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This is a tropical vining plant that is a native of Southeast Asia. Like all other types of Pothos plants, Silver Pothos is hassle-free and unfussy. It is naturally easy to care for, which makes it perfect for a beginner or a busy gardener.
How to Identify Silver Pothos
Identifying Silver Pothos can be a complicated process. This is because there are so many types of Pothos plants that look similar, plus Silver Pothos has some similarities to a few types of Philodendron plants.
Silver Pothos resembles Scindapsus Pictus ‘Argyraeus’ (Satin Pothos) the most. The difference between the two types of plants is that the leaves on a Silver Pothos plant have more variegation. Often, these leaves are over fifty percent covered with silver speckles.
Look for these key identifiers to correctly distinguish a Silver Pothos:
- Thin, oblong leaves
- Shiny leaves
- Green leaves that are fifty percent speckled with a silvery color
How to Grow Silver Pothos from Seed
It is best to grow Silver Pothos in the springtime, no matter which method is used to propagate a new plant. To grow this plant from seed, follow these steps:
- Purchase seeds from a reputable seller (sellers who price their seeds between $1 and $2)
- Fill a container with a seed starting soil mix
- Plant the seeds in the soil mix
- Water the soil so that it is moist but not soggy
- Place plastic wrap over the top of the container
- Set the container in a warm spot that gets plenty of bright, indirect sunlight
- Once sprouts appear above the soil level, acclimatize them to open-air
- Once the plants have established roots, move them to a more permanent plant container
How to Propagate Silver Pothos
This plant can be propagated via stem cuttings. This is a simple and straightforward process. The steps for doing this are as follows:
- Prepare to propagate during the spring or early summer months
- Using a sterile cutting utensil, cut off a healthy stem that includes a node
- Set the stem in a container filled with water
- Set the container in a place that gets bright but indirect sunlight
- Change the water every other week
- Once roots are an inch long, plant the stem in a container filled with potting soil
- Water the potting soil and keep it moist but not soggy
Silver Pothos Growing Conditions
The natural environment where Silver Pothos originated is a warm and humid place. This means that the plant needs plenty of heat and humidity to grow strong and healthy. The ideal climate for this plant is a temperature range of 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit with humidity levels of at least 40%.
Provide the plant with plenty of humidity by setting it a bathroom window, spraying it with fresh water every day, or setting it next to a plant humidifier or on a pebble tray.
Provide the plant with extra warmth during cold months by setting it on a heat mat for plants or insulating its container with bubble wrap. While setting the plant next to a vent or a heater may provide it with warmth, it will actually cause it to dry out. Remember, it needs humid heat.
How to Plant Silver Pothos
Depending on how fast this plant grows, it may only need to be repotted every other year. Even if the plant does not outgrow its container it is still a good idea to repot it every few years so that it gets access to fresh, nutrient-rich soil. All repotting should be done in the springtime just before the plant heads into its growing season.
The steps for repotting a Silver Pothos are also simple and straightforward. They are as follows:
- Fill a new container that is two inches larger than its previous container with potting soil
- Create a hole in the soil for the plant to set inside
- Carefully remove the plant from its current container
- Gently dust off any excess soil from its roots
- Prune any rotten roots with a sterilized cutting utensil
- Set the plant into the hole in the new container
- Spread the soil around so that the plant is secure in its new container
- Water the plant
- Set it in a warm spot with indirect sunlight
Silver Pothos Potting & Soil
This plant requires soil that drains well and contains plenty of organic matter. It is easy to create a homemade potting soil that will work with any type of Pothos plant. Simply gather and blend the following ingredients together:
- Peat moss (4 parts)
- Perlite or charcoal (2 parts)
- Vermiculite (1 part)
- Shredded bark (1 part)
Silver Pothos Water Requirements
The best way to know when this plant needs water is to test the moisture level of its soil. If the top two inches of its soil is dry, it can use a drink. If, however, the top two inches are still moist, it does not need any more water.
Use the soak and dry method to ensure that the plant is not overwatered. The steps for doing this are as follows:
- Test the soil moisture level before giving it a drink.
- If the plant needs a drink, fill a tray with a few inches of water.
- Set the plant container in the tray of water.
- Let the plant soak in the water for fifteen minutes. The roots will soak up water from the bottom of the container.
- Take the plant container out of the water.
- Allow the excess water to drain from the holes in the bottom of the plant container.
Try using a plant watering app to track when a plant has been watered, set reminders to water it, and get answers to common plant care questions.
Silver Pothos Light Requirements
Since the leaves of this plant can get burnt and lose their variegation, it should never be set in direct sunlight. Silver Pothos does best in bright, but indirect or filtered sunlight. Also, this plant will lose its color variegation if it is not given enough light. To ensure that it is receiving adequate amounts of sunlight, use a light meter to test indoor light capacity.
Best Silver Pothos Fertilizer
Silver Pothos should be fertilized once a month in spring, summer, and fall. It should be allowed to rest in the winter. The best type of fertilizer to use on this plant is one that is slow releasing.
Best Silver Pothos Companion Plantings
Displaying several plants together is an easy way to create an indoor garden setting, natural home décor, or outdoor tropical space. Silver Pothos plants not only look lovely when set next to other types of tropical plants, but they can also benefit from the extra humidity created by clustering plants together.
Below are just three wonderful options that will look great next to a Silver Pothos plant and are just as easy to care for.
