20 Care Tips You Should Know Before Growing A Scindapsus Pictus Argyraeus

Scindapsus Pictus Argyraeus is a low-maintenance tropical plant that will brighten up any indoor garden. Because of its unusual appearance and feel, this houseplant is popular among plant collectors.

In this post, we are sharing the most important tips and tricks you’ll need to know to raise a Scindapsus Pictus Argyraeus successfully!

If you want to get one for yourself, we have a few fair options for you to explore. Continue reading to learn more about Scindapsus’s exciting attributes.

What Is Scindapsus Pictus Argyraeus?

The Scindapsus Pictus Argyraeus is a perennial from the Araceae family. It is characterized by dark green with silver spots and heart-shaped leaves and is prized for its attractive variegation.

Also known as Satin Pothos, Scindapsus Argyraeus, and S. Argyraeus, the Scindapsus Pictus Argyraeus grows well close to an east or west-facing window as a houseplant. 

Plants from the genus Scindapsus are generally called other common names like Silk Pothos, Silver Pothos, or Silver Philodendron, but they are neither a pothos nor a philodendron.

The Scindapsus Pictus Argyraeus is also often mistaken for its cousin {{Scindapsus Pictus Exotica}}. However, the leaf of Scindapsus Pictus Argyraeus has a more prominent color contrast since the variegation is sparse (green with silver markings and satin sheen). But the Scindapsus Pictus Exotica’s leaf curls at the edges, and its entirely silver leaf (except for the middle region) easily differentiates the two.

While most of this article will discuss indoor growing requirements, you can keep this Scindapsus plant outdoors in hardiness zones 10-12.

Origin And Family

Satin Pothos originates from the Scindapsus genus, which is part of the Araceae family. The forests of Southeast Asia are home to this plant. Satin Pothos has become a popular indoor plant in recent years, thriving in most households that give it plenty of humidity.

Justus Carl Hasskarl first described this appealing plant genus in 1842.

Where To Buy

The Scindapsus Pictus Argyraeus is a beautiful addition to any plant lover’s collection and can be purchased online from Etsy. We usually get unique plant options and deals there too!

In terms of pricing, you can buy a Scindapsus Pictus Argyraeus at fairly affordable prices, between $20 for small rooted plants to $60 for larger or more mature plants.

Scindapsus Pictus Argyraeus Plant Size

As a mature plant, the Scindapsus Pictus Argyraeus grows about 4-10 feet tall and 2-4 feet wide as a houseplant. This stunning perennial prefers to be placed near an east or west-facing window and is considered a slow grower.

Scindapsus Pictus Argyraeus Care Needs

Your Scindapsus Pictus Argyraeus, with its attractive variegation, will thrive if taken good care of. This plant has a need for humidity and relatively dry soil throughout the year.

Water your Scindapsus when the top 1-2 inches of soil dries. Make sure it’s fully drenched, with the water running down the bottom of the pot. For its lighting, indirect bright light is suitable for this plant. 

Check for more specific growing tips we’ve written below to keep your Scindapsus Pictus Argyraeus healthy and happy!

Care Difficulty

In terms of care difficulty, the Scindapsus Argyraeus is typically easy-to-care-for. The primary growing factors are the amount of light and the well-draining soil that this plant has.

scindapsus pictus argyraeus. vines have been coming in great pic.twitter.com/nN6YFoG40I

— dirt under mine nails (@succluvr69) March 9, 2022

Growth Rate

The growth rate of S. Argyraeus is slow. Indoors, it will reach a mature height of about 4-10 feet. 

Potting

For potting requirements, you can go for a medium-sized pot made of plastic, terracotta, or clay. An essential requirement is that the pot contains at least one drainage hole. Leaving your Satin Pothos in wet or soggy soil for extended periods could kill your plant.

Its compact growth habit makes it a beautiful hanging basket plant. Additionally, Satin Pothos is a vine that clings to its surroundings, including a moss pole, a trellis, tree trunks, other plants, a wall, or furniture. The vine attaches itself to surfaces via its aerial roots.

Repotting

In order to keep your plant healthy, it is best to transplant it to a bigger pot once it grows to a certain size. When you see roots pushing out of the drainage holes, you’ll know it’s time to repot.

On average, Scindapsus Pictus Argyraeus grows slowly and needs to be repotted every one to two years. Your plant’s soil will likely lose its natural nutrient components over time, so it’s better to add some standard commercial potting soil when repotting. 

