Selling size: Single Plant | 2.5" Pot Included
The Scindapsus Pictus Exotica, also known as the silver pothos, is a houseplant with large, dark green leaves that have silver spots and mottling.
Here's a guide to caring for your Scindapsus pictus Exotica plant:
Light:
Prefers bright, indirect light. An east or west-facing window that's about 3 feet away is ideal.
It can tolerate medium to low light, but growth will be minimal, and the silvery variegation might not be as strong.
Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves. If near a sunny window, use a sheer curtain.
Water:
Water when the top 1-2 inches of the soil feel dry to the touch.
The leaves may start to curl inward when the plant is thirsty, which is a good indicator.
Water thoroughly until water drains from the bottom of the pot. Ensure you empty any excess water from the saucer to prevent root rot.
Avoid overwatering, as soggy soil can lead to root rot, which is a common issue. Yellowing leaves can also be a sign of overwatering.
Water less frequently during the winter months when the plant's growth slows down.
Soil:
Use a well-draining potting mix that retains some moisture. An ideal mix would be airy and chunky to allow for good drainage and root aeration.
A combination of equal parts orchid bark, coco peat, potting soil, and perlite is a good option. You can also use a mix of tropical potting soil, perlite or pumice, and orchid bark.
Temperature and Humidity:
Ideal temperatures range from 18°C to 29°C (65°F to 85°F). Avoid placing the plant near cold drafts or air conditioning vents.
While it can tolerate average household humidity, Scindapsus exotica prefers medium to high humidity (40-60%). You can increase humidity by:
Placing the pot on a pebble tray filled with water (ensuring the bottom of the pot isn't sitting directly in the water).
Using a humidifier.
Misting occasionally can help, but be mindful of not overdoing it, as the aerial roots can also absorb moisture.
Fertilizer:
Feed during the growing season (spring and summer) once a month with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength.
Avoid fertilizing during late fall and winter when the plant is not actively growing.
Over-fertilizing can damage the plant. If you suspect over-fertilization, flush the soil by running water through it for a few minutes.
Pruning:
Prune in spring or summer to control the plant's size and shape or to encourage a bushier growth habit.
Use clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors to trim any long or leggy vines or damaged leaves.
You can propagate the cuttings to grow new plants.
Potting and Repotting:
Repot every 1-2 years or when the plant outgrows its current pot (you'll see roots growing out of the drainage holes).
Choose a pot that is 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the previous one and has drainage holes.
Repotting is best done in the spring or summer.
Climbing and Support:
Scindapsus exotica is a vining plant and will appreciate having something to climb on, such as a moss pole or trellis. This can also encourage larger leaf growth as the plant matures.
It also looks great in hanging baskets, allowing the vines to trail.
Scindapsus Pictus Exotica Common Problems:
Root rot: Caused by overwatering. Ensure well-draining soil and allow the topsoil to dry out between waterings.
Yellow leaves: Can be a sign of overwatering or too much direct sunlight.
Curling leaves: Can indicate either underwatering or overwatering. Check the soil moisture to determine the cause.
Brown leaves: May be due to too much intense sunlight or not enough moisture.
Leggy growth (long spaces between leaves): Usually caused by insufficient light.
Scindapsus Pictus Exotica Propagation:
Easily propagated through stem cuttings.
Take a 4-6 inch stem cutting with at least one node (the point where a leaf grows from the stem). Remove the lower leaves.
You can root cuttings in water or directly in moist potting soil or sphagnum moss.
If rooting in water, place the cutting in bright, indirect light. Roots should form in a few weeks. Ensure the cut ends are submerged. Change the water every 1-2 weeks.
Once roots are about an inch long, you can pot the cutting in soil. Keep the soil consistently moist initially.
Propagation is best done in the spring.
Toxicity:
Scindapsus Pictus Exotica plant is toxic to pets if ingested, causing irritation of the mouth and digestive tract. Keep them out of reach of curious animals.
