Satin Pothos

Botanical Name: Scindapsus pictus 'Argyraeus'

Satin Pothos is just as easy to grow as its relative, golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum). Keep it warm and take care not to overwater this house plant. Cold drafts and soggy soil are two things it won't tolerate.

You'll see the best leaf color and variegation by keeping this pothos plant in bright, indirect light. You'll also keep this plant healthy by boosting the humidity around it. In fact, its variegated foliage makes this plant a beautiful addition to a terrarium.

This striking tropical plant is fairly new to house plant nurseries, and is garnering a lot of attention.

Big, heart-shaped leaves are dark-green and splashed with silvery gray, giving them a satin sheen. Its compact growth habit makes Scindapsus pictus 'Argyraeus' a beautiful hanging basket plant.

Pruning tip: Your plant will benefit from occasional pruning, which helps it to branch out and become fuller. Spring is the best time to cut it back. Use sharp pruners to avoid tearing the stems.

Repot as needed in spring. Keep it in a smallish pot with drainage holes to avoid soggy soil, which leads to root rot. Want to use a decorative pot without drainage? Use it as cachepot. Slip a plastic container with holes inside the cachepot. I use pebbles in the bottom of cachepots to keep plants above the drainage water.

Satin Pothos Care Tips

Origin: Southeast Asia

Height: Trails to 3 ft (90 cm) or more.

Light: Bright light, no direct sun.

Water: Water thoroughly and allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Keep soil barely moist in winter. Yellow leaves are usually a sign of overwatering. Provide good drainage.

Humidity: Moderate-to-high room humidity. Use a room humidifier or a humidity tray in winter.

Temperature: Average to warm 65-85°F/18-29°C. Don't expose Satin Pothos to temperatures below 65°F/18°C, even for a short time because cold air will damage the foliage.

Soil: Mix 1 part peat moss-based mix and 1 part sand or perlite for good drainage.

Fertilizer: Feed monthly spring through fall with a 20-10-10 liquid fertilizer diluted by half.

Propagation: Take 4 inch (10 cm) tip cuttings in spring or early summer and insert them into moist peat moss based potting mix.