Do you know that Silver Philodendron or Silver Pothos is neither a Pothos nor a philodendron? Yes! This plant is associated with numerous common names. Furthermore, it is often confused with Pothos and Philodendrons. In reality, this beautiful evergreen Aroid, Scindapsus pictus belongs to the genus Scindapsus. The word ‘pictus’ means ‘painted’. While it refers to the silver variegation patches splashed across the velvety green heart-shaped leaves.
The epiphytic climber can grow up to 3m in length and is a popular indoor foliage plant. This easy-to-care, silvery plant is beautiful enough to decorate any corner of your house. Let us learn more about the Asian native, air purifying, Silver Philodendron plant, its varieties, and their care.
Silver Philodendron Classification
Family: Araceae.
Genus: Scindapsus.
Species: S. pictus.
Genus Scindapsus
This is a genus of flowering plants in the family Araceae. The majority of the members of this genus are epiphytic vines with a climbing nature. This is closely related and often confused with its sister genus Epipremnum. Members of this genus are native to Southeast Asia, Queensland, and New Guinea including some areas from the western Pacific islands. These plants are extensively grown and hybridized to form many new plants with different features.
Difference Between Scindapsus And Epipremnum
The differentiating factor between these two genera is the number of seeds. Scindapsus produce rounded to bean-shaped seeds in a single ovule ovary. Alternatively, the Epipremnums have numerous ovules in each ovary.
Common Names of Silver Philodendron
A number of confusing common names are associated with this plant. This is due to the striking resemblance of the Silver with the plants of other genera. Moreover, some of these names are used for their specific varieties, as well as the parent plant.
- Satin Pothos.
- S.Vine.
- Silver Satin Philodendron.
- Satin Philodendron.
It is important to mention here, that some popular species of Philodendrons should not be confused with the S. pictus(Silver Philodendron). These true philodendrons include Philodendron silver-leaf, Philodendron Silver Queen, and Philodendron Silver-Streak.
Plant Features
- The vine grows up to a length of 3m (10 feet) in open ground. Howbeit, in domestic habitat, the plant usually reaches a length of around 90cm (35 inches).
- The length of a heart-shaped leaf ranges between 5 to 7cm. While the width is around 4 cm.
- The flowers of these plants are small, insignificant, and non-fragrant.
Varieties of The Silver Philodendron Plant
Let us have a look at the names and the basic differentiation for each variety;
Scindapsus pictus ‘Argyraeus’
Argyraeus, Silver Spotted Philodendron, or Satin Pothos is the most common variety. It is the winner of the Garden Merit award from the Royal horticulture society. Surprisingly, this is not a pothos but gets the name due to the resemblance in leaf structure. Mature leaves are almost completely covered with silver shade with a central dark green steak along the mid-vein.
Scindapsus pictus ‘Exotica’
You can differentiate this plant by the slightly larger leaves and the prominent silvery patches. Moreover, the silvery variegation make margins around each leaf
Scindapsus pictus ‘Silver Satin’
The leaves are similar in structure to the Exotica but have different variegation. The patches are more irregular and splash densely throughout the leaf without forming any edge.
Scindapsus pictus ‘Silvery Ann’
The shape and size of the leaf are similar to that of Argyraeus but the variegation is denser. One half is covered with silvery-grey sheen while the other half has congested silvery patches across the surface. Silvery Ann Pothos or Silver Pothos are common names for this variety.
Silver Philodendron Care
We have already discussed the plant, Epipremnum aureum. This is another low-maintenance plant, just like the members of its sister genus, Epipremnum.
Water Requirements
The plant needs an average amount of water. Let the upper 2 inches of the soil get dry before you water again. On hot days, you can water the Satin Philodendron twice or thrice a week. While once a week will be enough in winter. Importantly, in order to avoid plant issues, never over-watering, and never keep the soil soggy. Yellowing of leaves, fungus, and root rot are possible effects of overwatering.
Sunlight Requirement
Are you are looking for an ideal location to place the plant? An East-facing window is the best place to put your S.pictus. An important part of Silver Philodendron Care is bright indirect sunlight. These plants can tolerate low light but you will not notice healthier growth. Direct exposure to the fierce sun will scorch the leaves. Alternatively, inadequate light will result in the loss of leaf variegation.
Soil Requirements
These plants require well-drained soil. Moreover, you can use an all-purpose houseplant potting mix.
Temperature Requirements
Scindapsus pictus plants are not wintered hardy. An unavoidable part of the Silver Philodendron Care is to keep them warm, away from the cold drifts. The ideal temperature range for these plants is 65° to 75 F. (18 C to 24 C). A temperature below 59 F (15 C) is unbearable for the plant. Thus, we suggest transferring the plant to some warmer area, as soon as it gets cold.
Humidity Requirement
These plants have tolerance to a variety of humidity levels. Thus, you don’t need to manage or provide any extra moisture to the plant.
Fertilizer Requirement
Feed this plant once a month in the summer and spring seasons. You can dilute a 20-10-10 fertilizer. Alternatively, the plant does not need added nutrition in the colder days of fall and winter.
Pot Requirements
These vines make great hanging baskets. If you are using a terrestrial pot, add a totem for support for proper development. Additionally, the pots should have drainage holes at the base.
Silver Philodendron Propagation
These plants are easy to propagate even for beginners.
Simply take 4 to 7 inches of stem cuttings from growing tips. Plant them in moist soil or peat-moss potting mix. Now, place the pot in a warm area with medium indirect sunlight exposure keeping the soil slightly moist. Roots will develop in 3 to 4 weeks followed by the development of shoots.
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Summary
Silver Philodendron or Scindapsus pictus is a popular evergreen Aroid belonging to the genus Scindapsus. It is neither a Philodendron nor a pothos. But, it is often confused and associated with many common names referring to its close resemblance with the Philos and Pothos.
The green heart-shaped leaves have a velvety texture and patches of silver variegation. These are epiphytic climbers and make excellent hanging baskets. Moreover, this air-purifying plant has many popular cultivars including the Argyraeus and the Exotica.
