Satin Pothos is a vining plant known for lovely silvery variegated foliage. This plant, more formally known as Scindapsus pictus harbors a secret — it’s not a Pothos. Satin Pothos is more like a cousin to the Pothos. Find out more about the Satin Pothos and how to address common issues.
Satin Pothos Care
Despite not being a true Pothos, Satin Pothos have similar care needs and are easy to maintain. The main thing to remember with Satin Pothos is to place them in bright indirect light. As variegated plants, these leafy beauties need plenty of light to maintain their dappled silver highlights. You can learn all about Scindaspsus pictus care to ensure you give your plants the best care possible.
Is Satin Pothos the Same as Silver Satin Pothos?
Satin Pothos, Silver Pothos, and Silver Satin Pothos are the same plant. They are all varieties of Scindapsus pictus that have green leaves offset with silver variegation. All of these names are used interchangeably to describe the same plant.
How Do You Make Silver Satin Pothos Grow Faster?
Scindapsus pictus are slow-growing plants, and you need to pitch in if you want your Silver Satin to grow to the best of its ability. Place the plant in bright indirect light. Lots of light will help the plant grow as fast as it can. Avoid direct sunlight, which will burn the foliage. Bring in a grow light if you don’t have a spot that has suitable natural light.
Routine fertilizing will also help a plant push out new growth and thrive. Feed the plant using a balanced fertilizer once monthly during spring and summer. Water-soluble fertilizers are great because you can combine fertilizing with routine watering, and you don’t have to worry about fertilizer burn.
Why Are Satin Pothos Leaves Turning Yellow?
Yellow leaves are a common issue with houseplants, and the location of the yellow tint and the sequence of symptoms are clues to the cause of the problem.
Sunburn
Too much sunlight can be the cause when the entire leaf turns yellow. The leaf will initially develop white spots or have a washed-out look, followed by a consistent yellow haze over the entire leaf. Later, the leaf will curl, wither, and fall from the plant. If this happens, move your plant to a spot with less light. Moving the plant back one or two feet from the window or light source will do the trick.
Overwatered
Yellow tips on the foliage are the first indicator of overwatering. When a plant is overwatered, the roots become waterlogged and just cannot soak up any more moisture. When that happens, the leaves die, starting at the point furthest from the stem. The tip will turn yellow, and if the overwatering continues, the yellow line will move back, closer to the stem. The portion of the leaf below the yellow line will turn brown as the foliage dies.
Save an overwatered plant by letting it dry out. Ensure the plant receives plenty of light and wait until the top few inches of soil are dry before watering again.
Underwatered
Yellow leaves are also a sign of underwatered plants. Leaves on a dry plant will form yellow spots or patches that engulf the entire leaf when it is too dry. The leaf will then turn brown and die. Leaves near the bottom turn yellow first when a plant is too dry. A dry plant needs a drink right away. Hold the plant over a sink or tub and water until excess water drains through the pot. Continue to water until the soil is rehydrated and no longer dry and dusty.
Why Is My Plant Drooping?
A limp or drooping plant is likely a dry plant. The leaves hang limply from the stem, and the foliage may curl or wrinkle. Leaves near the bottom may begin to turn yellow, indicating the plant is dehydrated. As a last step, check the soil. These symptoms, coupled with dry potting mix, mean the Satin Pothos is dehydrated.
Does My Satin Pothos Have Root Rot?
In extreme instances of overwatering, the roots will begin to rot. Extremely overwatered plants will have multiple leaves with yellow tips, followed by the entire plant drooping or looking wilted. If your plant is declining and the soil is wet, then the plant is overwatered and likely experiencing root rot.
Confirm root rot by checking the area with the stems that emerge from the potting mix. Black, shriveled, mushy stems are rotted. If the stems still look okay, remove the plant from the pot to inspect the roots. White roots are healthy, but black roots are water damaged.
How to Help a Satin Pothos with Root Rot
How you address root rot for a Satin Pothos depends on the extent of the damage. If the stems are fine and the roots are damaged, trim the black roots, only leaving healthy roots. Repot the plant in fresh soil and give it the best care possible to help it recover.
If the rot progresses to the stems, then propagate the plant. Cut the plant into cuttings and start over with new plants.
Satin Pothos Water Tips
Water stress is one of the most common issues for Satin Pothos, but it is also easy to address. Feel the soil or use a moisture meter to ensure you only water the plant need necessary. The plant will let you know when there is a problem if you know how to read the signs. However, the problem with waiting for yellow leaf tips or drooping foliage is that the plant is already stressed when those things happen.
Growing Satin Pothos
Satin Pothos or Silver Satin Pothos or Scindapsus pictus, or whatever you call it, is a lovely vining plant. It may take some trial and error to find just the right spot and get the watering routine under control, but once you do, your plant will thrive, and you’ll have loads of silvery foliage to admire.