The Scindapsus pictus is currently the hottest plant in town! And it’s no surprise why – this plant offers a variety of patterns and classic green and silver colors.
But, let’s talk about the differences between Silvery Ann vs Satin Scindapsus pictus. What sets them apart are their leaves. Silvery Ann has more variegated leaves than Satin, which has a more consistent pattern. The leaves of Silver Satin pothos are also larger than those of Silvery Ann, making it a bigger plant overall.
And due to their size differences, the care for these two plant types can vary. But breathe easy my friend; we have you covered and will explain everything.
Quick Glance: Silvery Ann vs Satin Pothos
| Silvery Ann | Silver Satin | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific names: | Scindapsus pictus ‘Silvery Ann’ | Scindapsus pictus ‘Silver Satin’ |
| Temperature Ranges: | 65–75°F Degrees | 65–75°F Degrees |
| Mature Height | 6′ | 10′ |
| Mature width | 3′ | 4′ |
| Growth Habit | Vining vertically, or trail | Vining vertically, or trail |
| Growth Speed | Medium | Fast |
| Leaf | Variegate- White 50-80%, Green 20-50% | Variegated- White 50%, Green 50% |
| Sunlight | Bright Indirect | Bright Indirect |
| Soil | Well-draining | Well-draining |
| Soil pH | 6.0-6.5 pH | 6.0-6.5 pH |
| Water Requirements | Every 10-14 days, or as needed | Every 7-10 days, or as needed |
| Diseases | Susceptible to fungus | Susceptible to fungus |
| Pests | Incests such as mealybugs, spider mites | Incests such as mealybugs, spider mites |
Are They Pothos or Scindapsus pictus?
Sometimes people incorrectly label Scindapsus pictus as Silvery Ann Pothos or Satin Pothos. But both plants are actually cultivars of Scindapsus pictus. It’s easy to get confused. We’ll explain.
These plants are tropical vines native to the rainforests of India and Southeast Asia. Botanists first identified them in 1842, who classified them as pothos (Epipremnum) and called them Pothos argyraea or Pothos argenteus.
Scientists later reclassified them under the genus Scindapsus and gave them the botanical name Scindapsus pictus. So, this is the new correct genus for these plants.
Care: Silvery Ann vs Silver Satin Scindapsus pictus
How The Plants Grow
Silvery Ann and Silver Satin species are climbers in their natural environment that grow on tall trees. However, their sizes differ significantly, even under the same growing conditions.
Due to the lack of chlorophyll, Silvery Ann grows slowly and produces less energy from its leaves. As a result, the plant usually reaches a maximum height of 6 feet and a width of 3 feet when grown indoors. If you want it to grow taller, you can use a coco coir or moss pole to support it.
On the other hand, Silver Satin has larger leaves with more chlorophyll, making it a faster and more aggressive grower. In addition, it can reach up to 10 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide as an adult plant, making it a more substantial plant than Silvery Ann.
Leaf Color, Shape, and Size
Silvery Ann has a significantly larger area of chlorophyll-free tissue than its rival, resulting in a more disorganized design of silver variegations. Its leaves may have large grayish-white islands in the center or be mostly or entirely white.
Even though the primary leaf surface may have a few white dots, the overall pattern is disorderly.
In contrast, Silver Satin has less white tissue and a more uniform pattern. Its leaves are often green in the middle and white or gray-white in the middle of both lobes. Although the leaf may be variegated, the edge is usually green, and the leaves are never entirely white.
Moreover, the size of the leaves is another distinguishing factor between the two species. The typical length of a Silvery Ann leaf is between 4 and 5 inches long and 2 and 3 inches wide.
On the other hand, Silver Satin leaves can grow up to 6 inches in length and 4 inches in width. These measurements are for indoor-grown pothos leaves but can be more prominent in their natural habitat.
Sun Requirements
Pothos plants like bright indirect light; the same goes for both Scindapsus pictus. This is because they are used to growing under the shade of tall trees. So, they get a lot of indirect sunlight in their natural habitat due to the bright atmosphere. Although you have to avoid direct sunlight as it could cause sunburn.
To thrive indoors, Silvery Ann and Silver Satin require a south-facing window sill or an east or west-facing one. However, placing them near a north-facing window will only provide lower light levels, so you might have to add supplemental lighting.
