Are you a plant enthusiast looking to expand your collection? Look no further than scindapsus! These gorgeous plants come in a variety of types, each with its own unique features and care requirements. In this article, we’ll explore 9 scindapsus varieties that you can add to your houseplant collection. Get ready to learn about their basic care, identify them with the help of pictures, and find out where to get them!
Scindapsus: A Plant Lover’s Dream
Let’s start with a quick introduction to scindapsus. These plants are a personal favorite of mine and offer endless possibilities for collectors. With numerous varieties to choose from, ranging from the common to the rare, scindapsus will capture your heart. You might have already come across the stunning print by Aaron Apsley that features these plants—I’ve seen it shared in plant groups countless times.
But how do you identify the different scindapsus varieties and find them for your collection? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!
Understanding Scindapsus Varieties
Before we dive into specific varieties, let’s go over some background information. Scindapsus belongs to the araceae family and is native to Southeast Asia, New Guinea, Australia, and Pacific islands. These vining plants thrive when climbing up poles, trellises, or trees in their natural habitat. However, they also look stunning trailing from a hanging basket, which is how I prefer to keep most of mine.
Scindapsus vs. Epipremnum Pothos
You might have heard scindapsus pictus being called “silver satin pothos.” While it shares similarities with its more common relative, epipremnum aureum (aka pothos), they are not the same plant. Both belong to the araceae family, but scindapsus and epipremnum are different genera.
Scindapsus plants require slightly more attention than pothos. Although they have similar growth patterns, scindapsus stems and leaves are thicker. They also grow at a slower pace and are more sensitive to neglect and overwatering. So while you can care for them using a similar approach, keep in mind these nuances.
Pro Tip: Check out my guide to pothos varieties to add to your collection!
Caring for Your Scindapsus Plants
To keep that beautiful silvery finish on scindapsus leaves, ensure they receive bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves. Proper watering is vital—use well-draining soil and allow it to mostly dry out before watering. If you notice the leaves curling, it’s a sign that your plant needs some water.
Humidity is a welcome addition to your scindapsus care routine. Although these tropical vines can thrive in regular household humidity, they produce larger leaves when exposed to higher humidity levels. Keep this in mind if you want to achieve optimal growth.
Remember, scindapsus plants are not frost-hardy, so bring them indoors if temperatures drop below 55 degrees Fahrenheit. But if you keep them indoors year-round, this won’t be an issue.
Let’s Explore 9 Scindapsus Varieties!
Now, let’s dive into the main event! Here are 9 scindapsus varieties that you can add to your collection. I personally own 7 out of the 9 varieties featured in the Aaron Apsley print mentioned earlier, so I’ll provide you with plenty of pictures as well.
1. Scindapsus Pictus Argyraeus
This variety, affectionately known as “argy,” is likely the most common scindapsus variety. Its dark green leaves feature small speckles and splotches of silver variegation. Argy’s leaves stay relatively small and make for a beautiful trailing plant. You can find scindapsus pictus argyraeus at big box stores, local nurseries, and online.
2. Scindapsus Pictus Silvery Anne
Silvery Anne closely resembles argyraeus, making them nearly indistinguishable at first glance. However, upon closer inspection, you’ll notice subtle differences. Silvery Anne has smaller, dark green leaves that display more contrast between the green and silver variegation. Some leaves may even be entirely silver or have a “dipped” appearance. You can find silvery Anne at local nurseries, online, or through plant swaps.
3. Scindapsus Pictus Exotica
Prepare to be mesmerized by the stunning splashes, speckles, and splotches of silver adorning the large leaves of scindapsus pictus exotica. This variety can exhibit shades of jade green, sometimes verging on mint. The stems of exotica plants are notably thick. You can find them at local nurseries, big box stores, or online.
4. Scindapsus Pictus Silver Splash
Scindapsus pictus silver splash is often mistaken for exotica, but a closer look reveals subtle differences. While both varieties have plenty of silver on their leaves, silver splash lacks a clear transition between silver and green. Don’t fret if you can’t find this variety in stores—it’s rarer compared to others. Look for cuttings online or join local plant swap groups.
5. Scindapsus Pictus Silver Lady
Silver lady closely resembles exotica, but its leaves are thinner, and the contrast between green and silver is less pronounced. This rare variety shares a striking resemblance to silver splash. To find silver lady, your best bet is to search online or join local Facebook plant swap groups.
For more on scindapsus pictus varieties, check out my articles on how to care for scindapsus pictus plants and how to propagate scindapsus pictus plants!
6. Scindapsus Treubii Moonlight
Who could forget the frenzy of 2020 when everyone was trying to find scindapsus treubii moonlight plants? These rare gems are a personal favorite of mine. Moonlight plants boast milky green leaves with a bold silver sheen. The healthier the plant, the more silver you’ll see. You can find them at big box stores, nurseries, or online. Additionally, consider joining local plant groups to swap cuttings.
For more on scindapsus treubii moonlight, check out my articles on how to care for scindapsus treubii moonlight plants and how to root scindapsus treubii moonlight and dark form cuttings!
7. Scindapsus Treubii Dark Form
Scindapsus treubii dark form is similar to moonlight in appearance, except its leaves are a dark greenish black without any silver variegation. The glossy, eye-catching foliage of this variety is truly captivating. Dark form plants are rare, so your best chance of finding one is through online sources or connections with local plant enthusiasts. I obtained mine from a friend who runs a small greenhouse in Texas. Check out my scindapsus treubii dark form article for more information.
8. Scindapsus Pictus Silver Hero
I recently treated myself to a scindapsus pictus silver hero for my birthday. This variety features fully silver leaves, similar to exotica. However, be careful not to confuse it with scindapsus lucens, which is even rarer and has a bumpy/raised texture. I couldn’t find this plant locally or through Facebook groups, so I purchased it from Etsy. Read my silver hero care article for more details.
9. Scindapsus Pictus Jade Stain
Last but not least, we have scindapsus pictus jade stain. It’s sometimes mistaken for regular jade pothos, but it is much rarer. Jade stain leaves are thicker than those of pothos, and they lack silver variegation. I rooted my jade scindapsus from a single leaf/node obtained through a local plant trade group. Despite its slow growth, the unique texture of this plant makes it a true beauty in my collection. Check out my article on how to root scindapsus jade satin cuttings to learn more!
Conclusion
These 9 scindapsus varieties are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to this stunning plant genus. You now have a great starting point to build your scindapsus collection. I hope you’ve found this guide helpful, and I can’t wait to hear which variety you add to your home!
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