Scindapsus Treubii Moonlight (Sterling Silver Scindapsus)

Scindapsus Treubii Moonlight Care 

This easy-growing houseplant has been really popular the last few years, and for good reason. Specifically for its thick, heart-shaped, dark green leaves. Even more, its leaves have a stunning silver sheen with a satin-like finish. 

Scindapsus Treubii Moonlight Climbing

Even though they are a much slower grower than many other varieties, they still love to climb. In fact, they will actually produce larger leaves if given a moss pole or trellis to climb in warm, bright conditions. 

Also perfect hanging on a shelf or on a table. Although, be sure to keep out of reach of children and pets as they are toxic. 

Scindapsus Treubii Moonlight Light 

As a tropical native from the jungles of southeast Asia, Scindapsus Treubii Moonlight prefers medium to bright, indirect light. Place them in a room with lots of filtered light, or near an east-facing window. A south-facing window also works as long as it is out of direct sun, but less than three feet from the window to maximize growth potential. 

While Scindapsus Treubii Moonlight prefers bright light, it can survive low light settings. However, it may tend to grow more slowly and not grow quite as full or as lush. ‘Moonlight’ may have difficulty thriving, and may even drop leaves, without sufficient light.

However, Scindapsus treubii Moonlight does not need natural sunlight to thrive. It can thrive in both natural and artificial light. Light levels ranging from 10,000-20,000 lux are preferred.

Be sure to keep out of direct sun as this may sunburn the leaves as well as cause stunted growth.

Water

Water your plant regularly, making sure the soil dries between watering. Remember, you want the soil to be moist, not soggy.

Be sure to avoid overwatering the Scindapsus Treubii as they can experience root rot if their soil is too wet. It is possible that the leaves start to curl under if it stays too wet or too dry for extended periods. Soak the soil thoroughly but do not let the pot sit in water for prolonged periods. Additionally, make sure your pot has adequate drainage. 

I prefer not to water on a schedule, rather I water when the soil is almost completely dry. Some prefer to water when the top few inches of the soil is dry before watering again. I think it really depends on your climate and conditions. Luckily it has thick  leaves that allow it to hold up well if it dries out a bit too much. 

Another method I use for watering Scindapsus Treubii Moonlight is by the weight of the pot. The nursery pot should be extremely light when dry. I also check the leaves. If  they feel flimsy or start to curl slightly it is most likely in need of a good drink. 

Last but not least, a moisture meter is quite helpful when in doubt. They are inexpensive and easy to use. 

Treubii Moonlight Soil 

Soil for scindapsus treubii moonlight should be porous and really well draining. This is super important because these plants are pretty sensitive to root rot. A commercial well-draining cactus or succulent soil mix is great. You can also use normal potting soil but add plenty of perlite and orchid bark. Another option is to combine equal parts of perlite, vermiculite, and sphagnum peat moss. Coco coir is a great alternative to peat moss and more eco-friendly. Whichever recipe you choose, make sure the potting mix is well-draining and does not retain too much water. 

The pH level for scindapsus treubii ‘Moonlight’ should range from 5-8 pH. 

Scindapsus Moonlight Temperature 

As a native to tropical Asian rainforests, they thrive in warm humid environments. Temperatures between 64-77°F (18-25°C) are preferred, but they have a temperature tolerance between 55-85°F (13-30°C). 

Scindapsus Treubii Moonlight are not frost hardy so bring them inside during colder months. When temps become too cold their growth may be stunted. Additionally, avoid placing your plant next to windows during cold temperatures and always avoid drafts or air conditioning vents. 

Alternatively, temperatures that are too high for Moonlight Scindapsus may result in wilting leaves. Scindapsus Treubii Moonlight can be grown outdoors all year long in USDA hardiness zones 10B or above.

Scindapsus Treubii Moonlight Humidity

Although tropical Moonlight scindapsus prefers around 60% humidity, they can tolerate humidity as low as 40%. However, if you notice brown tips or crispy yellow leaves they may need an increase in humidity. 

Place a humidifier nearby if necessary. A pebble tray can also help increase humidity for Scindapsus Treubii Moonlight. If misting the plant to increase humidity be sure to use distilled water to prevent mineral build-up on the leaves. This is especially helpful in drier winter months.

If you are unsure of the humidity in your home an inexpensive hygrometer can monitor the humidity and temperature. I have a few around my house and find them quite helpful

Fertilizer

Fertilize Scindapsus Treubii Moonlight in spring and summer with a houseplant fertilizer with a higher ratio of nitrogen. A balanced ratio will also do, but I feel the extra nitrogen helps this plant stay full and lush. Always follow packaging directions as not to burn the leaves

Scindapsus Treubii Moonlight Pruning

As your Moonlight Scindapsus trails you may need to prune it back if you prefer a more tidy look. Pruning trailing vines will also encourage fuller growth on top. Make sure to use clean pruning shears or scissors. Always prune any dead or damaged leaves to keep your plant looking healthy and fresh.

Keep reading to learn more about Scindapsus Treubii Moonlight propagation. 

Repotting 

Since Scindapsus Treubii Moonlight is such a slow grower it does not need to be repotted too often. In fact, repotting the plant too often may cause root damage and shock. 

Only repot if it has outgrown its current pot or if you happen to see roots growing out of the drainage holes. Increase pot size by two inches (5 cm) and always use a pot with a drainage hole. Fill with as well-draining soil as mentioned above and wait a few days to water after repotting. This will allow any root damage to heal or callous over.

Personally, I like to repot in spring and typically use terra cotta pots (with drainage holes of course). Their porous nature absorbs water and allows excess moisture to be released from the soil more quickly. 

Scindapsus Treubii Moonlight Propagation 

A great way to increase your plant collection is through propagation. In fact, Scindapsus Treubii propagation is very easy to do. Moonlight Scindapsus can be propagated by division or cuttings. Cuttings can be propagated via soil or water. Let’s review the different ways to propagate.

Division Propagation

Dividing Moonlight Scindapsus is the fastest way to propagate. I like to do so when repotting my Scindapsus.

First, gently separate the roots. Next, place in a new pot with well draining soil as mentioned above. Finally, hold off on watering for several days to allow any damaged roots to heal.

Soil Propagation

Propagating Scindapsus Treubii can easily be done by taking cuttings. It is quite similar to propagating Pothos. Although, they do not root nearly as fast as pothos.

First, use clean shears and make a cut just below a leaf node (where the roots will form) with one to two leaves above. I prefer only one leaf on my sterling silver cuttings so it can focus energy on root growth, not keeping leaves alive. 

Next, place the cutting in a pot of moist soil. Equal parts Sphagnum peat moss and perlite also make an excellent substrate for Scindapsus Treubii propagation. 

Then, place the pot in a zip lock bag and mist the plant. Seal up the bag to ensure humidity remains high, but leave an inch or two of the zip lock open to allow air circulation. 

Finally, place it in a warm location with bright, indirect lights to allow roots to develop. Spray the plant inside the bag weekly to maintain humidity and give it some new fresh air. Moonlight Scindapsus should be fully rooted in a month or two depending on your climate and conditions. Remove the bag once roots have developed and care for your plant as instructed above.

Water Propagation

Just like soil propagation, make a cut just below the leaf node with clean shears or scissors. Then, place cutting immediately in a glass on clean water. Replace water weekly as oxygen in the water depletes over time. Roots may take a few weeks to form. 

Finally, once roots are two to three inches (5-8 cm) long plant them in a pot with well draining soil.