Plant Breakdown: The Difference Between Scindapsus Varieties
So you're a little confused about which Scindapsus variety is which? Join the club! With all the varieties that exist, each with slightly different variegation, leaf shape, or leaf texture from the next, it's no wonder we get some of these varieties mixed up with each other. This guide will help you compare their leaf shapes, silver markings, and textures, so you can identify your plant or choose your next one.
You may see Scindapsus sold under names such as Satin Pothos or Silver Philodendron, but Scindapsus is a separate genus from both Epipremnum and Philodendron. Two species commonly grown as houseplants are Scindapsus pictus and Scindapsus treubii. Below, we'll compare familiar varieties and nursery names from this group.
Quick comparison: which Scindapsus is which?
| Name | Main feature to compare |
|---|---|
| Argyraeus | Smaller, heart-shaped green leaves with scattered silver markings |
| Exotica | Broad leaves with larger silver patches |
| Silvery Ann | Heart-shaped leaves with irregular, sometimes extensive silver coverage |
| Silver Splash | Mottled silver-and-green foliage; check the nursery label |
| Jade Satin | Broad, rich green leaves without the familiar silver pattern |
| Moonlight | Elongated, thick leaves with a silvery-green surface |
| Dark Form | Elongated, glossy leaves in deep green |
Compare several mature leaves rather than identifying a plant from a single leaf. Appearance varies, and some nursery names need additional verification.
Scindapsus Pictus
Scindapsus pictus includes familiar varieties such as ‘Exotica’, ‘Argyraeus’, and ‘Silvery Ann’. We'll also look at other Scindapsus nursery names you may encounter. Let's compare their colouring, leaf shape, and texture.
Scindapsus pictus 'Exotica'
A stunning variety, the Exotica is an incredible houseplant, often referred to as Satin Pothos or Silver Satin Pothos (even though it is not a Pothos at all). With thick, broad leaves, almost as stiff as cardboard, and the majority of each leaf covered in silver, their foliage can grow to be the size of your hand! The asymmetrical shape of each leaf, hooked slightly off-kilter at the bottom tip, adds to their unique appearance.
Scindapsus 'Silver Splash'
Sold here as Scindapsus ‘Silver Splash’, this plant has dappled silver-and-green foliage that invites comparison with ‘Exotica’. That being said, the leaves are just as large, thick, and impressive as the Exotica leaves, but have a more silvery-blue appearance. Although not as bright and vibrant as other Scindapsus varieties, this variety is still so beautiful.
Scindapsus 'Jade Satin'
Another Scindapsus with broad, thick, cardboard-like leaves, the Jade Satin variety is very similar to the Exotica and Silver Splash in leaf shape and texture, but with absolutely no silver. The incredible leaves are a rich, deep green, especially along the veins, with some slightly lighter green streaked throughout. In the right light and angle, they have a slight sheen, making their dark foliage quite mesmerizing.
Scindapsus pictus 'Argyraeus'
With smaller, delicate, heart-shaped leaves, the Argyraeus is known as Silver Philodendron (even though, again, it is not a part of the Philodendron genus). Its foliage is much softer than the Exotica, with dark green, iridescent leaves splattered with silver, which results in much sparser variegation. If given support, it can grow on walls or totems, but they are usually grown as a trailing plant in the home.
Scindapsus pictus 'Silvery Ann'
Just like the Argyraeus, Scindapsus 'Silvery Ann' has softer foliage, with the classic Scindapsus hook at the bottom tip of its leaves, giving the usual asymmetrical shape. However, this variety has more extensive silver variegation, some leaves even looking as though they have been dipped in silver paint. The amount of silver varies from leaf to leaf: some are lightly marked, while others have large areas of silver.
Scindapsus 'Silver Hero'
A harmonious blend of bold and subtle, the 'Silver Hero' is a standout in the Scindapsus family. Its leaves are large, akin to the 'Exotica', but with a distinctive silver variegation that streaks across the deep green foliage like a brushstroke. This variegation style, combining broad silver areas with a dark green backdrop, gives each leaf a dramatic, yet elegant appearance. The classic Scindapsus leaf shape, complete with an asymmetrical hook, is beautifully outlined in silver, making 'Silver Hero' a perfect blend of artistry and nature.
