Jade Satin Scindapsus care does not require you to be a plant expert. Learn how much light it needs and how to keep this tropical vining scindapsus variety happy in your home!
Jade Satin Scindapsus plant care
I have written at length about Scindapsus plants in the past—mostly the more common and mass-produced varieties. But have you ever heard of Jade Satin Scindapsus? If you have, you’ve probably found it’s a rare find. And if you haven’t you’re in for a treat!
The hard part is getting your hands on a Jade Satin Scindapsus. But once you have one, the care is relatively simple and straightforward. Let’s chat about the plant.
What is Jade Satin Scindapsus?
You might see this plant confused with its close relative, the Scindapsus pictus (often referred to as silver satin pothos or simply satin pothos) since they are in the same family. As a matter of fact, the common name of the Jade Satin Scindapsus is the Jade Satin Pothos, which makes it all the more confusing because it isn’t a pothos (and neither is the Scindapsus pictus!).
There is a key difference, though—the Scindapsus Pictus “Jade Satin” has gorgeous, unique leaves that have no variegation. This cultivar is grown free of silver markings on its leaves. Instead, they are a rich jade green with just a hint of subtle veining and a sheen. Jade satin grows as a vining plant that can both climb and hang. Although they are slow growers and take a little longer to root, the patience is well worth it.
Jade Satin Scindapsus origins
Scindapsus plants in general originate from Southeast Asia where they grow abundantly. This includes regions like the Philippines and Bangladesh, all of which are warm and humid. There are several cultivars of this plant that are sold and distributed as houseplants—and I have guides for many of them!
- Scindapsus Pictus Exotica Care
- Scindapsus Treubii Moonlight Care
- 9 Scindapsus Varieties to Collect
- Scindapsus Silver Splash Care
However, while I was researching this plant’s origin, I noticed that “jade satin” was also trademarked in 2008 by Austin Theo Bryant. But the description noted it as a “new Epipremnum plant” (the pothos family, not the Scindapsus family). I think this is a different plant.
How much light does this plant need?
If you pay particular attention to any one thing about Jade Satin Scindapsus care, let it be the lighting needs. This plant grows best in an abundance of natural light. It should spend about a quarter of the day in bright, indirect sunlight.
That being said, artificial light works too. Just make sure it is receiving the full color spectrum and getting exposed about half the day. If you plan on keeping your Jade Satin outdoors where the sun’s rays are more harsh, make sure its tucked safely away under some shade or dappled light.
When I first started growing my plant, it was a dried-up leaf with a stem in a node. At first I kept it in my Ikea greenhouse cabinet under grow lights in moss and perlite. After I got decent root growth from the node and the plant pushed out a new leaf, I moved it to my DIY plastic propagation box in a sunny window.
Once the second new leaf began sprouting and the roots were getting really mature, I transferred my little Jade Satin cutie into fresh soil in a pot and moved it outdoors in the shade. I wanted to make sure I was taking advantage of the bright summer shade.
Now that it’s winter here, I have it hanging in a south-facing window to ensure it gets as much light as possible during our shorter dull winter days. And next spring? It will go back outside under my deck!
Water & soil needs for Scindapsus plants
As a vining plant, the Jade Satin Scindapsus plant’s roots are sensitive to root rot and fungal issues. Its soil should have proper drainage so the plant doesn’t sit in excess water. The ideal combination is a generic potting mix with coco coir or fine moss and perlite.
On the other hand, if the soil drains too fast, it won’t deliver sufficient nutrients to the plant. If you’re concerned about the soil’s nutrient capacity, mix in some compost or organic matter. I used a regular mix with a bit of coco coir throw in for aeration.
You can easily overwater a Jade Satin Scindapsus, so you might have to keep track of how often you water it. The priority is to keep the soil from becoming waterlogged since that could lead to issues. Yellow, wilting leaves are a sign you are overwatering.
