14 Varieties Of Scindapsus

Scindapsus varieties make fabulous foliage plants with their colorful heart-shaped leaves trailing gracefully. Scindapsus are trailing tropical vines that have become incredibly popular houseplants grown for their heart-shaped leaves featuring stunning colorful variegation.

They belong to the Araceae family, which includes philodendrons and pothos. Native to Southeast Asia, there are estimated to be around 20 species of these lush foliage plants adapted to growing in rainforest conditions.

Once rare, new cultivars of Scindapsus are emerging all the time boasting unique leaf patterns and colors ranging from bold almost black varieties to luminous silver brushed looks. While still often confused with the similar pothos, 

Scindapsus offer thicker, more rigid leaves that tip characteristically sideways. 

Scindapsus Varieties

From bold variegations reminiscent of splashy abstract art to moodier iterations near black, Scindapsus types flaunt fantastic range sure to suit any style sensibilities. 

Let’s delve into some of the most popular Scindapsus types circulating in plant circles as well as promising newcomers!

1. Scindapsus Pictus ‘Exotica’

‘Exotica’ stuns with dramatic brush strokes of yellow and white against deep green backgrounds. The olive leaf centers provide alluring depth playing beautifully against brighter accents.

For optimal variegation, provide bright indirect light avoiding direct sun which burns fragile foliage. Average room temperatures around 65-80°F suit growth nicely. Check soil moisture weekly, allowing just the top inch to dry before watering thoroughly. 

Note that all Scindapsus plant contain irritating crystals called raphides making them toxic if ingested and causing skin irritation for some handlers – use caution and keep away from unsupervised children or pets.

2. Scindapsus Pictus ‘Silver Lady’

This scindapsus plant showstopper emerges almost entirely silver like living metal jewelry dripping down in graceful strands soon climbing to 10 feet long given adequate support! 

Closer inspection reveals delicate strokes of jade green for a color play both bold yet refined. Provide well-draining aroid mix amended with perlite, watering when the top couple inches become dry. Situate in medium to bright indirect light.

Monitor for common houseplant pests like spider mites which adore silver-hued leaves and treat promptly to retain unblemished luminous beauty.  

3. Scindapsus Pictus ‘Silver Sierra’

With its striking silver mirrored leaves in teardrop patterns that look like miniature garden pearls, the incredibly uncommon “Silver Sierra” fascinates as a genuine unicorn find.

‘Silver Sierra’ is a dazzling plant that, once established, tolerates moderate light and occasional drought, proving less picky than its appearance suggests.

Filtered bright rooms suit growth ideally showcasing luminous tones. Well-draining soil helps prevent potential crown rot issues.

Give this scindapsus plant plenty of admiring room to shine as it unfurls evermore entrancing foliage!

4. Scindapsus Pictus ‘Silvery Ann’

Nearly devoid of green, ‘Silvery Ann’ fools the eye looking as though dipped in liquid mercury. Closer inspection reveals hints of jade veining underscoring its elegant marbling. For less contrast, situate in shadier indirect exposures with occasional morning sun to prevent overly bleached leaves losing hints of green. 

Maintain average room humidity around 40-60% preventing overly dry air which desiccates tips. 

Given proper care, ‘Silvery Ann’ cascades extraordinarily as a suspended statement showstopper sure to elicit gasps of delight! 

5. Scindapsus Pictus ‘Argyraeus’

The ‘Argyraeus’ variety closely resembles ‘Silvery Ann’ and ‘Satin’ but proves more prolific and affordable, attaining similar height up to 10 feet tall. Mature leaves reach 5-6 inches wide eventually developing fenestrations, or slits, along the midrib. 

The deep green leaves offer eye-catching brush strokes of yellowish gray with a lovely waxy glow. ‘Argyraeus’ adapts readily to varying household conditions including lower light rooms, proving more forgiving for novice houseplant parents. Allow soil to partly dry before watering thoroughly again.  

6. Scindapsus Treubii Sumatra

Scindapsus Treubii dazzles too with its brushstroke style showing off shades of chartreuse, gray-blue and silver beautifully blanketing smaller deeply lobed leaves distinct from Scindapsus Pictus varieties.

