Scindapsus pictus

Scindapsus pictus

Also known as: satin pothos, silk pothos, silver pothos

Scindapsus pictus
Photo: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

How do you care for a Scindapsus pictus?

Light: Bright, indirect or filtered light, with shade from hot sun. Direct sun is not tolerated. Water: Moist but well drained. UConn suggests letting the top 2.5–5 cm (1–2 in) dry between waterings; the RHS says to water sparingly outside the growing season. It is toxic to cats and dogs, so keep it out of their reach.

About Scindapsus pictus

Satin pothos (Scindapsus pictus) is a slow-growing climbing aroid from Bangladesh and Malesia, with heart-shaped, matte green leaves splashed with silver. Despite its common name, it is not a true pothos: pothos is Epipremnum, a separate genus in the same arum family. NC State Extension recommends bright indirect light, a moist but well-drained mix and 18–29 °C (65–85 °F), and says it does not tolerate cool air or direct sun. The ASPCA lists it as toxic to cats, dogs and horses.

Scindapsus pictus quick facts

Botanical name
Scindapsus pictus
Family
Araceae (arum family)
Native to
Southeast Bangladesh and western and central Malesia
Light
Bright, indirect or filtered light, with shade from hot sun. Direct sun is not tolerated.
Water
Moist but well drained. UConn suggests letting the top 2.5–5 cm (1–2 in) dry between waterings; the RHS says to water sparingly outside the growing season.
Temperature
18–29 °C (65–85 °F). Missouri Botanical Garden warns that air below 16 °C (60 °F) can damage the leaves.
Size
46–91 cm (1.5–3 ft) indoors, trained on a stake or trailing from a basket; up to 3 m (10 ft) climbing in its native habitat.
Common cultivars
'Argyraeus' (small dark green leaves with silver edges), 'Exotica' (larger silver splashes), 'Silvery Ann' (lance-shaped leaves with large silver blotches).
Propagation
Stem cuttings with at least one node.
Cats and dogs
Toxic. Toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The ASPCA lists insoluble calcium oxalates for satin pothos (Scindapsus pictus), causing oral irritation, pain and swelling of the mouth, tongue and lips, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. Source: ASPCA

Sources: NC State Extension: Scindapsus pictus; UConn Home & Garden Education Center: Scindapsus (2026); Missouri Botanical Garden: Scindapsus pictus; RHS: Scindapsus pictus 'Argyraeus'; ASPCA: Satin Pothos

Scindapsus pictus guides

Scindapsus Pictus care at a glance

Light
Bright indirect. Wants bright, indirect light — sensitive to both extremes. Too much direct sun causes burns, too little causes stretching. Grow lights: Thrives under artificial grow lights (LED or fluorescent, 10-12 hours/day). A great option if your space lacks natural light.
Watering
Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry. Adjust with the seasons — less in winter, more in summer.
Humidity
Loves higher humidity (60%+). If your air is dry, group it with other plants, use a pebble tray, or run a humidifier nearby.
Temperature
Standard room temperature (60-80°F / 15-27°C) is perfect. Avoid cold drafts and sudden temperature swings.
Soil
Needs well-draining soil — add perlite or orchid bark to a standard potting mix. Good drainage is critical to prevent root rot.
Pets
Toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The ASPCA lists insoluble calcium oxalates for satin pothos (Scindapsus pictus), causing oral irritation, pain and swelling of the mouth, tongue and lips, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing.
Difficulty
Intermediate

Common Scindapsus pictus problems, answered

Questions about Scindapsus pictus

Is Scindapsus pictus toxic to cats and dogs?

Toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The ASPCA lists insoluble calcium oxalates for satin pothos (Scindapsus pictus), causing oral irritation, pain and swelling of the mouth, tongue and lips, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing.

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