The Satin Pothos Plant is an excellent low-maintenance houseplant that thrives in a wide range of indoor environments. Its easy care requirements make it ideal for beginners and experienced growers alike.
This article will cover the basics of growing Satin Pothos plants, including light requirements, soil types, watering frequency, and more. In addition to a general overview, we’ll discuss some common problems affecting your pothos plant’s health and offer tips on how to fix them.
Related: 20+ Types of Pothos and Varieties
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About Satin Pothos
Satin Pothos, or Scindapsus pictus, is native to many regions in Southeast Asia. It is sometimes also referred to as the Silver Pothos in some texts.
Satin Pothos is a trailing vine with crisp green leaves and silvery grey splotches that make it look almost shiny. An easy-to-grow houseplant with thick, juicy vines and pretty leaves, the Satin Pothos loves hanging off of things like poles, trellises, walls, or furniture—it doesn’t matter so long as there’s something for it to cling onto!
However, that’s not all it can do. Many gardeners prefer having their Satin Pothos grow in pots as standard potted houseplants. The Satin Pothos and its cultivars are among the most popular Pothos plants available in the market.
Satin Pothos Care
Satin Pothos is a trailing tropical plant that requires similar conditions in order to thrive. It doesn’t demand much from the gardener beyond the basics.
Light
The Satin Pothos plant thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight will scorch the leaves. Keep out of the sun and away from windows that receive direct sunlight.
The best place to position the plant is on a table or countertop near an east-facing window. This will provide the right amount of light for your Pothos.
Soil
Satin Pothos plant prefers to be planted in well-drained soil. If the soil is too dense and heavy, it will inhibit proper drainage and prevent roots from growing freely. A light potting mix that contains perlite or pumice works best.
Water
The Satin Pothos plant requires moderate watering. Water the plant when the top inches of the potting medium are dry to touch but before it becomes bone dry.
During active growth periods, water your Pothos every two days. You’ll want to ensure that the soil’s top inch is moistened but not saturated before allowing it to drain completely.
Temperature and Humidity
The Satin Pothos plant likes to be kept in temperatures that range between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore, it is important not to expose the plant to temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit or above 85 degrees, as this may cause your plant to die.
It also appreciates high humidity (around 50-70%), which helps the plant retain its color and prevents it from drying out. If you’re having trouble keeping your plant’s humidity levels high, try placing it in a room with a humidifier or placing a water tray filled with pebbles underneath the pot.
Fertilizer
The Satin Pothos plant doesn’t require much fertilizer. A once-a-month application of a balanced fertilizer will be sufficient. You can use either an organic or chemical fertilizer, but remember that chemical fertilizers may burn your plant’s leaves if the pH levels are too high.
Pruning
Satin Pothos plants are climbers and require the necessary upkeep to keep them from straying from the right path. You’ll need to prune your pothos plant regularly, but you should also allow it to grow freely and naturally. The best way to get the right shape is by allowing the stems to wrap around something like a trellis or pole.
Potting and Repotting Satin Pothos
Satin Pothos are vigorous growers that can easily outgrow their container. You should repot your satin pothos every one to two years or when it has grown too large for its current pot. If the roots begin to grow over the edge of the container, you’ll know it’s time for a new one.
When you repot your plant, consider using a larger container and adding more soil so that it fills up more space.
Spring or summer are the best times to repot your Pothos.
Prepare
How to Repot (Step-by-Step)
- Remove the pot from the plant and set it aside. Gently remove any soil clinging to the roots with your fingers or a spoon.
- Use pruning shears to cut off any dead or dying leaves.
- Place your Pothos into the new container, ensuring that it sits above the rim by at least an inch. Fill around the roots with the potting mix.
- Gently push the potting medium down around the roots, taking care not to damage them.
- Water thoroughly and place the plant in a bright location out of direct sunlight.
- Pothos need humidity in order to thrive, so misting them regularly will help keep them healthy and green.
Propagating Scindapsus pictus by Cuttings (Step-by-Step)
Stem cuttings are the most commonly used propagation method for the Scindapsus pictus. This is because the plant is hardy and easy to propagate, making it a good choice for beginning gardeners who want to learn more about growing plants from cuttings.
The following steps will help you create new pothos plants from stem cuttings:
- Choose a healthy pothos with at least 2-3 leaves to work with.
- Cut off a 3-inch long piece of stem from the plant, including the part with at least one leaf node.
- Place the cut end in water until you are ready to put it into rooting hormone powder.
- Mix the rooting powder with water in a container until it forms a paste. Dip the cut end of the stem cutting into this solution.
- Fill a pot with a mixture of soil and perlite, about one-third each.
- Place the cut end into this mixture so that it’s standing upright.
- Cover the pot with plastic wrap to help retain moisture in the soil and keep out pests.
- Wait for roots to appear, then transplant in a new pot.
Blooms
Satin Pothos are primarily grown for their gorgeous foliage. The flowers are inconspicuous and rarely appear on cultivated houseplants.
Toxicity
Satin Pothos is toxic to dogs, cats, and humans. It can cause stomach upset, vomiting, and diarrhea. The plant may also irritate the skin. Keep it away from children and pets to avoid accidental poisoning.
NOTE: This page is not intended as a substitute for veterinary advice. The toxicity of an ingested substance varies depending on the amount ingested, the animal’s weight, and its sensitivity to specific allergens. Contact your veterinarian or local animal poison control center immediately if you think your pet may have ingested a toxic substance.
Common Pests
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, white, and have a cottony appearance. They can be difficult to get combat because they hide in hard-to-reach places, like between leaves and under the soil surface. You may need an insecticide to eradicate these pests from your home or office.
Scale Insects
Scale insects are tiny, hard-shelled pests that feed on the sap of your Pothos. They’re often found on the undersides of leaves and stems. Remove these pests by hand or with rubbing alcohol.
Spider Mites
Spider Mites are tiny, spider-like insects that suck sap from plants and cause yellowing leaves and webbing on stems. A strong blast of water can help dislodge them from their hiding places in the soil. If you notice webs covering your plant, spray it with insecticidal soap or neem oil once every week for two months to get rid of these pests.
AVOID
- Overwatering
- Placing under harsh sunlight
- Using poorly drained potting mediums
- Fertilizing during dormancy
Common Problems
Yellowing Leaves
If you notice your Pothos leaves turning yellow, first check the soil to make sure it’s not too wet or dry. These plants prefer moist soil but can’t handle standing in water. Water when the top layer of potting medium feels dry to the touch, and don’t allow it to sit in water for long periods. You can also try moving your Pothos closer to a window or placing it under a grow light if they don’t receive enough natural sunlight.
Also, check that the light levels are right. Too little or too much light can also sometimes cause the leaves to become yellow.
Brown Leaves
Browning leaves are usually caused because of too little water or low humidity. If you have a plant with browning leaves, try giving it more water. Make sure the potting medium is moist but not completely saturated. You can also try to increase humidity in your plant’s room by placing a humidifier nearby or misting the leaves every morning.
Leggy Growth
If your plant is growing very tall and the leaves are pale, it may be that the plant isn’t getting enough light. Try moving it closer to a window or placing it under a grow light if they don’t receive enough natural sunlight.
