DOWN EARTH
Scindapsus pictus
SCINDAPSUS
Is there really a plant with silver leaves?
Oh yeah! And it’s a magnificent plant that contributes beautifully to an uncommon decor. Its rapid growth and easy maintenance make it the perfect choice for novice and experienced gardeners alike. Its resistance and easy adaptation have earned it its reputation as “an unkillable plant.”
SCINDAPSUS PICTUS
The origin and particularities of Scindapsus
Part of the Araceae family and native to India, Thailand, and the Philippines, this plant is notable especially for its leaves and their varied silver colour.
Its name derives from the Greek, skindapsos, “on tree trunks,” which refers to the plants’ habitual growth. In the wild, Scindapsus grows as an epiphyte, scaling the trunks and branches of trees, attaching itself with aerial roots.
In garden centres or nurseries, Scindapsus is often confused with pothos (it’s often called “silver pothos”); despite their slight similarities, it is not a pothos.
On close inspection, its leaves are much thicker and stiffer than those of pothos, and appear more elongated.
Its other charming characteristics? It is a trailing or climbing plant and, in nature, it clings to trees to grow.
This plant can be toxic if ingested. It is always best to keep houseplants out of reach of children and pets.
SCINDAPSUS PICTUS CARE
This is a relatively easy plant to care for. Just wait for the soil to be dry for a few cm before watering. No need to spray the Scindapsus or place it on clay balls.
For repotting, a plastic pot with drainage holes placed in a planter or a terracotta pot will do the trick.
For the potting soil, I recommend repotting in a draining potting soil so that the roots are not wet for too long. My favourite mixture: Houseplant potting soil + perlite + orchid soil.
This plant produces cuttings easily, past a node. Cuttings take directly in soil or in water, as you wish. Don’t forget that the plant needs to rebuild its root system if you place a cutting in water.
“In terms of brightness, I advise placing it in a well-lit room but not in direct sunlight. It can tolerate direct morning sun, however.
Within my decor, I love it in a hanging planter or on tablets to let it drape down.
A frequent problem with this plant is poor watering. It neither tolerates overwatering nor being neglected.
COMMON PROBLEMS WITH SCINDAPSUS
Thrips are undesirable insects that are commonly found feasting on Scindapsus; they love the big juicy leaves hehe!
Some Scindapsus grow “etiolated,” with leaves quite spaced out along the stem. I suggest a trimming of these stems so they remain well stocked with leaves.
PSST
Tip : Be vigilant about lighting. Most Scindapsus have beautiful variegations which can fade in low light; with adequate light they will thrive. They can survive even in dimly lit areas, but their growth will be stunted and their leaves will grow smaller.
Scindapsus Varieties
There are quite a few varieties of Scindapsus. Hobbyists love to collect them given the ease of their care. You can hang them or make them climb to provoke the growth of larger leaves. I’m particularly fond of the Scindapsus pictus ‘Exotica’ with its huge leaves. At home, I also have Scindapsus ‘Argyreus,’ the ‘Silver Splash,’ the ‘Silver Hero,’ and the treubii ‘Moonlight.’
< Scindapsus ‘Exotica’
Scindapsus ‘Silver Hero’
Scindapsus ‘ SilverSplash’
Scinpdasus ‘Argyreus’
Scinpdasus Treubii ‘Moonlight’
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