Soil

A commercially available potting soil is best for this Scindapsus cultivar. Perlite or vermiculite, peat moss, and pine bark are the ideal components for the soil. Aeration and good drainage are a must for this plant which is easy to care for.

Here are some excellent growing medium options to choose from:

pH

You’ll want your soil to have a pH of roughly 6.1-6.5 for the S. Argyraeus. This range is considered acidic, and it shouldn’t be a huge concern if you’re using standard commercial potting soil because its acidity level is close to the ideal range.

If you’re concerned about acidity, you may check your soil with a simple pH testing tool available for purchase online.

If necessary, add a pinch of calcitic lime or dolomitic lime, wood ash, or baking soda to boost the soil’s pH. Inversely, you can lower it with aluminum sulfate or sulfur.

Water

For houseplants, proper watering is an essential factor. Too much water might invite diseases like fungal infections and root rot. On the contrary, too little and the plants might end up with browning, undernourished leaves. For optimal health, Satin Pothos generally prefers relatively dry soil.

One way to check for the soil’s moisture is simply to stick your finger in the pot. When the top 1-2 inches of soil dries out, you’ll know it’s time to water your plant. 

Drainage holes and aerated soil are necessary for Satin Pothos. Rule of thumb: You don’t want your plant sitting in water for an extended period.

Light

You’ll want to simulate the native habitat of his house plant, which would be the forests of Southeast Asia. Give your Argyraeus bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. You can also place this plant near an east or west-facing window. 

You’ll know your Scindapsus Pictus Argyraeus is getting too bright light when its leaves show signs of scorching. On the contrary, while this plant can tolerate lower light conditions or even a partial shade, its leaves may lose their variegation and turn completely green if it doesn’t get enough light for a long time.

Avoid putting your Scindapsus Pictus Argyraeus in direct sunlight, as this could severely damage or even kill it.

Fertilizer

Here’s a common mistake by several indoor growers, they forget to fertilize. They think that water and bright indirect light are sufficient sources of nourishment. But the truth is, the nutrients from the soil are just as vital in your plant’s overall health.

Feed your plant once a month during summer and springtime. A water-soluble fertilizer will work best for your Scindapsus Argyraeus. If you’re using a more potent fertilizer, you may need to dilute it first. 

In the colder months, you don’t need to fertilize at all.

Propagating Scindapsus Pictus Argyraeus

You can easily reproduce your Scindapsus Pictus Argyraeus through various methods. Check out the step-by-step instructions for each propagation method below. 

My baby scindapsus pictus argyraeus is starting to put out a ton of new growth 🌱 pic.twitter.com/W66Yv6nh6E

— MamaGreen 🌱 (@mamagreeen) March 20, 2021

Stem Cuttings In Soil

Stem cuttings planted in the soil are a hassle-free way to propagate your Satin Pothos. It is advisable to propagate this plant during its growing season in spring or early summer.

1. Cut. Look for a healthy section of your plant with new growth. Cut the stem at least 3 inches long and make sure it has some visible nodes. Use sterilized scissors to avoid any bacterial infection.

2. Plant. In damp soil, place the cutting with the nodes buried. Then, push the dirt around the stem to keep the cutting in place.

3. Maintain. Frequently moisten the soil to encourage faster rooting. Keep the plant near a window in bright, indirect sunlight.

4. Wait. In about 2-3 weeks, you should see new buds on the top leaves. This means that your cutting is now rooted!

Humidity And Aeration

Scindapsus Pictus Argyraeus is a striking perennial that loves moderate humidity. We suggest keeping the air humidity levels around 40-50% for best results. 

Other than absorbing water through its roots, your plant will also need moisture in the air for nourishment. You can place bowls of water to evaporate nearby, add a pebble tray, or invest in a humidifier that can be more consistent in improving humidity for your plant. 

Misting is not recommended because this plant’s aerial roots absorb moisture. It might result in overwatering when done to increase humidity.

Temperature

The ideal temperature for your S. Argyraeus is 65-85 degrees Fahrenheit, and this tropical houseplant will appreciate being kept in warm locations.

More importantly, ensure you avoid any sudden spikes or drops in temperatures. Don’t use cold or hot water to water your S. Argyraeus so its roots won’t go into shock.

Toxic

Unfortunately, the Scindapsus Argyraeus is toxic to pets (including cats and dogs) and small children. If ingested, you can expect the following symptoms: difficulty swallowing, oral swelling, drooling, and skin irritation. Usually, this plant is considered non-life-threatening.

