Genus

Scindapsus Care Guide: Satin Pothos, and Why It Is Not a Pothos

Thick matte leaves dusted with silver, on a trailing vine that is tougher than it looks. Sold as a Pothos, but a different genus entirely.

  • Family: Araceae
  • Native to Southeast Asia
  • Easy

Scindapsus pictus is sold almost everywhere as Satin Pothos or Silver Pothos, which is misleading. It is not an Epipremnum, and it is not a Pothos.

The differences show once you know them. Scindapsus leaves are thicker and matte rather than glossy, with a raised silver speckling, and they attach to the vine asymmetrically.

What every Scindapsus wants

Medium to bright indirect light. The silver markings fade in low light and scorch in direct sun.

The thick leaves store water, so they tolerate drying out far better than staying wet. Water when the top few centimetres are dry and no sooner.

Scindapsus are toxic to cats and dogs.