Satin pothos (silver vine) Scindapsus pictus
Satin pothos (silver vine) (Scindapsus pictus) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the Araceae family, native to South-east Asia (Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Borneo, Java, Sulawesi, the Philippines). It grows 1–3 m (3.3–10 ft) tall and 50 cm–1 m (20 in–3.3 ft) wide, wants shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about 13 °C (55 °F). Space plants about 40 cm (16 in) apart.
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Satin pothos (silver vine) at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Araceae |
| Mature height | 1–3 m (3.3–10 ft) |
| Mature spread | 50 cm–1 m (20 in–3.3 ft) |
| Spacing | 40 cm (16 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Shade, at least 2 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About 13 °C (55 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 12) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Wind tolerance | None |
| Pollinator value | None |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | South-east Asia (Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Borneo, Java, Sulawesi, the Philippines) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇲🇾 Malaysia, 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇵🇭 Philippines, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany |
Is Satin pothos (silver vine) toxic?
- People: moderately toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: moderately toxic
- Parts: all parts, sap
Contains needle-like calcium oxalate crystals: chewing it causes burning, swelling and drooling in people, cats and dogs; the sap can irritate skin.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Satin pothos (silver vine)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like shade and moderate water.
Questions about Satin pothos (silver vine)
- How far apart should I plant Satin pothos (silver vine)?
- About 40 cm (16 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 50 cm–1 m (20 in–3.3 ft).
- Does Satin pothos (silver vine) need full sun?
- Shade: at least 2 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Satin pothos (silver vine) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Satin pothos (silver vine)?
- It tolerates about 13 °C (55 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 12.
- Is Satin pothos (silver vine) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people moderately toxic. Contains needle-like calcium oxalate crystals: chewing it causes burning, swelling and drooling in people, cats and dogs; the sap can irritate skin.
- What grows well with Satin pothos (silver vine)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Satin pothos (silver vine). Group it with plants that like the same sun (shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
Notes and assumptions
- A tropical plant: outdoors only in frost-free, humid climates; elsewhere a houseplant for bright, indirect light that likes warmth and humidity and hates cold draughts.
- Thick, matt, heart-shaped leaves splashed with shimmering silver spots (‘Argyraeus’, ‘Exotica’), on trailing or climbing stems. Slower and more drought-tolerant than common pothos.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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