Scindapsus pictus ‘Exotica,’ often referred to as satin silver pothos or philodendron, is a favored evergreen climbing houseplant belonging to the Araceae family. This remarkable plant is distinguished by its large, heart-shaped green leaves adorned with shimmering silver speckles. Although it is capable of flowering, it is quite uncommon for the ‘Exotica’ variety to produce blooms when cultivated indoors.
The growth characteristics, maintenance, and look of Scindapsus Exotica resemble those of various well-known pothos and vining Philodendron varietieshowever, it is important to note that this tropical plant is neither a pothos nor a philodendron. Exotica thrives in bright, indirect sunlight for six to eight hours, requires well-draining yet moist soil, benefits from fertilization during its growth period, and prefers temperatures above 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
All varieties of Scindapsus are regarded as harmful to cats, dogs, and horses.
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Light
In its native environment, Scindapsus pictus ‘Exotica’ thrives as an understory plant in forests, making a spot with a few hours of bright, indirect light ideal for its growth. While it can adapt to medium to low light levels, its growth will be limited in darker conditions. It’s important to keep it out of direct sunlight, as this can scorch its leaves.
Soil
This plant is prone to root rot, so it is essential to use a loose, well-draining potting mix that holds moisture without becoming waterlogged. Additionally, Exotica thrives in nutrient-rich soil that is abundant in organic matter. A great soil blend for these plants consists of equal parts orchid bark, coco peat, potting soil, and perlite, creating a mix that is light, fertile, and retains moisture while ensuring proper drainage.
Water
Water the Scindapsus pictus ‘Exotica’ when the top 2 to 3 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. It’s important to avoid letting the plant dry out entirely, as this can cause the roots to shrivel. However, the soil should not remain constantly wet, as this can result in root rot. During the summer, when the plant is in its growth phase, you may find it necessary to water it weekly, while in the winter, you can reduce the frequency of watering considerably.
Climate and Moisture Levels
Although originally found in the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia, the ‘Exotica’ thrives remarkably well in typical indoor temperature and humidity conditions. However, it benefits from additional humidity when possible. Be sure to keep the plant in environments where the temperature does not drop below 60 degrees Fahrenheit (16 degrees Celsius), and try to position it away from drafty windows or air conditioning vents whenever you can.
Scindapsus pictus ‘Exotica’ is primarily cultivated as an indoor plant because of its specific temperature needs. However, it can thrive outdoors throughout the year in USDA zones 10 to 12. If you prefer, you can place it outside during the summer months, but make sure to return it indoors before the temperatures start to fall.
Fertilizer
Along with a nutrient-rich potting soil, Scindapsus pictus ‘Exotica’ benefits from consistent fertilization throughout the spring and summer, the periods of its active growth. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during watering to promote robust growth, and cease fertilization in the fall as the plant starts to go dormant.
Varieties of Scindapsus Pictus
Scindapsus pictus ‘Exotica’ is often mistaken for its similar counterpart, Scindapsus pictus ‘Argyraeus.’
- Scindapsus pictus ‘Argyreaus’: This cultivar features smaller, deeper green foliage. Its variegation is characterized by more distinct, evenly distributed silvery spots and borders, rather than irregular patches. The term Argyreaus translates to silvery.
- Scindapsus pictus ‘Silvery Ann(e)’ features heart-shaped leaves that are a light green color with striking variegation.
Pruning
Scindapsus pictus ‘Exotica’ exhibits a trailing growth pattern, which may lead you to consider occasional pruning to manage its size and aesthetics. However, it’s important to note that ‘Exotica’ grows at a slow pace, making pruning largely unnecessary.
When deciding to trim your plant, the ideal time to do so is during the spring and summer seasons. Utilize a sharp and sanitized pair of pruning shears or scissors to trim any stems you want to reduce in length. Regular pruning can promote a denser growth pattern and a more robust look. Additionally, you can use the cuttings obtained during the pruning process to grow new plants.
Cultivating Scindapsus Pictus ‘Exotica’
Like its relative, the Scindapsus pictus ‘Argyraeus,’ the ‘Exotica’ variety can be propagated quite simply through stem cuttings. Although it grows at a slower pace, the wait is worth it, and with some patience, you’ll soon have new plants. To propagate this vine using stem cuttings, adhere to the following steps:
- Utilize a set of sharp, sanitized pruning shears or scissors to obtain stem cuttings from the parent plant, ensuring that each cutting contains three to five nodes. These nodes are the small protrusions on the stem from which leaves and aerial roots emerge.
- Remove the bottom two to three leaves from the stem of the cuttings by carefully pulling or twisting them off. This will reveal the lower nodes on the stem.
