Scindapsus Pictus Exotica is a fabulous evergreen cultivar of the Araceae family. It greatly resembles Philodendron and Pothos, but it is not one of them. It is an exceptionally beautiful vine having matte-green leaves that have silver markings on them. This plant can be grown in hanging baskets or in planters as tabletops. You will never regret buying this plant as it will beautifully adorn your home without asking for almost anything in return.
Contents
Common Names
- Philodendron Silver
- Satin Pothos
- Silver Satin Exotica
Classification
- Family: Araceae
- Subfamily: Monsteroideae
- Genus: Scindapsus
About the Genus Scindapsus
Scindapsus is a large genus of the Araceae family. It contains numerous handsome species. These species are native to Queensland, New Guinea, Southeast Asia, and many Pacific Islands.
Origin and Distribution
This plant originated from Southeast Asia. 3 gorgeous hybrids have been cultivated from it and are grown as houseplants. It is found in Sumatra, the Philippines, Sulawesi, Thailand, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Borneo, and many parts of Southeast Asia.
Scindapsus Pictus Exotica Features
Foliage and Stem
Scindapsus Exotica has charming, matte-green leaves that have silver splashes on them. These leaves are heart-shaped in their juvenile years, and they turn pinnately lobed. The leaves are 25-40 cm, being medium-sized.
Evergreen
It is an evergreen plant that stays fresh and functional throughout the year. You do not have to worry about losing its leaves in autumn. It only sheds its leaves one by one when they get old enough.
Height
This plant can grow as tall as 3 feet if grown indoors. However, if you grow it outdoors in your home garden, it can reach up to 10 feet tall. It all depends on its growing surroundings.
Temperature Tolerance
Temperature extremes are not suitable for its proper growth. Make sure the temperature doesn’t fluctuate much. Also, never place this plant in the way of hot or cold drafts. If you place its pot near an air conditioner or heater, its foliage can be damaged from it.
Humidity Tolerance
Although this plant loves high humidity, it can also grow pretty well in low humid conditions. Its leaves will take the effect but survive in low humidity. You can grow this plant in the kitchen or bathroom where the natural humidity is higher than in other rooms.
Drought Resistance
The large leaves of Silver Satin Exotica can retain water for a longer period. Its stem can also save up water for harsh conditions. It is a drought-tolerant, fairly tough plant.
Disease and Pest Resistance
This plant is susceptible to root rot. Overwatering can lead this plant to root rot and the plant’s death. You must maintain the plant’s watering frequency to protect it from harmful root rot.
Scales and spider mites are two sap-sucking pests that attack the lovely foliage of this plant. You can get rid of them by using the common insecticide. You can also try some DIY methods to keep these pests at bay.
Growth
It is a slow-growing plant that needs at least two years to attain its mature height and width. This plant’s growth rate increases in bright sunlight. So keep its pot near a windowsill to provide it with the necessary light exposure for comparatively fast growth.
USDA plant hardiness zones suitable for this plant are 11 to 12.
Toxicity
It is a toxic plant that is poisonous to humans, cats, and dogs. Its foliage can cause severe irritation, swelling, and drooling if ingested. It is better if you keep your nibbling pets and toddlers away from this plant.
Maintenance
Just like human beings, plants need care and attention. But low-maintenance plants are so easy to care for, you do not have to do much for them. Silver Exotica Pothos is also a low-maintenance plant that does not have many care needs. If you know the basics of growing a plant, you can easily grow this one.
Dormancy
During winters and late autumn, this plant enters its dormancy. During these days, you should not fertilize it at all. Extra fertilizer will add up salts in the soil and kill this plant. Also, cut down its watering frequency.
Scindapsus Pictus Exotica Care
Scindapsus Pictus care involves two times watering every week and regular misting. The temperature range for this plant is 18-29°C, and the humidity must be around 40%. It grows best in rich, organic, and slightly acidic soil (pH 6.1 to 6.5). It needs monthly fertilization.
Water Requirements
Allowing the soil to dry between watering is necessary. This plant needs moderate watering. In summers, the average watering frequency is two times every week. This is because the plant transpires more, and the soil gets dry quickly. In winters, when the transpiration rate is low, its watering frequency decreases.
Before watering the plant, always check the dampness of the soil. If the above 1-2 inches is moist, wait for some more days. If you are growing Scindapsus Pictus Exotica in an unglazed pot, it will dry out slowly than in a terracotta pot. Do not over-water this plant; overwatering welcomes root rot.
