About Scindapsus Treubii
An elegant, slow-growing climbing aroid with thick, heart-shaped leaves that come in two popular forms: 'Moonlight' with silvery, almost luminescent foliage, and 'Dark Form' with near-black, velvety leaves. The leaves are noticeably thicker and more leathery than its relative, the common pothos. A refined, understated plant for collectors who appreciate subtle beauty. Scindapsus Treubii belongs to the Araceae family and originates from Southeast Asia — native to tropical forests of Malaysia, Indonesia, and surrounding regions..
Scindapsus treubii is a sought-after plant among Filipino aroid collectors, with the 'Moonlight' form being particularly popular for its unique silver appearance. The 'Dark Form' commands higher prices due to its rarity. Both forms are available through specialty aroid sellers on Facebook groups like 'Philippine Aroid Society,' Shopee plant shops, and weekend plant fairs in BGC and Eastwood. Filipino growers find it easier than expected once they learn to resist overwatering — the thick leaves are surprisingly self-sufficient. Its slow growth means it stays manageable in small Metro Manila condo spaces for years.
Also known as: Sterling Silver Scindapsus, Treubii.
Popular Varieties
- Scindapsus treubii 'Moonlight' (silvery, luminescent foliage)
- Scindapsus treubii 'Dark Form' (nearly black, velvety leaves)
- Scindapsus pictus (Silver Pothos — related species with silver spots)
How to Plant Scindapsus Treubii in the Philippines
Scindapsus Treubii can be propagated through stem cuttings, sphagnum moss propagation. The recommended method is single-node stem cuttings in sphagnum moss.
Propagation Steps
- Step 1: Cut below a node, ensuring each cutting has one node, one leaf, and ideally an aerial root nub.
- Step 2: Place the node in damp sphagnum moss in a clear container to monitor root growth.
- Step 3: Keep in bright indirect light with the moss lightly moist — not soaking wet.
- Step 4: Roots develop slowly — expect 3-5 weeks before seeing significant root growth.
- Step 5: Transfer to a well-draining aroid mix once roots are 5 cm long and actively growing.
Care Guide
Sunlight
Medium to bright indirect light. The 'Moonlight' form shows its silver best in bright indirect light. 'Dark Form' tolerates lower light. No direct sun.. Position your scindapsus treubii where it receives the right amount of light for healthy growth in Philippine conditions.
Water
Allow soil to dry partially between waterings — every 5-7 days in Metro Manila. The thick leaves store moisture. Err on the side of underwatering rather than overwatering. Adjust frequency during the Philippine rainy season when humidity is higher and soil stays moist longer.
Temperature & Humidity
Ideal temperature range: 22-32°C (perfectly suited to Philippine lowland temperatures). Avoid cold drafts below 18°C.. Moderate (40-60%). Handles average indoor humidity better than many aroids. Philippine natural humidity is ideal. The warm, humid Philippine climate is well-suited for growing scindapsus treubii outdoors or indoors.
Fertilizer
Balanced liquid fertilizer (20-20-20) at half strength monthly during growing season. This is a slow grower — do not overfeed hoping to speed it up.
Pruning
Minimal pruning needed due to slow growth. Trim only if the vine becomes too long. Guide growth along a moss pole for larger leaf development.
Toxicity & Safety
Mildly toxic if ingested — contains calcium oxalate crystals. Keep away from curious pets and children.
Common Problems & Solutions
Very slow growth or apparent dormancy
Cause: Natural characteristic — Scindapsus treubii is one of the slower-growing aroids
Solution: Provide optimal conditions (bright indirect light, warmth, humidity) but accept its naturally moderate pace. A moss pole can encourage larger growth.
Yellowing lower leaves
Cause: Overwatering or root rot
Solution: Let soil dry more between waterings. Use a chunky, well-draining aroid mix. Check roots for mushiness.
Loss of silver color (Moonlight form)
Cause: Insufficient light causing the silvery sheen to fade
Solution: Move to brighter indirect light. The silver coloring requires adequate light to display fully.
Leaves staying small despite mature plant age
Cause: No climbing support — trailing plants produce smaller leaves
Solution: Provide a moss pole or plank for the plant to climb. Climbing triggers the production of progressively larger leaves.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you care for Scindapsus Treubii in the Philippines?
Scindapsus Treubii needs medium to bright indirect light. the 'moonlight' form shows its silver best in bright indirect light. 'dark form' tolerates lower light. no direct sun.. Water allow soil to dry partially between waterings — every 5-7 days in metro manila. the thick leaves store moisture. err on the side of underwatering rather than overwatering.. Feed with balanced liquid fertilizer (20-20-20) at half strength monthly during growing season. this is a slow grower — do not overfeed hoping to speed it up.. The Philippine climate with temperatures of 22-32°C (perfectly suited to Philippine lowland temperatures). Avoid cold drafts below 18°C. works well for this plant.
How do you propagate Scindapsus Treubii?
The recommended method is single-node stem cuttings in sphagnum moss. Cut below a node, ensuring each cutting has one node, one leaf, and ideally an aerial root nub. Place the node in damp sphagnum moss in a clear container to monitor root growth.
Is Scindapsus Treubii toxic to pets or children?
Mildly toxic if ingested — contains calcium oxalate crystals. Keep away from curious pets and children.
Can Scindapsus Treubii grow in containers in the Philippines?
Yes, Scindapsus Treubii grows well in containers and is suitable for balcony and indoor gardening in Metro Manila condos and apartments. Use a pot with drainage holes and appropriate potting mix.
What are common problems when growing Scindapsus Treubii?
Common issues include: Very slow growth or apparent dormancy (caused by natural characteristic — scindapsus treubii is one of the slower-growing aroids — provide optimal conditions (bright indirect light, warmth, humidity) but accept its naturally moderate pace. a moss pole can encourage larger growth); Yellowing lower leaves (caused by overwatering or root rot — let soil dry more between waterings. use a chunky, well-draining aroid mix. check roots for mushiness); Loss of silver color (Moonlight form) (caused by insufficient light causing the silvery sheen to fade — move to brighter indirect light. the silver coloring requires adequate light to display fully).
Growing scindapsus treubii in Manila? Tag us @urbangoesgreen on TikTok and show us your garden!