soil for dampness and only water when it is completely dry. Even if you watered your plant less often, damp, soggy soil can occur.
The soil is taking longer to dry out, which is why this happens. If the potting media is too heavy, you may want to switch to a lighter one. If the plant has gotten rootbound, it may need repotting.
Why are my satin pothos leaves curling?
The Scindapsus pictus plant is often underwatered when the leaves of the plant curling. Check to see if the drainage holes have a dry soil. Give your plant enough water to completely saturate the soil if this is the case.