Satin Pothos
This plant is almost a twin of Silver Pothos. Their complementary looks are sure to create a pleasing feel to any space.
Light Requirements
Satin Pothos does best in bright, but indirect or filtered sunlight.
Soil Requirements
Satin Pothos requires soil that has a pH level ranging between 6.1 and 6.5. Its soil should also be well-draining and include peat moss, pine bark, perlite, and vermiculite.
Water Requirements
Satin Pothos should only be watered when the top two inches of its soil is dry. It should be watered in the soak and dry method.
Pros
- It has a lot of common care requirements with Silver Pothos
- It is easy to care for
Cons
- It is susceptible to infestations of scale bugs and spider mites
- It is susceptible to root rot
- It is toxic
Baby Rubber Plant
This is an adorable plant that stays tiny. It is versatile, hardy, and easy to care for. Its carefree nature and good looks make it an excellent choice as a companion for a Silver Pothos plant.
Light Requirements
Baby Rubber Plant can adapt to low light, but ultimately, it grows better and looks better when placed in a spot that gets plenty of bright, indirect sunlight.
Soil Requirements
Baby Rubber Plant requires soil that is well-draining and well aerated. It is best to use a soil mix that contains two parts peat and one part perlite or sand.
Water Requirements
Baby Rubber Plant should only be watered when the top two inches of its soil is dry. It should be watered in the soak and dry method.
Pros
- It has a lot of common care requirements with Silver Pothos
- It is easy to care for
- It is a unique-looking plant
- It is not toxic
- It can be planted in water for short periods of time
Cons
- It is susceptible to root rot
- It is susceptible to infestations of mealybugs and spider mites
Hoya Australis
This is another popular indoor plant that is great for beginner or busy gardeners. It has lovely green leaves that are waxy to touch and variegated in color.
Light Requirements
Hoya Australis mostly requires bright, indirect sunlight, but can use a few hours of direct sunlight in the early morning or late evening.
Soil Requirements
Hoya Australis requires soil that is well-draining and contains peat-free compost, orchid bark, and coarse perlite.
Water Requirements
Hoya Australis should only be watered when the top two inches of its soil is dry. It should be watered in the soak and dry method.
Pros
- It is easy to propagate via stem cuttings
- It has a lot of common care requirements with Silver Pothos
- It is easy to care for
- It produces blossoms
Cons
- It is susceptible to infestations of mealybugs, whiteflies, snails, and slugs
- It is toxic
Silver Pothos Diseases and Common Problems
While this is a relatively hardy and disease-free plant it does face a few problems. Fortunately, these are simple to detect and fix. The most common problems it faces are:
Root Rot
Evidence of this problem is leaves that have turned brown or black.
Scale Bugs
Evidence of this problem is round lumps on the plant’s leaves and stems. These lumps are usually small, round, and brown in color.
Spider Mites
Evidence of a spider mite infestation will show up as webbing on the leaves and stems.
Silver Pothos Treatments and Maintenance
It is always best to begin treating a plant as soon as an infestation or disease is found. This can help recover the plant and keep other, nearby plants from being infected as well. To treat the most common problems faced by Silver Pothos plants, follow these steps.
Root Rot
To treat this problem, let the soil dry out completely and set the plant in a place where it will get plenty of airflows. If it is still struggling with too much water in its container, follow these steps:
- Remove the plant from its container
- Wash off all the dirt from its roots
- Cut off any rotten roots
- Replant the plant in a clean container with fresh soil
- Wait to water it for a few days
Scale Bugs
To deal with an infestation of scale bugs, follow these steps:
- Spray them off with a hose
- Wipe the remainder off with neem oil and a cloth
- Prevent them from returning by coating the leaves with neem oil regularly
Spider Mites
To treat this type of infestation, follow these steps:
- Fill a spray bottle with a quart of warm water, 1 tsp. of dish soap, and 2 tsps. Of neem oil
- Spray and wipe the leaves and stems of the plant clean
- Repeat as necessary
Where to Buy Silver Pothos Seeds Online
To begin growing a Silver Pothos plant, look for seeds at these online shops:
Where to Buy Mature Silver Pothos Online
To begin enjoying a Silver Pothos plant right away, look for a mature plant at these online shops:
FAQs
Question: Is Silver Pothos Toxic?
Answer: Yes, this plant is toxic to both humans and pets. If someone has consumed one of these plants, contact a health professional or poison control.
Poison Control Center
Animal Poison Control
Ask a Poison Control Vet
Question: Does Silver Pothos Purify Air?
Answer: Yes, NASA has studied this plant and discovered that it can remove quantities of carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and other pollutants from the air.
Question: How to tell a Philodendron Plant from a Pothos Plant?
Answer: These two types of plants are often mistaken for one another. While they do look a lot alike, they do have some key identifiers that help to tell them apart.
Leaf Shape – Philodendron leaves are heart-shaped, while leaves Pothos leaves are more oblong in shape.
Aerial Roots – Philodendron aerial roots are thin, while Pothos aerial roots are wide and stubby.
Node Sheath – Philodendron has a brown, papery sheath that grows out of the nodes on its stem, while Pothos does not have a sheath at all.
Petioles – Philodendron petioles are round, smooth, and consistent, while Pothos petioles have indentations that form brown edges.
Concluding Thoughts
Silver Pothos is another plant that is perfect to grow indoors and outdoors, as a skilled gardener or as a beginner gardener. What’s more wonderful than an unfussy and beautiful plant?