Soil Requirements
A slightly acidic, well-draining, organic-rich soil is the perfect potting mix for this plant. The pH of the soil must be around 6.1 to 6.5. Organic soil ensures the soil retains the necessary amount of moisture while allowing the rest of the water to drain. You can add shredded bark to the potting mix to increase its organic content.
You can make your own potting mix using 4 parts peat moss, 2 part perlite, 1 part vermiculite, and 1 part shredded bark. These ingredients contain all the properties that your plant needs to grow properly.
Sunlight
Scindapsus Exotica has striking variegations on its leaves. The leaves are in two shades of silver and lime green. This plant needs bright, indirect sunlight to keep this gorgeous contrast of colors. If it does not receive enough sunlight, its leaves will start to lose their color. Low light conditions are not appreciated by this plant.
This plant can also not grow in full sun. Direct sunlight can scorch and burn its leaves, so it should not be grown outdoors without shade. An east or north-facing window is the best spot for its placement.
Temperature Tolerance
The ideal temperature range for this showy plant is 18-29°C (65 to 85°F). This temperature range is not easy to maintain in extreme cold or heat. In mid-summer or mid-winter, regulate the temperature around it and keep the environment warm.
If you are growing this plant outdoors, you will have to do extra work to maintain temperature. Inside the home, temperature does not fluctuate much. This is why Scindapsus Pictus Exotics works best as an indoor houseplant.
Humidity
This plant requires 40% humidity for healthy growth. This humidity level is not as high as other tropical plants, but it is still higher than the average room humidity levels. You can try different methods to regulate the moisture around this plant. You can either mist the plant regularly or you can place its pot above a pebble tray. For this method, take a tray and fill it with pebbles. Pour water into the tray to a level that it is lesser than the pebbles. Now place the plant over the tray. As water will evaporate from the pebbles, it will increase humidity for the plant.
You can also install a humidifier in your room. It is a costly way as compared to other DIY methods. But this way, you will be doing a long-term favor for your plant.
Fertilizer
Pothos Exotica is not a heavy feeder. It does not need occasional fertilization as it is a slow-grower. Fertilize it only once a month with a good all-purpose fertilizer that has all the essential micronutrients. You can also use a slow-release fertilizer. A slow-release fertilizer will supply the plant with a constant supply of nutrients that will be available for the roots throughout the whole month.
Two important tips to remember before fertilizing the plant are to always dilute the fertilizer first and always water the soil first. There is no need to add fertilizer in winters, as the plant is technically resting during those days.
Grooming and Pruning
This Silver Exotica Pothos plant does not need to be pruned often. Its glamorous foliage does not need any trimming. But if you want to encourage branching, cut its stem tips. It will let more branches grow out of this plant. You can also trim its leaves if you want to cut them to a desired size or shape. But never forget to disinfect your shears before cutting its foliage. This will protect the foliage from getting exposed to any infections.
Repotting
Silver Satin Exotica needs to be pruned every two years. This is because it is a slow-growing plant that reaches its mature height after a couple of years. Whenever you notice any roots poking out of its drainage hole, prepare to move this lovely fella to a new pot. The new pot must be 2 inches bigger than the previous one. While repotting, always look for any signs of root rot. Remember that this plant has white roots instead of brown. If you notice any decaying roots, prune them right away.
Scindapsus Pictus Exotica Propagation
Propagation of Scindapsus Pictus Exotica is more effective if done in water than in soil-based potting mix. It must be done in the growing season to ensure faster growth of the baby plant. Its propagation is done through stem cuttings. Here is how you can propagate your Pothos Exotica:
- Take a stem cutting of several inches by using a disinfected knife.
- Remove the bottom leaves.
- Make an incision at the bottom node at 45 degrees angle.
- Take a bowl of water and place the stem cutting in it.
- Leave it there until 1 inch of new roots grows out of the cutting.
- Once new roots form, move the cutting to a proper container.
- The container must have a layer of peat moss.
- Place the pot under bright, indirect sunlight and keep watering it until a young plant forms out of it.
Summary
Silver Satin Pothos Exotica is an alluring vine of the Scindapsus genus that can be grown indoors without much hassle and problems. It is a low-maintenance, air-purifying plant that keeps your indoors beautiful, clean, and fresh. If you want to add variegated plants to your plant collection, this lovely species is a great choice.