Scindapsus Pictus Exotica

All about the Scindapsus Pictus Exotica. Get the best care tips for lighting, soil, and water needs. Learn to grow a happy Scindapsus Exotica.

Scindapsus Pictus Exotica

Wow, look at the gorgeous silver on the leaves of this Scindapsus Pictus Exotica. This is an impressive houseplant that has an unique velvety feel.

If you love silvery houseplants, this is one you don't want to miss. In addition, it's also fairly easy to care for, and I share my best tips below.

Here are a couple other silvery plant to love: Scindapsus Treubii Moonlight and Silver Streak Pothos.

Scindapsus Exotica Appearance

Scindapsus Exotica has rich green leaves with large splotches of shimmery silver. The colors and patterns on the leaves are striking and attractive.

The large heart shaped leaves grow in a vining manner. I love the long trailing vines. However, you can also train the vines to climb up a moss pole.

The leaves are thick and velvety to the touch. I find it calming to brushing the leaves with my fingers every time I walk by.

Some leaves are more green than silver. Other leaves are nearly all silver with barely a bit of green running down the middle.

How to Care For Scindapsus Pictus Exotica

Are Scindapsus Pictus Exotica easy to care for?

This is a fairly easy houseplant to take care of. Three basic requirements for the Scindapsus Pictus Exotica:

• Light: Bright, indirect light for best growth.
• Water: Water semi-frequently, when the top few inches of the soil are dry.
• Soil: Airy and chunky soil that retains some moisture.

Keep reading for more details on each of these requirements.

What Is the Best Light For Scindapsus Pictus Exotica?

Like many houseplants, a Scindapsus Pictus Exotica likes bright indirect light best. If you keep your plant in a bright spot in the house, it should be happy and produce new growth.

Scindapsus Exotica seems capable of handling a little more direct light than other similar plants. In my experience, I find that the leaves are not as susceptible to leaf burn as other Scindapsus.

Does Scindapsus Exotica Like Sun or Shade?

My Scindapsus Exotica, spends the majority of the time in indirect light. However, it does get a couple hours of soft direct light in the morning.

I took these photos at 9 in the morning. As such, you can see the soft sunlight on the coming through an east facing window on the leaves.

My other Scindapsus plants live in our living room with giant south facing and some west facing windows. I find all the plants are happy. Read more about them:

• Scindapsus Treubii Moonlight
• Scindapsus Jade Satin
• Scindapsus Pictus Argyraeus

What Kind of Soil Mix For a Scindapsus Pictus Exotica?

Scindpasus Pictus Exotica likes airy and chunky soil.

Getting your Scindapsus Exotica into the appropriate soil is likely the most important part of its care. Often when you buy plants such as this Exotica, the pot consists of several newly rooted leaves squished together in the wrong type of potting mix.

For that reason, after you buy your Scindapsus Exotica, check to make sure that it is in a good mix and repot it if necessary.

Does Scindapsus Exotica Like Chunky Soil?

Scindapsus need chunky and airy soils that give the roots space to breathe. I make my own and have found that my Scindapsus grow well when I use the following:

• 2 parts Tropical Potting Soil
• 1 part mix of airy material such as pumice, lava rocks, perlite
• 1 part Orchiata bark

Read more about my Hoya and Aroid Potting Mix.

How Much Water Does Scindapsus Pictus Exotica Need?

Generally, water a Scindapsus Exotica when the top couple inches of the soil feel dry to the touch.

You might find a range of advice concerning how often to water this plant. That's because how often a Scindapsus needs water is dependent on many factors.

For example, the soil mixture it is potted in, the temperature and humidity of your house, and the size of the pot all make a difference.

Do Scindapsus Exotica Like To Dry Out?

If you pot your Scindapsus in the appropriate potting mix (chunky and airy), your plant should be happy if you water when the top few inches of the soil feel dry.

If I can help it, I don't let the entire pot of soil dry out. A chunky soil mix should give the roots enough space to breathe, while providing slight moisture so the roots don't completely dry.

Scindapsus roots will rot if too wet

If you aren't sure whether or not your plant needs water, err on waiting a couple more days. The leaves will curl and look limp when it desperately needs water.

Scindapsus roots are prone to rotting. Indeed, that's why it's so important to make sure your plant is in the appropriate potting mix.

Repotting a Scindapsus - Be Gentle with the Roots

Lastly, a word of caution. In my experience, Scindapsus don't like their roots being disturbed. This becomes a bit of an issue when you repot these plants.

For that reason, try to be as gentle as possible. Consequently, I don't usually knock off all the old soil because of the plant's sensitivity.

Because aroids are often sold with newly rooted cuttings, the roots can be particularly sensitive to under/over watering and being handled.

If you see a leaf start to take a turn for the worse, you can try to propagate that leaf in water to encourage it to grow new roots. To do so, make sure there is a node, and keep the node covered in water. It can take many weeks, but once you get a new healthy root to grow, you can replant it back in soil.

Is Scindapsus Exotica Rare?

Scindapsus plants are fairly common, and many plant shops or nurseries sell them. Of all Scindapsus types, I most commonly see the Exotica.

I have two of these plants. The first one I bought at a specialty plant shop. It cost $16 for a 4-inch plant. I found my second Exotica at Lowe's, and I paid $18 for a 6-inch plant.

While you can find these at big box stores, I don't see them sold too often. Just keep an eye out if you are after one of them and hopefully it pops up.

Where to Buy

Alternatively, you can buy this houseplant pretty easily online.

I have had really good experience with Canopy Plant Co., and they tend to have the Scindapsus Pictus Exotica in stock. Additionally, it's possible to find the Exotica on Amazon too.

Styling the Exotica

The Scindapsus Pictus Exotica adds a touch of elegance to any home. A solid color planter complements the plant best because it doesn't draw attention away from the shimmery silver splotches on the leaves.

For instance, I have my plant in a 6.5'' Gemstone Cylinder by Momma Pots. Specifically, this pot is the terracotta color, which I absolutely love. Terracotta really brings out the rich green leaves of the Scindapsus Exotica.

If you don't train your plant to climb upwards, it works well on a shelf because of the trailing vines. However, this Scindapsus also can climb up a moss pole if you train it to.