Underwatering is actually something you won’t have to worry about necessarily since the Jade Satin can tolerate missed waterings and bounce back quickly. Signs you are underwatering, though, are dull, crispy leaves. But it should recover in a few days with proper watering.
For that reason, some people actually wait for the plant to look underwatered before they water again. The best gauge is to let the top few inches of soil dry out completely before watering again. I water mine roughly weekly in the spring/summer (more if it’s outside in the heat) and every 14 days in the fall/winter.
Try to avoid watering the leaves directly since this can lead to spots and stains. However, rinsing of the leaves is a great and easy way to clean off dust—so if you do that, just gently dab them dry using a paper towel or clean microfiber cloth.
Temperature & humidity
Remember that the Jade Satin is a Scindapsus cultivar, and these plants hail from a warm and humid climate. This is a tropical vine that is used to year round warmth, and it has no frost tolerance. The best temperature is anywhere between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
Basically, if you are comfortable, the Jade Satin is comfortable too. If you are in a place that gets cold at night or during the winters, make sure you keep your Jade Satin inside and away from drafty windows.
As for humidity, the more the better! Jade Satin Scindapsus grows best when the humidity levels exceed 50%. This doesn’t necessarily mean you need a greenhouse, though. It will grow just fine at regular household humidity.
Just keep an eye on the levels during hot, dry summers and when heaters are on during the winter. There are a few easy ways to increase humidity such as a pebble tray with water, keeping it in the kitchen or bathroom, and growing it near other houseplants.
Humidity is another reason why I like moving my Scindapsus plants outside for the summer. The humidity where we live is spectacular for tropical plants, and I take full advantage of it!
Scindapsus Pictus Jade Satin propagation tips
If you happen upon a full grown Jade Satin Scindapsus, all power to you! But if you’re like me, then you’ll have to take what you can get…which for me was a dried up leaf with a single node. And then make propagating your best friend!
Just as a heads up, propagating a Jade Satin Scindapsus takes lots of time and patience. Prepare a cup or jar with a potting mix. I used damp perlite and sphagnum moss. Then, dip the node in rooting hormone—you’re going to need all the help you can get.
Cover the top with a plastic bag and keep the cup near bright, indirect light. Rooting will take several months, so avoid the temptation of checking for them often. Make sure the moss stays damp. You can see my Jade Satin Scindapsus propagation guide for a more in-depth step-by-step guide with pics!
Like Scindapsus propagation? You can also check out my guides for how to propagate Scindapsus Treubii moonlight and dark form cuttings, as well as how to propagate Scindapsus Pictus cuttings!
Where can I find a Jade Satin Scindapsus?
That’s the million dollar question! It’s a somewhat rare plant where I’m at. I saw my first Jade Satin Scindapsus about an hour away from me at a nursery in DC—however, they sold out almost immediately. (They were claimed online.) My busted leaf and node ended up coming from someone in a Facebook plant group.
I hadn’t seen them anywhere else recently until I was at a nursery in my city a few weeks ago and saw a table full of gorgeous, full 6″ pots .I couldn’t believe it! The price was steep for me—$59.99. But the plants were gorgeous. And you wouldn’t have to deal with shipping finding them locally.
And then of course there is always shopping online. Etsy has some decent deals (affiliate link) if you shop around and read the reviews. And Gabriella Plants is a good source, too—if you can grab one on a restock day! You can sign up for email alerts. Good luck!
Are Scindapsus plants safe for pets?
No, Scindapsus plants are sadly considered toxic when ingested. That means you should keep them away from nibbling pets or nosy kids who don’t know any better. Luckily these look great hanging up high, so that shouldn’t be an issue.
Pin my Jade Satin Scindapsus care guide!
Brittany is a seasoned DIY home and garden expert, running a creative brand since 2014 that inspires others with approachable plant care guides, woodworking tutorials, and decor projects. She is a certified project manager and has completed extensive coursework in the art and science of growing your own plants. Her work has been recognized by major publications, and she routinely collaborates with fellow DIY industry leaders—but her favorite thing to do is inspire you!
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