In the Tropical Garden - Scindapsus
Add some “wow” to winter 2025 and perk up your tropical plant collection with a few Scindapsus!
The Scindapsus genus of plants are slow growing epiphytic, climbing vines. They are found in the tropical rainforests of South East Asia, climbing tree trunks with the help of their aerial roots. They are known as “shingling” plants as the leaves and stems flatten themselves to their host tree trunks, rapidly growing upwards in their native habitat.
There are many species, varieties/cultivars in the genus Scindapsus. They are best known for their various patterned gorgeous silver/green blister variegated leaves. The leaves have a silver, shiny appearance that stands out in a bright light location. They also help filter and clean the air in your home.
Two Scindapsus species are usually sold in garden centres. These are pictus and treubii. Each species produce different cultivars/varieties that are commonly sold in garden centres but others are rare, pricier and found in greenhouse specialty departments.
Scindapsus are often confused with Pothos. Pothos and Scindapsus are in the same plant family (Araceae) but belong to separate genera. Pothos belongs to the Genus Epripremnum and Scindapsus to the Genus Scindapsus. Further confusion is created when some Scindapsus varieties are tagged and marketed as Pothos (such as the Satin Pothos) which are not Pothos at all.
A few varieties of scindapsus can be grown on a rough wood shingle as they prefer shingling up a tree. Others make great hanging plants. If grown as a hanging plant, turn the plant regularly to encourage new growth on all sides.
Scindapsus prefer a medium to bright indirect light location in the home. This location will ensure a full, bushy plant with larger leaves. Direct sun will burn their leaves. They can tolerate low indirect light as well but this will slow the speed of growth (which is slow even in bright light!) and the leaves will be less showy
Do not overwater Scindapsus as they can be prone to root rot. Allow the soil to dry out almost completely between waterings. This is especially important in winter or if you have your Scindapsus in a low light area. Make sure to empty the drainage tray after every watering.
If possible, supply your Scindapsus with extra humidity (50 to 55%) – again, especially important in winter. Extra humidity in the form of misting is not advised. Average home temperatures are fine; keep them away from hot or cold drafts.
Fertilize once a month in spring and summer with a ½ strength application of a balanced water soluble tropical plant fertilizer. Water the plant first before fertilization. This helps to avoid a buildup of salts in the soil.
Repot in spring and summer. (See Propagation below for the soil mix!)
Scindapsus rarely flower indoors. If you are lucky you will see a whitish-green short spadix with a central spathe. Something like a wide, short peace lily flower.
Propagation
The best time to propagate Scindapsus is in spring or early summer. They are notoriously slow to root. Many people root them in a dark container, in water that has sat out on a counter for a couple of days to get rid of any chemicals. Take a 3-4 inch tip cutting, leaving an open leaf node at the bottom and leaving at least one leaf on the upper stem. The leaf node should go below the water line. The first roots usually show in two to four weeks.
Helpful Propagation Tip! If you have a Pothos in your home, take a cutting and put it in the rooting water with your Scindapsus. Pothos produce a natural rooting hormone (auxin) that stimulates faster root growth. Change the rooting water out weekly and use fresh warm water that has sat out for a day or two.
Once roots have formed, pot them up individually into four inch diameter pots containing a top quality tropical soil mix containing extra perlite, coconut coir and fine to medium orchid bark. The soil mix should be very porous and airy. Make sure the new pots have excellent drainage. You can also use six inch pots – 3 cuttings to a pot – but be extra careful not to overwater. Be aware that these new plants can be very slow to establish.
Growing Tip! Various Scindapsus produce new leaves that are bright green and darken as they mature.
Scindapsus Troubleshooting
Dry, crispy leaf edges – The air is too dry. Increase humidity with a small humidifier.
Leaves are curling and wilting – Under-watered.
Yellow leaves – Over-watered.
The plant is putting out runners without leaves – Not enough light.
New growth is smaller and less vibrant – Not enough light.
The plant suddenly wilts and collapses. – Take the root ball out of the pot and check for root rot. Root rot can be present way before you notice a problem. Trim off any brown or mushy looking roots and let the soil ball almost dry out before the next watering. This is certainly not a full proof fix but will work some of the time. Make sure your pruning tools are sterilized. Root rot is why it is so important to have your Scindapsus in pots with drainage holes. Periodically check the drainage holes to make sure they are not blocked.
Like any indoor tropical plant, be on the lookout for mealy bug, spider mites and occasionally, scale. Dust leaves periodically or wipe both sides of the leaves off with warm water and a soft cloth. Soft, velvety leaves should be dusted with a very soft paintbrush.
Don’t forget that most plants naturally lose the odd leaf. Routinely check your plants which makes sure you catch any problems in the early stages.
Scindapsus that can be found at Floral Acres Garden Centre!
Check out our website for availabililty.
Scindapsus pictus ‘Silver Lady’
Scindapsus treubii ‘Moonlight’
Scindapsus are toxic to children and pets if ingested.
There are so many beautiful Scindapsus cultivars to choose from. It will make it difficult to just take ‘one’ home. Happy hunting!