When exposed to the same amount of light, Silver Satin grows faster, while Silvery Ann shows more white variegation. However, both plants will grow slower in low-light conditions and display less white variegation.
Watering
To keep your Silver Satin and Silvery Ann healthy, giving them the right amount of water is essential. If you’re using regular potting soil, water your plants every 7 to 14 days, and let the soil dry out between watering.
However, since Silvery Ann grows slower and has smaller leaves, its soil will dry more slowly, so you should water it every 10 to 14 days instead.
To know the right time to water your plants, use a moisture meter or go old-school and dig your finger into the top of the soil. If the soil is about halfway dry, it’s time to water. When you do water, use enough water to moisten the potting soil, and let the excess water drain out through the holes at the bottom of the pot.
Because Silver Satin is a more vigorous plant with bigger leaves, it needs more water than Silvery Ann. It would be best to water it every 7 to 10 days, as the soil in the pot can dry up more quickly. You can use a soil moisture meter to know exactly when to water.
Remember, just like overwatering your pothos, both have the same risks and are susceptible to root rot. So during winter, water your plants only every 2 to 3 weeks, and use less water than usual.
By giving your plants the right amount of water, you’ll help them stay healthy and thrive.
Humidity
Silver pothos is not too pretentious when it comes to humidity. Like all tropical plants, it prefers a humidity level of around 60%, but it won’t mind if the air in your home is a bit dry.
If your indoor humidity is below 40%, make sure you water your plant regularly. Keeping the pot on a pebble tray half-filled with water will also help boost the air moisture levels.
Potting Soil
You must provide high-quality soil to give both plants the best shot at thriving. Opt for a potting mix to ensure your plants get the nutrients they need to help fight off pests and diseases.
While aroids like these can grow well in regular potting soil, you can also create a custom blend with perlite for increased drainage.
You could grow your plants in bark or peat moss if you’re feeling adventurous. But, this method can be complicated, so it’s best to stick with a ready-made solution if you’re new to gardening.
When it comes to pot size, the Silvery Ann is a smaller plant and will be happy in a pot around five or six inches in diameter. However, for Silver Satin pothos, you’ll need a bigger pot that’s eight to nine inches in diameter with a little more soil to keep it happy.
Select containers with large drainage holes to prevent root diseases and promote healthy growth.
Fertilizing
Growing plants in containers differs from growing them in the ground, and even though Silver Satin pothos and Silvery Ann are not heavy feeders, they need extra nutrients to thrive. In the wild, pothos can obtain all their nutrients from decaying plant matter and other sources, which is impossible in containers.
Silver Satin, in particular, needs additional fertilizer throughout the growing season.
The best pothos fertilizer is a balanced liquid containing equal nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply it every 1.5 to 2 months, and be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can cause unhealthy and excessive growth that leaves the plant vulnerable to disease.
Many high-quality fertilizers are available, including some specifically designed for aroids, so follow the instructions carefully to ensure your pothos thrives.
It’s important to note that, like pothos, they should only be fertilized in the spring and fall, not in the winter, and avoid fertilizing during winter as it may cause harm to the plant.
Toxicity of These Plants
Both Scindapsus pictus have been deemed poisonous to humans and animals by reputable organizations such as the ASPCA (Note how they also call the plant Satin Pothos) due to calcium oxalate crystals, which all varieties of pothos have. However, this is only true if any part of the plant is ingested.
To keep your plants and pets healthy and safe, place them where they won’t be exposed to harsh weather or be at risk of being in contact with pets or children.
Pests & Diseases
Pothos enthusiasts may face some challenges when growing these houseplants, such as the occurrence of diseases. These diseases are usually caused by incorrect care and can appear as spots on the leaves.
To prevent this, it’s essential to keep the plants in a well-ventilated space and not overwater them. If the disease does appear, a fungicide solution or neem oil is an effective treatment.
It’s worth noting that Scindapsus Silvery Ann is more susceptible to diseases because it has more chlorophyll-free tissue. Therefore, you should be extra careful when caring for this particular plant.
Both types of pothos are also prone to insect infestations, especially by aphids, spider mites, and other insects. If you notice any pests on the leaves or stems, it’s best to apply a solution of horticultural oil immediately to get rid of them.
Read Next:
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.