Satin Pothos

Epipremnums, which are a genus of climbing perennials in the araceae family, are often colloquially called Pothos. This is a misnomer and should not be confused with the genus of plant also called Pothos, which is a member of the same family. Epipremnum Aureum is the species which most commonly falls victim to this.

Epipremnum plants are most commonly found in tropical forests in the wild, spanning across Asia from Southern China, and then onto Australia.

Satin Pothos

Botanical Name: Scindapsus Pictus

Despite the apparent difference in genus name, the Satin Pothos (which is not a true Pothos), is a close relative of plants such as the Epipremnum Aureum. It is a compact plant considered ideal for windowsills or hanging baskets. It is a striking plant whose large heart-shaped leaves are variegated with splotches of silvery white on a background of dark green, giving rise to the ‘satin’ descriptor It should not be mixed up with the similarly coloured Philodendron Silver, whose leaves are slightly smaller than those of the Satin Pothos, and whose pattern takes a more dotted appearance.

The Satin Pothos is an easy-going plant, but it is nonetheless tropical and will not respond well to cold temperatures or soaking wet soil. Though it should not receive direct sunlight, it will flourish in bright shade, which means it is a good option for a below-window hanging basket. Satin Pothos should be watered regularly but kept in well-draining soils – if the top of the soil is still moist, owners should wait before watering again. Those in cooler climates should keep this plant indoors as it will not tolerate temperatures below 18 degrees Celsius (65 degrees Fahrenheit); extended exposures to cool temperatures can cause irreversible damage to foliage.