Scindapsus Varieties
Many stunning scindapsus varieties are available from common to incredibly rare. Scindapsus is a genus of plants in the araceae family. In fact they are flowering plants. However, as with many houseplants, they don’t typically flower in cultivation. These vining plants are perfect climbing moss poles or in hanging baskets.
Scindapsus Plant Types
An aroid vine in the family Araceae (a-RAY-see-ee). There are about 35 Scindapsus species. Including the popular Scindapsus Pictus and the more rare Scindapsus Treubii. There are multiple Scindapsus pictus cultivars to choose from.
All of them have variations in variegation that affect the number of silver markings on the leaves. In fact, all scindapsus plants are considered to be air purifiers and are efficient at cleaning the air of harmful chemicals.
Scindapsus Quick Care Guide
Water
Water every 1-2 weeks, allowing the soil to dry out between watering.
Light
Thrives in medium to bright indirect light
USDA Zone
10-12
Temperature
Prefers warmer temperatures between 65°F – 85°F (18.3°C-29.4°C).
Soil
Prefer a relatively dry growing medium
Fertilizer
Once a month during the growing season
Size
4-10′ tall (1-3M)
Scientific Name
Scindapsus
Common Name
Silver satin, silver pothos, satin pothos, scindapsus pothos, silver pothos
Pronunciation
skin-DAP-sus
Flower
Blooms tiny inflorescences (spadix) in summer. Rarely flowers in cultivation.
Toxicity
Toxic to humans and animals if ingested
Scientific name: Scindapsus pictus Argyraeus
Common names: Satin pothos, Satin silver pothos, Silver pothos, Silver vine, Argy, Silver Splash pothos, Silk pothos.
Scindapsus pictus Argyreus pronunciation: skin-DAP-sus ar-JY-ree-us
Synonym: Epipremnum pictum
Epithet: Pictus means “painted” or “colored”, referring to the variegation on the leaves.
Scindapsus pictus ‘Argyraeus’ is the most common variety of scindapsus. Commonly called Satin pothos. However, It actually is not a pothos at all. Although, it is a botanical cousin of Epipremnum aureum pothos.
Argyraeus means “shiny silver” in Latin. Hence, the distinctive small splashes of silver that actually shimmers when light hits the leaves.
The leaves of Scindapsus pictus Argyraeus feel a little bit thicker than philodendrons and epipremnums. Leaves are more narrow than heart-leaf philodendrons, but a little wider than golden pothos. In fact it has smaller leaves than some of the other scindapsus varieties.
Argyraeus Leaves are dark green with lighter splashes of silver across them. Additionally, leaves are also flatter than the Scindapsus Pictus Exotica. Exotica’s leaves are much larger and tend to fold as they grow larger. It also resembles a compact version of Silver Satin.
The leaves of Scindapsus pictus Argyraeus are almost perfect houseplants. They grow well in containers, terrariums, or even climbing up a moss pole. I love them in hanging baskets or draping from a shelf.
It prefers warm temperatures and loves humidity. Keep in bright, indirect light. In fact, the best leaf color and variegation will present itself in bright, indirect light.
Be sure not to overwater this beauty. Furthermore, she hates cold drafts and soggy soil. Often misspelled as Argyreus.
Buy Silver splash Pothos here.
Scientific name: Scindapsus Pictus ‘Exotica’
Common names: Philodendron Silver, Satin Pothos, Silver Pothos, Silk Pothos Exotica, Silver Vine
Scindapsus Pictus ‘Exotica’ has gorgeous variegation on its leaves. Specifically, it has way more silver on it than the Argyraeus variety and is much more consistent. In fact, the variegation can cover as much as 60-90% of an entire leaf and there may not always be a sharp delineation between the silver and green.
Typically, Exotica has slightly larger leaves with more variegation around the edges of each leaf when compared to Argyraeus. In fact, leaves can be more of a jade hue of green, sometimes verging on mint. Generally, there will be a solid green center down the midrib. Also, as the leaves grow quite large they tend to fold a bit on the edges.
The Exotica looks like a larger version of the Silvery Ann. However, the pattern of variegation is more consistent among its leaves.
Additionally, Exotica also has a lot of silver variegation in it. In fact, some of the leaves can look highly pixelated. Scindapsus pictus exotica plants also have stems that are quite thick.
