Scindapsus Pictus Argyraeus (Silver Pothos) – Care Tips
Scindapsus pictus argyraeus, the word Argyraeus is a modern Latinisation of a Greek word, usually pronounced Ar-gee-rai-yus and is derived from Latin meaning ‘Silvery’ or ‘Silver Bearing’.
This plant also goes by the name Silver Vine or Satin Pothos and is a species of flowering plant native to Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Thailand and Bangladesh).
If you’re interested in learning more about Scindapsus pictus argyraeus, then you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, I will cover some key information about Scindapsus pictus argyraeus, including an overview of the plant as well as a guide on how to take care of it.
Without further ado, let’s get started!
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Scindapsus Pictus Argyraeus Overview
Scindapsus pictus argyraeus is a trailing plant that is commonly grown as a houseplant in temperate climates due to its unique patterned leaves.
Its botanical name pictus means “painted” and refers to the silvery variegation on its velvety leaves, hence the name Silver Vine. Its beautiful matte green leaves are identified by their silvery markings that appear as if they have been splashed with silver paint.
In the wild, the climbing vines can reach up to an impressive 10 feet tall and tend to climb up trees. However, when it comes to growing this plant inside, the stems can grow to a more modest 3 foot tall.
Scindapsus Pictus Argyraeus Care Guide
Now you know a little more about the silver vine, here’s a general care guide on how to take care of this plant.
Water Requirements
The water requirements for Scindapsus pictus argyraeus are moderate, and how often you water it can depend on the season. You will need to water thoroughly and ensure that you allow the top two inches of soil to dry out in between waterings.
Bearing this in mind, it may mean watering your plant as often as once or twice a week during the summer, but less frequently in the winter.
You will need to make sure that you always use room-temperature water as opposed to cold water when watering your plant. It’s essential that you provide your plant with good drainage to ensure that the soil doesn’t become sodden with water.
You will need to make sure that you keep the soil barely moist during the winter, and make sure that you watch out for signs of overwatering. Yellow leaves, for instance, can be a sign of overwatering.
This can lead you to think the plant needs watering when in actuality, it’s the water that has caused the discolouration.
Soil
Scindapsus pictus argyraeus will grow the best in a potting mix that drains well. It cannot be stressed enough how important the drainage is when growing this plant, as waterlogged soil can quickly lead the roots to rot and the plant to become sickly.
Using organic soil potting mix can ensure healthy root development with beautiful foliage!
For this same reason, you will need to make sure that you check the soil before you water this plant. Place your fingers into the soil, and only water your plant when the first two inches have been allowed to dry.
Failure to do this will likely result in a variety of different problems due to overwatering. This can result in rot decay, yellowing foliage, and can even lead to mould growing on the surface of the soil if you’re not careful.
Light
Silver vine thrives in bright, indirect sunlight all year round. However, you will need to be wary, as direct sunlight can result in scorched leaves.
On the other hand, if your plant isn’t receiving enough light, this can lead to the plant’s leaves losing their variegation. As a result, it’s important to get their growing location just right.
You may have to try a few different locations and wait to see if your plant is showing signs that it needs to be moved.
If the Scindapsus pictus argyraeus is growing in direct sunlight, you will need to make sure that it is protected behind a sheer curtain to ensure the sun doesn’t scorch the plants’ leaves.
Temperature and Humidity for Scindapsus Pictus Argyraeus
Scindapsus pictus argyraeus tends to grow the best in standard room temperatures. For the plant to thrive, you will want to try to keep it in a room that has a temperature between 65 and 85°Fahrenheit.
It’s important to note that Scindapsus pictus argyraeus doesn’t do well when it is subjected to sudden temperature changes. As a result, it’s best to keep the trailing vines away from drafty windows or air-conditioning units.
Using a Thermo hygrometer can give your accurate temperature and humidity level readings for indoor plants’ well-being.
In addition to this, you will need to make sure that you protect the potted houseplant from getting too hot, so should keep it away from a hot radiator.
The minimum room temperature that your plant can handle is 60° Fahrenheit. However, it’s important for you to know that cold temperatures have the potential to damage your plant’s beautiful leaves.
You will need to bear this in mind if you’re leaving your plant unattended for long stretches of time, as you don’t want to return home to a dead plant.
Fertilizer
When it comes to fertilizer, Scindapsus pictus argyraeus benefits from a balanced houseplant fertilizer. That being said, you will need to make sure that this fertilizer has been diluted to half-strength, and only apply it to the soil every four weeks during the growing season.
When it comes to late fall and throughout the winter when your plant isn’t growing, you will not need to fertilize your plant during this time. It’s essential that you don’t over-fertilize your plant, as this can kill the plant if you’re overzealous with the fertilizer.
It’s also important to mention that to prevent mineral salts from building up in your houseplant potting soil, you should flush the soil every few months.
To do this, simply pour large quantities of water through the soil and let it drain out the holes at the base of the plant pot, as this should get rid of the excess fertilizer.
Pruning
Scindapsus pictus argyraeus is very low maintenance, and there is little pruning required to keep it under control when it is grown as a houseplant.
It can take years for your plant to reach its mature height of around three feet. That being said, you will need to make sure that you take the time to trim long stems that have sparse foliage.
If you find that you have yellowing leaves or want to propagate your plant, you will also need to prune it in these circumstances, too.
Consider using quality plant pruners for a nice clean cut!
Summary
So, there you have Scindapsus pictus argyraeus! Hopefully, after reading this article you will have a better understanding of this plant and how to take care of it.
When grown in the right conditions, silver vine truly is a remarkable and stunning plant to behold.
Good luck taking care of your plant!