Scindapsus 'Platinum Java'
Sold as Scindapsus ‘Platinum Java’, this plant has broad leaves with a frosty silver sheen. The leaves' unique metallic finish not only shimmers and shines in the light but also adds depth and dimension to its appearance, making it a standout among houseplants.
Scindapsus 'Silver Lady'
Similar in appearance to both Exotica and Argyraeus, the Silver Lady has leaves that are not as large as the Exotica but not as small as the Argyraeus. The variegation is also quite unique, like the reverse of the Argyraeus with the majority of the leaf being silver with small splotches of green. There is also a fine line of silver outlining each leaf, following the classic asymmetrical shape and hook.
Scindapsus Treubii
Two familiar forms of Scindapsus treubii are ‘Moonlight’ and ‘Dark Form’. Both have thick, elongated leaves, with a clear contrast between Moonlight's silvery-green foliage and Dark Form's deep green colour. Let's look at each.
Scindapsus treubii 'Moonlight'
Moonlight is a stunning houseplant, with milky-green leaves having a central, dark green vein and outer edging. This fantastic vine is quite slow-growing but an elegant addition to your home, with those thick, glossy leaves it certainly makes a statement.
Scindapsus treubii 'Dark Form'
If you have ever been looking for a houseplant that is almost black in appearance, look no further. Even though it is essentially just a very, very dark green, the almost-black foliage is incredibly glossy, without any sort of variegation present.
Now that we have outlined the most popular or readily available Scindapsus varieties, you can start identifying what you have and figuring out what they need. Below, you can find a quick care guide that goes over the basic care instructions for these stunning houseplants, as not only are they beautiful, but they are quite simple to care for and enjoy as well.
Scindapsus Care Guide
Lighting:
Scindapsus generally do best in bright, indirect light. Some tolerate lower light, but growth may slow and become less full. Avoid harsh direct sun, which can damage the leaves.
Not sure where to place your plant? Our houseplant lighting guide can help you choose a spot.
Watering:
Check the potting mix before watering and let the upper portion dry. Water thoroughly, allow excess water to drain, and empty any water left in the saucer or decorative pot. Adjust to how quickly the soil dries rather than using a fixed schedule. Curled leaves can occur when a plant is too dry or too wet, so check moisture and drainage before adding more water.
For more help checking the soil and adjusting your routine, read our guide to when and how to water houseplants.
Humidity:
Scindapsus ‘Moonlight’ can tolerate average household humidity. If your home is particularly dry and you want to increase humidity, use a humidifier. Daily misting only raises humidity briefly while the droplets evaporate.
Fertilizing:
Feed while your plant is actively growing, following the fertilizer label for dilution and frequency. Reduce or pause feeding when growth slows rather than relying on a fixed May-to-August calendar.
Learn more about how to feed your houseplants.
Toxicity:
Since they are toxic to both humans and pets, due to the calcium oxalate crystals that all parts of the plant contain, Scindapsus are best kept away from children and animals.
Propagating:
Although they can be propagated, just remember that they are slow growers, so be patient. The best way to propagate would be by water propagation or soil propagation. Use clean shears to snip off a vine, with at least 2 leaves, and remove the leaf on the node closest to the cut end, unless there is already an exposed node. This node will be placed in the soil or water, as that is where the new roots will grow from. Then, wait for roots to form! With these cuttings, you can either make the original plant more full or you could start a whole new plant.
Follow our guide to propagating from cuttings for the next steps.
Since a lot of the above varieties are commonly associated with the Silver Pothos or Silver Philodendron name, it is no wonder why this genus of plants can be so confusing to plant owners! We hope this clears up any questions you may have had about these beautiful houseplants. Prefer smaller leaves with scattered silver markings? Start with ‘Argyraeus’. For broad leaves with bolder silver patches, compare ‘Exotica’. For elongated foliage, take a look at ‘Moonlight’ and ‘Dark Form’. Browse our Scindapsus collection to compare plants and check current availability.
