Scindapsus pictus

Scindapsus pictus, described by Hasskarl, is a climbing forest aroid widely distributed across the warm, humid lowland to hill forests of Southeast Asia. It roots along tree trunks and coarse woody supports in shaded to dappled positions with high atmospheric humidity and organic, well-drained substrates. In cultivation it is known almost universally as 'Satin Pothos', a misnomer that reflects the genus confusion common to trade names rather than any botanical kinship with Epipremnum. The species' defining feature is the irregular silver mottling over softly textured, matte ovate leaves that gives the foliage its characteristic satin sheen, combined with slightly winged petioles. Mature leaves are broader and more assertive than juvenile growth while retaining the matte finish. Pictus is among the most accessible of the climbing aroids, but the species in its full mature adult form (with large, well-silvered blades and proper climbing growth) is a more impressive plant than the small trailing juvenile specimens that typically appear in retail.

Native range

Southeast Asia (lowland to hill forest, widespread from India to Philippines)

Classification

Genus

Scindapsus

Family

Araceae

Type

Wild

Growth habit

Climbing to scandent

Morphology

Leaf shape

OvateEgg-shaped leaves, with the wider end near the base. with slightly winged petiole

Leaf length

Juvenile 5-10 cm; Adult 12-25 cm

Leaf width

Juvenile 4-8 cm; Adult 8-20 cm

Petiole colour

Slightly winged, green

Venation

Visible beneath silver mottling

Texture

Soft matte (satin) finish, moderately coriaceous

Variegation

Irregular silver mottling (natural species patterning)

Growth habit

Climbing by aerial roots at nodes