I am so happy to see this beauty now at many nurseries and big box stores. In fact, I snagged one at Armstrong Gardens, a local nursery here in Southern California. You can also buy scindapsus Exotica here.
See Related Article: Pothos Varieties (with pictures)
Scientific name: Scindapsus pictus ‘Silvery Ann‘
Common names: Silver Pothos ‘Silvery Anne’, Silver Vine, Silver Cloud, Silk Pothos, Silver Philodendron, Pothos Silvery Ann
Synonym: Epipremnum pictum Silvery Ann
Scindapsus Silvery Ann has light green leaves that are highly variegated with silvery, reflective patches. Additionally, the heart-shaped leaves have a velvety, matte texture. And typically a Solid delineation between silver and green.
Silvery Ann has about the same size leaves as the Scindapsus pictus Argyraeus, but it has more splattered silver variegation. Specifically, leaves have more silver than green in them and some of the leaves can be almost entirely silver or look “dipped” in silver. It has a tendency to show heavy silver coloring towards the edges and tips and silver spots lining the ribs.
In fact it may be quite difficult to tell a young Silvery Ann apart from Argyraeus, as young leaves tend to have a lot less silver flecks. However, variegation will increase as the plant matures.
This silvery type of variegation is known as blister variegation which is caused by the epidermis and lower layer of the leaf separating causing air pockets to form. In fact, the silver we see on these leaves is actually light reflecting off of these air pockets.
Furthermore, the ‘Silvery Ann’ is easy to care for and low light tolerant. Although, keep in mind that lower light conditions will produce less silvery foliage. Alternatively, too much bright light will wash out the dark green color.
Eventually, its slow growing vines will grow quite long and readily cascade. Definitely a great choice for hanging planters or growing on a shelf. Also easily adapts to office conditions. It can be found at local nurseries and online.
Watch our Scindapsus Video Below or keep reading!
Scindapsus pictus ‘Silver Satin’ has shimmering dark green leaves with shiny silver spots and edges. In fact, it has a leaf shape that is very similar to ‘Exotica’. However, the amount of variegation on each leaf is less. Exotica’s leaves have more splashes down the center with a variegated edging. Whereas Silver Satin’s foliage has more random splashes and speckles.
Additionally, Silver Satin looks like a larger version of the Scindapsus pictus Argyraeus. Although, the pattern of its silver variegation is more mosaic and pixelated compared to Argyraeus. In fact, Silver Satin has more erratic splashes and speckles across each leaf, with no variegated edging.
The Silver Satin plant and the Silvery Ann plant differ by their leaves. Silvery Ann has more variegation on its leaves than Silver Satin. And the variegation on Silvery Ann is more chaotic, while Silver Satin has more regular variegation.
For best color and variegation, it prefers bright indirect light. Perfect for hanging baskets where it can trail beautifully. Buy Silver Satin Pothos here.
Scientific name: Scindapsus Treubii Moonlight
Common names: Sterling Silver Scindapsus, Sterling Silver, Treubii ‘Moonlight’, Moonlight Scindapsus
Scindapsus Treubii pronunciation: skin-DAP-sus TRU-bee
Sterling Silver scindapsus or Scindapsus treubii ‘Moonlight’ is a close relative of both Epipremnum pothos and philodendrons. Although, it is much less common.
Similarly, it has a silver sheen to its leaves like the Scindapsus pictus Exotica. Although it has a shinier and satin-like finish to its foliage. Additionally, the leaves are much more narrow than other pictus varieties.
It has become quite a trendy houseplant in the last few years. With its thick oval-shaped leaves it’s no wonder. Even more, its leaves have a beautiful silver sheen with a satin-like finish. In fact, the healthier the plant, the more silver you get. Indeed this vining scindapsus is easy-to-grow.
Check out my Scindapsus treubii ‘Moonlight’ Instagram post below. Follow me @moodybloomsco
Scindapsus treubii ‘Dark Form’
Scientific name: Scindapsus treubii ‘Dark Form’
Common names: Scindapsus treubii black, Scindapsus treubii dark, Scindapsus nearly black
Scindapsus Treubii pronunciation: skin-DAP-sus TRU-bee
Another Scindapsus Treubii that is super rare is Scindapsus Treubii Dark Form. Indeed the glossy leaves are quite dark and similar in color to one of my favorite plants ever, the ZZ Raven.
