Family: Araceae
Common Names: Sterling Silver Scindapsus
Botanical Names: Scindapsus treubii ‘Moonlight’
Shimmery, satin, silvery love best describes this hunk of a houseplant! Sterling Silver Scindapsus (some call it Sterling Silver Pothos) sends a little chill down your spine with its luxurious leaves. Broad strokes of silver dominate the leaf's surface, while the central emerald green stripe emphasizes the contrasting tones. There is a lot to love about this indoor vine; low maintenance topping the list! Water Sterling Silver Scindapsus when the soil becomes dry, and ensure that it gets at least 4 hours of bright indirect light each day. This pothos can live in low, even light but will grow faster and retain more silver in their leaves when exposed to more extended periods of indirect sunlight. Learn more about how to care for this spectacular indoor plant!
Light
Sterling Silver Scindapsus prefers medium to bright indirect sunlight for at least 6 hours each day but can live in lower light conditions. However, the leaves will be smaller, and the silver leaves may fade if the light levels remain low for long periods. The vines will also produce fewer leaves and look leggy and bare. When you notice these issues, move your scindapsus to an area with higher light levels! Place your scindapsus close to an east or north-facing window, or set back from a south or west-facing window to avoid the sun's direct rays. Direct sunlight will burn the leaves or cause discoloring. Artificial light will do just fine for them, but the light should shine for at least 8-10 hours a day! Learn about indoor lighting for houseplants!
Water
Water the soil thoroughly after the soil is almost completely dry. It is a good indication that it needs water when the leaves start wilting. Water more often in the growing season and reduce the frequency during the winter months. It is best to refrain from watering if you cannot decide if it's time to add more. Larger scindapsus can live without water for longer periods, but younger, less established plants need to be watered on a regular basis until their roots have fully developed. When you water your Sterling Silver Scindapsus make sure you water it slowly, and deeply. You will want to evenly distribute the water throughout the entire root system. Scindapsus are not sensitive to tap water, but every few months you can leach the soil by flushing out salts and minerals that may have accumulated in the soil. Do this by running water through the soil for a few minutes.
Soil
In general, scindapsus are not picky about the soil they grow in, but they do best in loose and light nutrient-rich potting soil. Use a soil medium that can retain moisture but also allows for proper drainage to avoid root rot. Most pre-mixed soils will suffice. Make sure that there is plenty of organic matter, like coco-coir, peat moss, or shredded leaves, and avoid soils that contain moisture retaining crystals. If your soil drains too quickly, we recommend re-potting it into a compost-rich soil mixture with fewer drainage materials. Learn how to create your own universal soil mixture for all of your indoor plants!
Temperature
Most average household temperature ranges will be adequate for your Sterling Silver Scindapsus. However, their growth will cease if they remain in temperatures under 55℉. Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can be fatal to these tropical indoor vines. Extremely high temperatures (over 90°F) can cause the soil to dry out quickly, requiring you to adjust your watering routine. You will be watering your scindapsus more frequently when it’s hot, and we also recommend providing air circulation to avoid mold, fungus, and pests!
Humidity
As with most tropical indoor plants, Sterling Silver Scindapsus will benefit from higher humidity levels (over 50%) but will do fine in average household air. Learn how to increase the humidity in the air around your indoor plants!
Fertilizer
Sterling Silver Scindapsus highly benefits from regular fertilizing. Use a weak solution of a complete liquid fertilizer every two weeks throughout the growing season (diluted to ¼ of the recommended strength). Alternatively, you can apply a slow-release fertilizer in the spring that will feed your scindapsus for many months! Do not fertilize during the winter months. Sometimes your indoor plants will grow all year long. If this is the case, fertilize them during this time with a ¼-strength diluted liquid fertilizer once a month, or top dress the soil with worm castings or rich organic compost. Learn how and when to fertilize your houseplants!
Growth Rate
Scindapsus treubii ‘Sterling Silver is a moderate to fast-grower once established and given proper care and love! Its leaves can grow up to 5”+ wide, and the vines can reach 15+' in length.
Pet Friend or Foe
Scindapsus Sterling Silver is toxic so please keep it away from small children and pets! Foe!
Pro Tips
- To encourage the foliage to become fuller, trim back foliage. This will prevent the vines from becoming leggy.
- Encourage your scindapsus to climb on unexpected structures like staircases and ladders, or use a moss or wood pole for support!
- Rotate your Sterling Silver Pothos ¼-turn once a week to keep a balanced, full figure.
- Wash the leaves every month to deter pests and rinse off any dust accumulation!
- If you notice white fuzzy spots appearing on the leaves and stems of your scindapsus this is a sign of mealy bugs. Treat both the soil and the foliage with diluted neem oil once a week until they have disappeared. Learn how to use neem oil to prevent and remove pests!
- After you trim your scindapsus, take the cuttings and place them in a vase (with water), and in a few weeks your cuttings will develop roots! Once the roots reach 1-2" in length, plant the cuttings into soil to create a new plant!