First hailing from Sumatra, this Southeast Asian native brings jungle vibes trailing as an epiphyte or suspended in hanging planters. Well-draining soil helps avoid potential crown and stem rots from moisture excesses.

Provide indirect yet still bright enough light to maintain variegation integrity. Treubii indeed proves a bit trickier overall than Scindapsus types but rewards are properly aligned with its preferences.  

7. Scindapsus Treubii Moonlight

Just as the name suggests, silvery teardrop leaves glow as if lit from within on the ‘Moonlight’ Treubii cultivar. The metallic sheen shimmers brightly when given ample indirect light. Newer leaves emerge smaller than mature larger over time.

 Allow the soil to partly dry before watering again thoroughly. Repot every few years in spring before the mix breaks down. Propagate new plants readily by simply taking stem tip cuttings in water or moist soil mix!  

8. Scindapsus Treubii Dark

On the moody side, ‘Dark’ Treubii flaunts rich olive to near black jungle foliage with plans to climb given proper support. Despite brooding looks, ‘Dark’ adapts better than its lighter variegated cousins to lower household humidity.

 But still provide the highest light levels possible to prevent stretched internodes and maintain compact growth. 

Water less frequently allows soil to dry out a bit between irrigations for these rare Scindapsus dark beauties!

9. Scindapsus Pictus ‘Platinum’

A newer kid on the block, ‘Platinum’ stole the scene quickly with its unique green and silver spotted variegation. The pale green leaves provide a nearly neon emerald backdrop highlighted with sparkling brushstrokes that resemble beautiful metallic resin creations.

This rare Scindapsus plant appreciates slightly higher consistent humidity around 50% and medium indirect light avoiding harsh direct sun . Given ideal care, expect vigorous trailing growth while the leaves color remains stable unlike some variegated plants prone to sunburn or reverting. 

An easy yet exciting Scindapsus type for novice collectors!  

10. Scindapsus Pictus ‘Silver Hero’

Introducing ‘Silver Hero’ with broad arrowhead leaves boldly marked by strong white central veining atop matte olive green. The striking gradient shades shift intriguingly depending on lighting and angle akin to natural marble or painted pottery. 

Situate in bright well-lit rooms with filtered sun avoiding direct exposure and water moderately allowing slight drying between thorough soakings. Given arching support, ‘Silver Hero’ extends readily flaunting long dangling vines sporting unique bicolor foliage sure to elicit double takes!

11. Scindapsus Pictus ‘Jade Satin’

Frequently mistaken for Pothos, ‘Jade Satin’ indeed belongs to the Scindapsus types identifiable by the unique sideways tipping leaf angles reminiscent of tilting paper fans. The velvety leaves also prove much thicker than Pothos featuring prominently raised veins on their undersides. 

Given climbing support, ‘Jade Satin’ forms vines up to 10 feet happily showcasing olive-green teardrop leaves with a lovely waxy glow. An easygoing Scindapsus type tolerant of indirect light and occasional lapses allowing soil to partly dry before rehydrating thoroughly. 

One exception to the light-loving rule of most Scindapsus plants!

You can also checkout various varieties of pumpkins here: 13 Varieties Of Black Pumpkins

12. Scindapsus ‘Tricolor’

The Scindapsus Tricolor brightly variegated variety instantly became a sensation with its tricolored pixelated foliage bearing brush strokes of green, gray and white. The juvenile leaves showcase more vibrant hues which fade and expand a bit with maturity.

When Scindapsus tricolor is provided adequate care including well-draining soil mix, filtered bright light and moderate humidity, expect visionary vines trailing 6 feet long able to climb trellises or hang freely. 

The Scindapsus Tricolor is a gorgeous gateway for beginners yet still intriguing for experienced collectors.

For more information more about gardening you can visit: 7 Fast Growing Hedges In Florida

13. Scindapsus Pictus ‘Silver Splash’

‘Silver Splash’ stuns at first glance with dramatically brush-marked gray and silver dancing across waxy rounded green leaves. Look closely and you’ll notice an alluring embossing texture too adding dimension. Similar Scindapsus types like Scindapsus ‘Silvery Ann’ lack leaf underside markings clarifying their differences.

