Satin Pothos vs. Silver Philodendron

Written by Em Casalena
Updated: March 11, 2023
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If you are a lover of tropical plants, you’ve probably heard terms like “satin pothos” and “silver philodendron” thrown around. Did you know that these two terms actually refer to the same exact plant?

It’s true! While the Scindapsus pictus may look similar to a pothos or philodendron, it’s actually neither. This plant is a close relative that belongs to the same plant family as pothos and philodendrons, known as Araceae.

Want to learn more about this fascinating, multi-named plant? In this guide, we’ll explore more about the satin pothos or silver philodendron, common facts to know, and how to properly care for this special little houseplant.

Comparing Satin Pothos vs. Silver Philodendron

Satin PothosSilver Philodendron
ClassificationScindapsus pictusScindapsus pictus
Alternative NamesSilver Satin Pothos, Silver Philodendron, Silk PothosSatin Pothos, Silver Satin Pothos, Silk Pothos
OriginSoutheast AsiaSoutheast Asia
DescriptionA slow-growing evergreen climbing plant from the Araceae family that grows in tropical regions and can grow up to 10 feet tall.A slow-growing evergreen climbing plant from the Araceae family that grows in tropical regions and can grow up to 10 feet tall.
UsesOrnamental, HouseplantOrnamental, Houseplant
Growth TipsEnsure that satin pothos are always grown in well-draining soil that holds some moisture but mostly dries out between waterings.Ensure the planter or pot you keep this species in is large enough, as it will grow quite large and could easily become rootbound.
Interesting FeaturesThese plants can handle most temperature, humidity, and sunlight levels found in indoor spaces.There are several varieties or cultivars of this plant, such as the silver-bordered Scindapsus pictus ‘Argyraeus’.

The Key Differences Between Satin Pothos and Silver Philodendron

The satin pothos and the silver philodendron are both the same species of plant, Scindapsus pictus. Thus, there are no key differences between them and they are simply different names for the same plant. There is a bit of misinformation out there about this plant as well. The satin pothos, also known as silver satin pothos, is thought by some to be a unique cultivar of the Scindapsus pictus plant. However, many also believe that the satin pothos is simply the same “base” variegated plant of Scindapsus pictus. Thus, it is much more likely that the satin pothos and silver philodendrons are the same species and same base variety of plant. Often, when plants labeled with either name are placed together, their color and variegation are very similar, though Scindapsus pictus is known for having unique variegation patterns per plant and even per leaf.

It is worth noting that smaller varieties, such as the Scindapsus pictus ‘Argyraeus’ variety, will be referred to as satin pothos for their small size, as pothos is often associated with small houseplants. Larger, bulkier varieties like the Scindapsus pictus ‘Exotica’ cultivar will often be referred to as a silver philodendron, as philodendrons are associated with large jungle plants.

A closeup of the silver variegation of Scindapsus pictus, or the silver satin pothos.

Satin pothos and silver philodendron refer to the same plant, though this species does have different varieties and cultivars (pictured).

©iStock.com/Junaidi Rhamadan

Satin Pothos vs. Silver Philodendron: Classification

Satin pothos and silver philodendrons are classified as Scindapsus pictus. This species is part of the Araceae family of flowering plants. As a member of this plant family, the satin pothos is related to plants like peace lilies and Jack-in-the-pulpit plants.

Satin Pothos vs. Silver Philodendron: Description

Araceae family member Scindapsus pictus, sometimes referred to as satin pothos or silver philodendron, is an evergreen tropical climber that is known for its bluish-silver foliage and slow growth rate. Southeast Asia is this species’ natural habitat. Satin pothos climbs tree trunks in its natural habitat via aerial rootlets, or if left unsupported, stretches along the ground. Whether planted beneath a tree, over a pergola, or up against a wall, outdoor plants of this species normally reach heights of three to seven feet, rarely exceeding 10 feet. This plant is often kept indoors in the United States as an ornamental plant for plant enthusiasts to enjoy its alternating, nicely patterned leaves.

Unlike adult leaves, which are pinnately lobed, juvenile leaves of silver philodendrons are round and whole. A mature plant’s leaves can have both whole and pinnate leaves. The juvenile stage of this plant, which produces ovate, whole leaves that are about three inches long with heart-shaped bases, is when it is commonly farmed. Each leaf has a satin feel, is matte green to deep green, and is embellished at the top with sporadic silver-gray spots. Underneath, the leaf is paler and unadorned. Indoor plants will normally reach a height of three feet if trained on a stick, such as a moss pole, although they can reach even greater heights in greenhouses or outdoor plantings. Moreover, these plants can trail from hanging baskets. In the summer, spikes of small, inconsequential apetalous blooms encased in spathes can bloom. After flowers have completed their life cycle, tiny berries will appear. In indoor plants, flowers and berries almost never occur, as indoor satin pothos tend to stay in their juvenile stage indefinitely.

Satin Pothos vs. Silver Philodendron: Uses

Satin pothos or silver philodendrons are almost exclusively used ornamentally as houseplants. This species is popular as an indoor plant because of its visual appeal, as well as its ease of care. Basically, anyone can keep a satin pothos alive, even if one lacks decent gardening skills.

A closeup of a Scindapsus pictus plant
Scindapsus pictus

(pictured) is primarily used as a houseplant for its visual beauty and unique patterns.

©Young Swee Ming/Shutterstock.com

Satin Pothos vs. Silver Philodendron: Origin

Most satin pothos or silver philodendrons are found in southeastern countries in Asia. Some countries that naturally grow this plant include Bangladesh, India, Thailand, Borneo, Sumatra, and the Phillippines. This plant has also been naturalized in countries like Australia and some parts of the United States.

