Scindapsus(Scindapsus aureus) is a popular potted climber with decorative leaves. It is extremely easy to grow and simple to propagate. Scindapsus can cope well in housing conditions and, with proper care, can survive for many years. There are variousvarieties of scindapsusawith picturesquely colored leaves in cultivation. Seegrowing a scindapsus in a potandhow to breed scindapsusto enlarge your collection of these green vines.
Scindapsus - Scindapsus aureus
Fig. © Agnieszka Lach
Scindapsus - variations
Scindapsus 'Aureus'- it is the most commonly cultivated variety of scindapsus with low requirements. The leaves are dark green covered with lemon yellow or cream streaks, and the stems are dark green or lemon yellow. It is the fastest growing variety.
Scindapsus 'Marble Queen'- the second most popular variety of scindapsus, but more difficult to grow. The leaves are dark green covered with a cream-white marbled pattern, and in strong sunlight they are almost completely white. It is a slow growing variety.
Scindapsus 'Enjoy'- leaves with large white patches on a green background, are slightly wrinkled and smaller than in other varieties.
Scindapsus 'Neon'- leaves and stems are uniformly lime green, very bright. Scindapsuses of this variety can also often be found under the name 'Devils Ivy'.
Scindapsus 'Jade'- leaves and stems are uniformly dark green
Good to know
The most common species of Scindapsus isGolden Scindapsus(Scindapsus aureus), but sometimes you can meet another species -Scindapsus spotted(Scindapsus pictus, syn. Scindapsus pinnatum) most often in the 'Argyreus' variety, with dark green leaves covered with silver spots and with a clear silver border. This species is definitely more difficult to grow at home. It does better in conservatories or terrariums because it requires high air humidity.
Scindapsus - cultivation
Growing scindapsus at home is very easy. The plant is planted in a universal substrate for potted plants.Scindapsus cultivation sitecan be both sunny and shady, although the more sunlight the more contrasting the patterns on the leaves. However, you shouldprotect the scindapsus from the harsh summer sunas the leaves may get burned.The optimaltemperature for growing scindapsusis 18-21 ° C. It can withstand higher temperatures as well, but then it requires more frequent sprinkling.
Scindapsus - Scindapsus aureus
Fig. pixabay.com
Scindapsus requires moderate wateringand is very sensitive to flooding. Drainage is necessary at the bottom of the pot. In summer we water the scindapsus every 4-5 days, and in winter every 7-8 days, checking beforehand that the soil is dry. Excessive watering will be evidenced bybrown spots appearing on the leaves of scindapsusOn the other hand, too little watering will cause the stems to wrinkle.
In hot weather, 2-3 times a weekmoisten scindapsus leaves with lukewarm water . In winter, it is enough to wipe the leaves with a damp cloth once every 2 weeks. When the air humidity is too lowscindapsus leaves curl .
From March to September, once a monthfertilize scindapsusawith fertilizer for potted plants with microelements, using half of the dose recommended by the manufacturer.
Scindapsus does not like frequent replanting , so it is worth planting it in a larger pot right away. The need to replant the plant occurs when the roots begin to escape through the holes in the bottom of the pot.
Scindapsus tolerates housing wellbut does not tolerate drafts and gas fumes very well. Also, do not use leaf polish.
Once a year (in spring, in April or May) we shorten the shoots of scindapsus by halftoo long and bare . This improves the appearance of the plant and stimulates it to till. We can also cultivate Scindapsus next to supports. Then we do not need to shorten the shoots.
Good to knowScindapsus is also called epipremnum, pimple, Pothos or Rhaphidophora. It is an excellent houseplant that cleans the air of harmful substances such as: benzene, formaldehyde, xylene and toluene.
Scindapsus - reproduction
Scindapsus is easily multiplied by shoot cuttingsThe cuttings are collected in spring while shortening the stems. Cut the lower part of the seedling with a knife at an angle. We remove the lower leaves, leaving only one pair of leaves at the top of the cuttings. We prepare a pot with a drainage layer, filled with a peat substrate with sand. Use a stick to make holes in the ground layer, into which we stick the cuttings. Plant 2-3 seedlings in a 10 cm pot.
Water theseedlings prepared in this way , and then wrap the whole with foil to maintain high air humidity. During the rooting of cuttings, we maintain the temperature of 18-21 ° C. After 21 days, when the cuttings have taken root, we can transplant them into ordinary soil for indoor plants.
Scindapsus cuttings can also be rooted in water onlyThe cut cuttings are placed in a jar filled with water and placed in a sunny place, at room temperature. After a few days, the seedlings begin to take root.When the root system is already strongly developed, we can plant the plants in pots.
MSc Eng. Agnieszka Lach