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Pests, Diseases, And Other Problems

Is your Scindapsus Pictus Argyraeus looking ill? Most would say this is a plant with strong resistance to pests, diseases, and overall problems. 

In the following sections, I’ve provided the common issues that affect this striking plant. Use these tips to help diagnose and treat your Scindapsus.

Spider Mites

Spider mites are an unfortunate but frequent problem, especially for S. Argyraeus. Spider mite damage will appear at first as tiny, yellow, or brown spots on the plant’s leaves. You might also observe stunted growth or leaves that take too long to unfurl.

Since spider mites are related to spiders, they spin webs (which is gross). The main difference is that a spider’s web has a more intricate pattern and will be inhabited by only one or two spiders. On the other hand, if the web you see is fine, sticky, and has a lot of tiny red bugs crawling in it, that’s a spider mite infestation!   

To combat spider mites on your S. Argyraeus, start by taking your plant outside and giving it a thorough hose down to remove the bugs. When you take it back inside, make sure it is isolated from your other plants until you’re sure there are no spider mites left. 

If that doesn’t work, horticultural oil, neem oil, and insecticidal soap are organic products that can do the trick!

Scale Insects

Scale insects will potentially appear as lumps on the stems or leaves of your Scindapsus Pictus Argyraeus. These tiny bugs, which may be green, gray, brown, or black, usually remain sedentary once they’ve occupied a plant.

If the infestation isn’t too severe, dilute a teaspoon of neem oil in four cups of water to prevent scale insects from attacking your plant. Get a spray bottle and vigorously spray the plant.

Neem oil and horticultural oils may not eliminate the pests but will undoubtedly cause some damage to them. Numerous insecticide sprays against scales are considered safe to use indoors.

Brown Leaf Tips

The edges of your Satin Pothos’s leaves may turn brown if it’s not getting the sufficient amount of moisture that it needs, both from the air and through its roots. Water your plant on time and check if the humidity level in its location is consistent with its needs.

You may also need to consider the amount and frequency of applying fertilizers. Overfeeding can burn the house plants’ foliage, which is typically manifested as browning edges on their leaves.

Drooping Leaves

Drooping leaves on the Scindapsus Pictus Argyraeus can be caused by inconsistent watering, incorrect lighting, and lack of humidity. It might also help clean your plant’s leaves with plain water and a microfiber cloth to remove the layer of dust that can interfere with photosynthesis.

This scindapsus pictus argyraeus is now listed in my shop 💚 https://t.co/By91Z96Y85 pic.twitter.com/EK3scd2Qed

— MamaGreen 🌱 (@mamagreeen) September 17, 2020

Yellow Leaves

Yellowing leaves on Scindapsus Argyraeus can be caused by lack of light, too much light, overwatering, underwatering, nutrient deficiency, overfertilization, recent disruption of the roots, changes in temperature and humidity, presence of pests, and many others.

If you’re confused, don’t worry! Gardening requires trial and error to figure out the ideal conditions for your plants, and even master gardeners are learning new things every day. 

It is usually encouraged to prune off yellowing leaves so the plant won’t waste its energy trying to “save” the leaf instead of supplying nutrients to new leaves.

Root Rot

A typical cause of death for the S. Argyraeus is root rot, which occurs when you overwater your plant. Remember to only water when the top 1-2 inches of soil dries out.

Poor drainage is another source of root rot, and this Scindapsus needs a standard commercial potting soil that drains well.

When choosing a pot for your plant, ensure there are drainage holes to allow excess water to flow through. Clay pots and unglazed ceramic planters can also help absorb moisture from the soil and slowly release it into the air.

Similar Plants

Love Satin Pothos? Here are other similar plant options you should check:

Scindapsus Pictus: – The word “pictus” comes from the Latin meaning “painted.” With their lovely splashes, its variegated leaves look hand-decorated and can brighten up any interior garden.

Scindapsus Pictus Exotica – The dark green leaves of this gorgeous trailing plant have speckled silver patterns that add to its overall appeal. It’s another excellent choice for plant lovers who adore hanging plants with velvety leaves. 

Conclusion

The Scindapsus Pictus Argyraeus, with its attractive variegation, is an excellent addition to any plant lover’s collection.

Whether you’re starting out as an indoor gardener or you’re a long-time hobbyist who’s learning more about this beautiful plant, we hope you’ve learned some helpful tips from us to successfully grow your Scindapsus Pictus’ Argyraeus and other tropical plants!

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