Scindapsus pictus 'Exotica', a spotted pothos with large leaves

At first glance, Scindapsus pictus 'Exotica' bears a striking resemblance to Spotted Pothos. But this cultivar has something extra: its silver-speckled leaves turn out to be much larger than those of the botanical variety.

How to recognize Scindapsus pictus 'Exotica'?

Scindapsus pictus 'Exotica' is a climbing perennial whose vines can reach three meters. Leaves grow flat on their supports, like shingles on a roof.

Scindapsus pictus 'Exotica' sticks to walls or trees thanks to its sticky aerial roots. They are located on the underside of the stem, at a node.

The cordate leaves are leathery and soft to the touch. They are larger than those of the botanical Scindapsus pictus, with slightly curled tips. Several colors can be found on the same plant. Adult blades are bluish-green, while young ones are still green. But all have silver variegations and spots.

In the wild, Scindapsus pictus 'Exotica' flowers in summer. The flower consists of a white spathe surrounding a cream spadix. The phenomenon is rare indoors and only occurs on mature plants.

The plant is toxic to humans and animals. Its stem and leaves contain calcium oxalate crystals. If ingested, they cause digestive problems and mucous membrane burns. They can also cause skin irritation.

Our maintenance tips

Scindapsus pictus 'Exotica 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 'Exotica'. Scindapsus pictus 'Exotica 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 'Exotica' to give it more space.

To repot your Scindapsus pictus 'Exotica', 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 'Exotica' in the center of the pot, about two centimeters below the rim.

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

Fertilization

To promote the growth of your Scindapsus pictus 'Exotica', 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 'Exotica' with a soft, clean cloth.

Pinch

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

There may be several reasons why you want to deadhead your Scindapsus pictus 'Exotica': 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