For prolific growth keep soil consistently moist without saturation in bright indirect light or western exposures. Given ideal support, vines climb 10 feet showcasing luminous foliage sure to illuminate any corner with eye-catching radiance.

14. Scindapsus Pictus ‘Silver Satin’

The velvety rounded leaves of ‘Silver Satin’ emerge deep green beautifully brushed with pearlescent silver resembling living paint swipes. Juvenile leaves prove the most intensely variegated, losing some contrast when maturing while still remaining utterly divine.

Provide moderately bright light to prevent foliage from losing all hints of green entirely. Allow just the top bit of soil to dry before irrigating thoroughly again. 

Given proper support, the dangling vines of this rare Scindapsus easily reach 10 feet flaunting artistic coloration sure to mesmerize! Be sure to check out this incredible varieties of Rare Calathea

Scindapsus vs. Epipremnum Differences

While still frequently confused, keen observation unveils notable differences between Scindapsus and Epipremnum pothos plants. Compare leaf thickness and textures often thicker and more rigid on Scindapsus.

 Leaf undersides may showcase prominent veining while most pothos appear more uniformly green top and bottom. And the leaf tips on Scindapsus tilt sideways rather fan-like versus straight out parallel to the ground on pothos. 

Mastering identification allows proper tailoring care to match the genus!

Scindapsus Argyraeus VS Silvery Ann

Here is a comparison of Scindapsus Pictus ‘Argyraeus’ with ‘Silvery Ann’:

Appearance

• Both have silver variegated heart-shaped leaves, but Argyraeus has more green while Silvery Ann is almost entirely silver white.

•  Argyraeus leaves are a bit smaller, around 4 inches wide. Silvery Ann leaves reach closer to 6 inches wide.  

• Older Argyraeus leaves develop elongated slits called fenestrations along the midrib. Silvery Ann leaves remain smooth without splits.

Growth Habit

• Silvery Ann grows a bit quicker than Argyraeus. Under ideal conditions, vines reach up to 10 feet long.
•  Argyraeus is a slower growing variety, topping out around 6 feet in length generally.

Care

• Argyraeus adapts more readily to a wider range of household conditions. It tolerates lower indirect light better than light-hungry Silvery Ann.
• Both need well-draining soil and to dry out moderately between waterings to prevent rot issues. 
• Silvery Ann requires brighter light to maintain maximal silvery variegation. Insufficient light causes more solid green leaves.  

Availability & Cost

• Scindapsus Argyraeus is the more common and affordable variety of the two found at most plant retailers.
• Silvery Ann remains harder to source and usually comes with a steeper price tag in the range of $70-100 or more.

So in summary – Argyraeus proves the easier care, cheaper option of the two but Silvery Ann offers more dramatically silver toned leaves when provided ideal care. 

Choose the one aligned best with your home conditions and budget!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Scindapsus variety is the easiest to care for?

Pictus ‘Argyraeus’ remains one of the most forgiving Scindapsus varieties tolerating a wider range of household conditions including lower light levels along with occasional lapses allowing soil to partly dry out between waterings. Its affordable availability also makes it a great beginner option compared to pricier unicorn finds!

How often should Scindapsus be watered?

Most Scindapsus prefer drying moderately between thorough waterings allowing the top few inches of soil to dry rather than keeping the mix constantly sopping wet.

This prevents potential issues with root rot from excessive moisture while still receiving adequate hydration. Exact watering frequency depends on light levels, humidity, container size and other factors.

Why are many Scindapsus varieties so expensive and hard to find?

Rarer color morphs like the ‘Silver Sierra’ seen online carry high price tags because they remain exceptionally unusual and demand exceeds limited supply.

These unicorn finds propagate slowly compounding shortages for coveted varieties. With patience however, availability of hot new Scindapsus varieties tends to improve after some years as stock expands eventually.

Conclusion

This guide range hopefully illuminates the diversity beyond the commonly known ‘Silvery Ann’ and similar silver-splashed varieties. While deciphering labels remains challenging still, recognizing key observable traits helps accurately ID beloved plants in your personal collections. 

Once correctly identified, care can be customized accordingly to support optimal health and growth showcasing their uniquely colorful foliage trends to the fullest potential!