- Fill a container with fresh water at room temperature and position the cuttings inside, making sure that the cut ends with the exposed nodes are completely immersed in the water, while the upper leaves remain above the water line.
- Position the container in an area that gets several hours of bright, indirect sunlight, and remember to refresh the water weekly to maintain its quality. In a few weeks, you should observe tiny roots emerging from the nodes on the stems.
- When the roots reach a length of 2 to 3 inches, it’s time to move the cuttings from water to soil. Get a potting container ready with a soil mix that drains well, and then place the rooted cuttings into the soil.
- Thoroughly water the newly planted cuttings and return them to a well-lit area. Keep the soil consistently moist for the initial one to two weeks to assist the new roots in adapting to their environment, and then return to a regular watering routine.
Transplanting and Replanting Scindapsus Pictus ‘Exotica’
This Scindapsus thrives in its pot for several years without needing to be repotted often. When it’s time to repot, it’s best to do it in the spring or summer. Select a pot that is 1 to 2 inches bigger than the one it is currently in, and make sure it has drainage holes.
Both plastic and terra cotta pots are suitable for the Scindapsus pictus ‘Exotica.’ However, if you opt for terra cotta, be aware that you may need to increase your watering frequency, as terra cotta tends to draw moisture away from the soil, creating drier conditions.
Take the plant out of its old container and gently eliminate any extra soil clinging to the roots. Get the new pot ready with a potting mix that allows for good drainage, then transfer the plant into the new pot, ensuring to press the soil down securely around the roots. Give the plant a thorough watering and place it back in its original spot.
Frequent Insects and Plant Ailments
This Scindapsus is generally resistant to pests and diseaseshowever, it’s important to keep an eye out for typical houseplant pests such as spider mites, scale, mealybugs, thrips, and fungus gnats. Conducting regular inspections of your plant for any pest activity is an effective strategy to identify and address potential issues before they escalate into serious infestations. Additionally, avoid overwatering your ‘Exotica,’ as excessive moisture creates a favorable environment for detrimental fungi in the soil, which can lead to root rot.
Frequent Issues Encountered with Scindapsus Pictus ‘Exotica’
Scindapsus pictus ‘Exotica’ is a gradually growing species that is simple to cultivate, typically requires minimal care, and is largely trouble-free. However, certain common problems may occur if the plant’s growing conditions are not optimal.
Golden Foliage
Yellowing leaves on your plant can stem from various problems, but they typically signal overwatering or root rot. It’s important to avoid excessive watering and to let the top couple of inches of soil dry out before the next watering. If your plant isn’t overwatered yet still shows yellow leaves, it might be a sign of underwatering or insufficient light.
Absence of Variation
If this colorful plant doesn’t receive adequate light, it will start to lose its impressive silver variegation. To maintain the abundant variegation of your Scindapsus pictus ‘Exotica,’ make sure it gets several hours of bright, indirect light.
Impeded Development
This species is recognized for its gradual growth rate, so there’s no need to worry if you don’t observe significant growth annually. However, if you notice a complete lack of growth, it may indicate an issue. Typically, this suggests that your Scindapsus is not getting sufficient light, but it may also be a consequence of inadequate watering.
Twisting Foliage
If the leaves of your Scindapsus are curling, it indicates that the plant is not receiving enough water. These tropical vines prefer to dry out a bit between waterings, but they should not be allowed to completely dry out.
Do Scindapsus pictus ‘Exotica’ enjoy climbing?
Although it’s not necessary, these houseplants thrive when given a climbing support, such as a moss pole or a trellis.
What are some effective ways to accelerate the growth of my Scindapsus pictus ‘Exotica’?
This variety of Scindapsus is recognized for its slower growth rate in comparison to other types of Scindapsus. However, by creating optimal indoor conditions, you can promote quicker growth. Make sure to give it ample bright, indirect light, consistent watering, warm temperatures, a bit of humidity, and regular fertilization in the spring and summer months.
Is the Scindapsus pictus ‘Exotica’ considered uncommon?
This tropical species is a popular choice for indoor gardening and is typically not regarded as uncommon. Its accessibility in numerous nurseries and plant stores is attributed to its low maintenance requirements, attractive look, and straightforward propagation methods.
Is Scindapsus Exotica classified as a pothos or a philodendron?
Exotica is distinct from both pothos and philodendron. While it shares a similar appearance and growth habits, it belongs to a different species and genus, though it is part of the same Araceae family as pothos and philodendron.
Is there a distinction between Scindapsus pictus Exotica and silver satin pothos?
Scindapsus pictus ‘Exotica’ and silver satin pothos refer to the same species, even though it is not a genuine pothos plant.
