Scindapsus argyraeus in pot

Credit: Dana L. Brown

Scindapsus argyraeus climber

Credit: Agnes Trekker

Green and silver leaves Scindapsus pictus argyraeus

Credit: Wendy Cutler

Silver-spotted green leaves Scindapsus pictus argyraeus

Credit: Dana L. Brown

Scindapsus pictus 'Argyraeus', a silver pothos

With its velvety silver-green leaves, Scindapsus pictus 'Argyraeus' follows in the footsteps of its ancestor, scindapsus pictus (Scindapsus pictus). But this cultivar prefers discretion. Its leaf blades are smaller and the variegation less pronounced.

How to recognize silver pothos, Scindapsus pictus 'Argyraeus'?

Scindapsus pictus 'Argyraeus' is a terrestrial perennial with a climbing or drooping habit. Its vines can reach two meters in length.

The stem has aerial roots on the underside. These enable the plant to cling to trees or to its support.

On the other side of the stem grow the heart-shaped, velvety limbs. Dull green, they are criss-crossed by silver splashes and streaks. These patterns distinguish Scindapsus pictus 'Argyraeus' from Scindapsus pictus 'Silvery Ann' and Scindapsus pictus 'Exotica''. Both have larger leaves and broad variegation.

Scindapsus pictus 'Argyraeus' rarely flowers when grown indoors in pots. In the wild, it blooms in summer. The flowers resemble those of other Araceae: a white spathe surrounding a creamy spadix.

Scindapsus pictus 'Argyraeus' is toxic to the touch and if swallowed. It causes skin irritation and digestive problems. Keep your plant out of the reach of pets and small children. Wear gloves when pruning and repotting.

Our maintenance tips

Scindapsus pictus 'Argyraeus' plants like light but not direct sunlight. Place your plant behind a window screened by a curtain so that its foliage reveals all its beauty!

Watering

To find out if your plant is thirsty, stick your finger in the soil. When the surface is dry (about three centimetres), then you need to water your Scindapsus pictus 'Argyraeus'. Scindapsus pictus 'Argyraeus' plants like moisture, but not stagnant water. Make sure that the potting soil remains moist, but that the rootlets are not drowned.

If you can, use non-calcareous water such as rainwater or filtered water.

Also make sure that water doesn't stagnate in the saucer or planter.

Repotting

Every spring, repot your Scindapsus pictus 'Argyraeus' to give it more space.

To repot your Scindapsus pictus 'Argyraeus', choose a perforated pot and install clay balls at the bottom. This promotes drainage and prevents standing water.

Choose a nutrient-rich potting soil to promote plant growth. Place your Scindapsus pictus 'Argyraeus' in the center of the pot, about two centimeters below the rim.

Scindapsus pictus 'Argyraeus' plants like to hang on. Give them a stake to climb on!

Fertilization

To promote the growth of your Scindapsus pictus 'Argyraeus', apply fertilizer in spring and summer.

To support your plant's growth, feed it every two weeks with a liquid houseplant fertilizer.

Cleaning

Dust prevents the plant from photosynthesizing. Clean the leaves of your Scindapsus 'Argyraeus' with a soft, clean cloth.

Pinch

Pinch your Scindapsus pictus 'Argyraeus' during its growing season.

There may be several reasons why you want to deadhead your Scindapsus pictus 'Argyraeus': to contain its growth, to multiply the plant or to stimulate its development.

Use your fingers or sharp, disinfected secateurs to cut between two knots.

Wear gloves when handling your plant.

Cutting

Cutting is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.

Take a portion of stem with three or four nodes. Remove the leaves at the base.

Cut your cutting with a clean, sharp tool, such as secateurs or scissors.

Place your cutting in a glass of water at room temperature. Change the water regularly to keep it clear.

Place your graft in a bright spot away from direct sunlight while the roots develop.

Diseases / Threats

Information

Family	Araceae - Araceae
Type	Scindapsus - Scindapsus
Species	Spotted Pothos - Scindapsus pictus
Lifecycle	Perennial
Foliage	Evergreen
Exposures	Sun Half-shade
Substrats	Clay soil Humus soil Sandy soil
Planting method	In pots
Categories	Climber Interior Hanging plants
Tags	Beginner Toxic
Origins	South Asia Southeast Asia
Hardiness (USDA)	11a
Leaf color
Flower colors