Scindapsus treubii dark form is similar to treubii moonlight. However, the leaves are a dark green to black with no silver tint. Additionally, leaves of the dark form tend to be a bit longer and thinner.
This stunning climbing variety may be hard to find. Although you may be able to snag one online or through Facebook plant groups.
Scindapsus Silver Lady
Scientific name: Scindapsus pictus ‘Silver Lady’
Common names: Scindapsus Silver Lady, Silver Lady Pothos
Silver Lady Scindapsus is a very rare aroid plant with a beautiful leaf pattern. Large leaves are narrow and covered with a green sheen. Splashes or specks of silver are on the remaining portion of the leaf. Definitely a sharp delineation between the silver and green.
A humidity loving plant with smaller, flatter leaves than the other Scindapsus.
Scindapsus exotica vs Silver Lady
Silver Lady eaves are much thinner, with less contrast between the green and silver vs Exotica. It does have green down the midrib, although less pronounced than Exotica.
Scientific name: Scindapsus pictus ‘Silver Splash’
Common names: Silver Splash Pothos, Silver Splash
The Scindapsus Silver Splash looks very similar to Exotica. However, Silver Splash has a much more delicate silver variegation and Exotica has a much more pronounced variegation. In fact, the silver almost fades into the green. Definitely less of a clear transition between the silver and green.
This vigorous vining plant with big leaves, thrives in bright, indirect light and standard home humidity levels.
Scindapsus Jade Satin
Scientific name: Scindapsus Pictus Jade Satin
Common names: Jade Satin Pothos, Jade Satin Scindapsus
Jade Satin Pothos are rare and expensive. Solid green leaves have a bit of shimmer to them. Although a close relative of the Epipremnum aureum pothos, Jade Satin Pothos is not a pothos at all. Specifically a Scindapsus pictus, however both are members of the Arum family.
The Jade Satin Pothos is a beautiful vining plant that loves to climb. In fact, it will achieve its maximum growth potential if you allow it to go up a pole. However, it is a slow grower and takes longer to root than other Scindapsus varieties. Hence the scarcity and price tag.
Scindapsus Lucens
Scientific name: Scindapsus Lucens
Common names: Shingling Vine, Anadendrum affine
Scindapsus Lucens pronunciation: skin-DAP-sus loo-senz
The Scindapsus Lucens is native to the tropical rainforests of Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Philippines. This member of the Araceae family was cultivated in 2013 in the Munich Botanical Garden and naturally grows as a climber. Lucens leaves can range in color from a glossy bluish-green to turquoise. Its extremely bullate leaves of this species are what really makes it stand out.
Definitely a rare and expensive beauty. However, there is some debate in the plant community that Scindapsus Lucens is allegedly a misnomer. Many believe its actual name to be Anadendrum affine.
Scindapsus Silver Hero
Scientific name: Scindapsus pictus ‘Silver Hero’ or Scindapsus pictus ‘Platinum’
Common names: Scindapsus Silver Hero, Scindapsus Platinum, Satin pothos, Silver vine
Scindapsus Silver Hero or Scindapsus Platinum is a rare hybrid of the Scindapsus Pictus and Scindapsus aureus varieties. Variegated leaves are silver-gray with green spots. There are slight green tones on the midrib veins but not very visible. It looks like an Exotica, except the leaves are fully silver.
Not to be confused with Scindapsus Lucens, which is also silver. However, Lucens is much more rare and has a bumpy/raised texture.
A native to Southeast Asia and grown as a houseplant in temperate climates.
Scindapsus Silver Hero vs Platinum
The Scindapsus Silver Hero and Platinum are the same plant, they are just different names for the same thing. Although some believe them to be two different plants. Some say Scindapsus Silver Hero has streaks of green and Scindapsus Platinum is plain silver.
Scindapsus Silver Hero vs Moonlight
The Silver Hero has sparse leaves and is much more of a hanging plant. Moonlight will hold its shape as a climber, and has more dense foliage.
Scindapsus aureus
The Scindapsus aureus is actually Epipremnum Aureum. Epipremnums and Scindapsus plants are often mistaken for one another and vise versa. With its Glossy heart-shaped leaves it is also confused with Philodendrons. Read more about different Epipremnum varieties (pothos) and their look-alikes in our post here.
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Scindapsus Varieties
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