How to Look After Your Scindapsus – The Ultimate Care Guide

Scindapsus, a tropical plant, has its own charm with its heart-shaped leaves and various variegates. Scindapsus is found in tropical forests in warm and humid environments. Scindapsus in its natural habitat grows climbing onto trees and surrounding surfaces with its aerial roots. If you have this plant, be sure to help its climbing growth.

Caring for plants can help you feel more connected to nature. Plants provide mental health benefits such as reducing stress, increasing productivity, and reducing air pollutants. In one study Scindapsus had the ability to absorb formaldehyde in indoor air. Other literature and research sources suggest that some plants including Scindapsus may be able to produce various air ions, including negative light ions.

Scindapsus is a low-maintenance house plant, making it ideal for beginner indoor gardeners.

Soil
As mentioned, Scindapsus is a low maintenance plant. Scindapsus can survive in almost all types of soil. For more optimal results, give Scindapsus a planting medium that is not too moist, you can also use a soil mixture that has good drainage to avoid root rot.

Water
Do not overwater, Scindapsus does not need to be given too much water. Water only when the soil is dry. You can also check the condition of the leaves, if there are leaves that start to curl, it means they need water. The frequency of watering can also be adjusted according to the moisture level and soil characteristics.

Light
Scindpasus lighting is a little tricky if you don’t pay close attention. Simply put, scindapsus likes indirect light that is bright enough. If given direct light, the heat can potentially burn or scorch the leaves. Low light makes growth tend to slow down and makes the color of the leaves fade like pale.

Temperature
Scindapsus is a plant that can tolerate low temperatures around 18-24˚C (65-75˚F). Do not allow temperatures below 15˚C or 59˚F which can potentially cause frost damage and affect growth. If you want to move Scindapsus to a different place, give it a gradual change in temperature so that it can adapt better.

Fertilizer
Do not over-fertilize tropical vines as it can kill the plant. Give ornamental plants a balanced fertilizer so that it is not too heavy for them. Proper fertilizer and watering will influence healthy root and leaf growth.

Pests & Disease
Pests that attack Scindapsus such as insects and spiders, these pests like dry conditions. Apply natural or artificial pesticides to prevent pests. Scindapsus is quite susceptible to root rot. Pay attention to soil use and watering for scindapsu to keep the roots healthy.

Propagation
Scindapsus propagation is quite easy with stem cuttings. If you have a fairly large and mature Scindapsus it would be better to cut above 3 leaves. Cut the stem or nodes of the Scindapsus with a sharp knife. These pieces can be planted in media and water. If propagating using water make sure to change the water regularly. Watch as the cut will slowly grow roots.

Toxicity
Scindapsus is a toxic plant that contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. If the plant is eaten, it will release these crystals which are fatal. The accumulation of these crystals has the potential to settle in the kidneys. So be careful not to eat it by your toddler or pets.

Conclusion
Scindapsus is a unique tropical plant whose natural adaptation to the warm and humid environment of tropical forests allows it to grow as a vine, while its ability to clean the air by absorbing formaldehyde and producing negative ions makes it beneficial for indoor health. Furthermore, its easy maintenance makes it an ideal choice for beginners in home gardening. Scindapsus tends to grow as a vine, both in soil and vertical growing media. This makes it suitable for use as a hanging plant or wall covering plant.