Satin Pothos vs. Silver Philodendron: How to Grow

Cutting off any broken or dead leaves and pruning when the vines are growing too long and becoming sparse are excellent steps you can take to enhance the beauty of your satin pothos in addition to the regular maintenance of watering and fertilizing. This plant will get fuller and stimulate the growth of new leaves if it is pruned. As the growing season begins in the spring, pruning is best performed during this time or possibly in the early summer. You can wash the leaves of your satin pothos with water if it gathers dust, which it often does. Just ensure that you wipe the leaves dry when you’re done. We don’t recommend using oil to shine the leaves of your satin pothos, as it can clog the cells and impair the leaves’ capacity to breathe.

Avoiding overwatering is essential while caring for satin pothos since it will result in yellow leaves and wilted vines. Only water when the top two inches of the soil feel dry to the touch. Check this by sticking your finger into the soil. Until you notice water oozing out of the drain holes, water lightly but thoroughly with room-temperature water. Always water the soil, rather than the entire plant.

As a tropical plant, satin pothos requires warmth and humidity. The range of 65 to 85 degrees F is the best growth-stimulating temperature. It will suffer cold damage and eventually perish at a lower temperature. The leaf tips can become brown and crispy in dry weather without adequate humidity. Ideal surrounding relative humidity for this plant ranges from 40% to 50%. Put the pot on a tray with stones and water, but make sure the roots aren’t exposed to the water so you may raise the humidity. It is not advised to mist Scindapsus pictus very often to improve the surrounding humidity since the aerial roots also absorb moisture, which might lead to overwatering symptoms.

Bright light is necessary for silver philodendrons, but it must be indirect sunlight. Its leaves will become burnt and lose their variegation when exposed to full direct sunlight. Silver philodendrons will need a curtain or some shade provider to shield them from direct sunlight if they are placed close to a window with direct sunlight.

Use an organic indoor potting mix that combines peat moss, tree bark, perlite, and possibly vermiculite (if you’re feeling fancy) to guarantee adequate drainage and nutrition. In moist, mucky soil, this species does not grow well and can perish from root rot. Provide a comprehensive, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer to the satin pothos once a month throughout the growing season, which runs from spring to late summer.

A closeup of the leaves of a Scindapsus pictus plant
Scindapsus pictus

(pictured) has similar growing requirements to both pothos and philodendron species.

©Ryoma26/Shutterstock.com

Satin Pothos vs. Silver Philodendron: Protections and Conservation

The Scindapsus pictus species is not considered an invasive or dangerous plant anywhere in the world. It also has a low invasion risk, according to the University of Florida’s plant assessment platform. This plant is also not extinct and is not currently at risk of becoming endangered in any capacity.

Satin Pothos vs. Silver Philodendron: Special Features

Like its close relative called the golden pothos (a.k.a. Epipremnum aureum), the silver philodendron or satin pothos is one of the easiest houseplants to grow. They are both Araceae family members. These plants are tropical and also evergreen vining plants that cannot handle cold or freezing temperatures. Pothos are typically cultivated indoors because of this. Nevertheless, USDA hardiness zones 10 through 12 are suitable for growing both golden pothos and satin pothos outdoors.

The leaves of satin pothos or silver philodendrons are variegated, which sets them apart from other “genuine” pothos species. The silver, almost bluish splotches of color on this plant’s heart-shaped leaves give them a very soft and polished appearance. The variegation of the satin pothos definitely enhances the plant’s aesthetic value. The unique cultivar per plant determines how intense the variegation is. Some varieties of satin pothos even have silver borders around each leaf.

The silver philodendron or satin pothos vine will cling to everything in its path, including a pole, a trellis, other plants, a wall, or a piece of furniture. With its aerial roots, this vine clings to surfaces with ease. Sometimes it manages to achieve this ability on its own, and other times it might need a little assistance, such as from small hooks or stakes. You can also grow satin pothos in a hanging planter and let the leaves flow down instead of letting them climb up surfaces.

The satin pothos or silver philodendron is a great little plant to grow indoors, provided you can give it the right humidity, sunlight, and temperature levels it needs to maintain its lovely leaf variegation. If you want to add to your collection of tropical houseplants but have maxed out your pothos and philodendrons, why not add this unique outlier into the mix? With similar care requirements, the satin pothos is really an easy and stunning plant to have around. Just keep in mind that like its distant relatives, this species does contain calcium oxalate and is considered poisonous to pets and children. Keep this beauty on a high shelf and you’ll be good to go!

Want to learn more about the eye-catching pothos houseplant? Check out our in-depth guide to everything you need to know about pothos!

The photo featured at the top of this post is ©


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About the Author

Em Casalena is a writer at A-Z Animals where their primary focus is on plants, gardening, and sustainability. Em has been writing and researching about plants for nearly a decade and is a proud Southwest Institute of Healing Arts graduate and certified Urban Farming instructor. Em is a resident of Arizona and enjoys learning about eco-conscious living, thrifting at local shops, and caring for their Siamese cat Vladimir.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

What is the main difference between satin pothos and silver philodendron?

Believe it or not, these are both names for the same plant. And it isn’t even a pothos or a philodendron! It is known as Scindapsus pictus and is closely related to both plants.

Is the satin pothos actually a pothos?

Surprisingly, no! Despite its name, the satin pothos is actually a cousin species that belong to the same family as both pothos and philodendrons.

Is the silver philodendron the same as the satin pothos?

Yes. Both names refer to Scindapsus pictus.

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