Scindapsus treubii 'Moonlight'

Natural Range and Cultivation History

Scindapsus treubii is a wet-tropical climber native to the Malay Peninsula, northwestern Borneo and Java. In forest it uses aerial roots to attach to bark, with juvenile leaves arranged closely against the trunk before larger climbing growth develops.

Scindapsus treubii ‘Moonlight’ is a cultivated selection of the species. The name Pothos enderianus, sometimes found in older literature, is a synonym of Scindapsus treubii.

Care for a climbing houseplant

Root care, watering and light: Use an open, chunky substrate and a container closely matched to the slow-growing root system. Soak the mix thoroughly, then let the upper and middle layers dry before watering again. The thick leaves retain water, but this does not make the roots tolerant of prolonged saturation. In lower winter light, extend the dry interval without leaving the roots completely dry for months.

Light and settling in: Keep Scindapsus treubii ‘Moonlight’ in bright indirect light or softened morning sun, increasing exposure in stages after delivery. A bright filtered position supports its pale satin foliage without the bleaching caused by abrupt hot sun.

Humidity: Moderate humidity with airflow is sufficient.

Support, feeding and repotting: A vertical textured support encourages attachment, shingling and larger leaves, whereas trailing growth remains smaller. Apply a dilute feed only while the vine is extending. Avoid frequent repotting or a large jump in pot size. To propagate, cut a healthy section that includes a node; a single silvery leaf without stem tissue cannot produce a replacement shoot.

Scindapsus ‘Moonlight’ Under Stress

The even silver-grey finish of ‘Moonlight’ belongs to the leaf when the surface is smooth and firm. Thrips create rough uneven scars, tiny black droppings or distorted new rolls. Scale forms fixed raised covers, while mealybugs leave cottony wax. Look beneath the leaves, around their bases and along the stem before applying any treatment.

Its thick leaves may stay in place even after the roots begin to fail. Yellowing or softness above a pot that remains wet calls for a root check and removal of black or mushy tissue. Curled leaves above dry mix and firm roots need a complete soak followed by drainage. The roots are more useful than the leaf texture for telling these two problems apart.

Bleached tan patches on the brightest side are permanent scorch. Small new leaves separated by long gaps often signal inadequate filtered light or the lack of a climbing support. Healthy juvenile leaves can still be smaller than mature climbing foliage, and the darker margin and midrib are normal parts of this cultivar.

Scindapsus treubii ‘Moonlight’ is toxic to people and pets

• Keep this plant away from children, cats and dogs.
• Its leaves and stems contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can irritate the mouth, throat, skin and eyes.
• Chewing may cause burning pain, drooling, swelling, vomiting or difficulty swallowing. Contact a veterinarian or medical professional after exposure, especially if swelling or breathing problems occur.

Where does the name Scindapsus treubii come from?

Scindapsus comes from the ancient Greek plant name skindapsos. The epithet treubii honours the Dutch botanist Melchior Treub.

Heinrich Wilhelm Schott established the genus Scindapsus in 1832 in Meletemata Botanica, page 21.

Heinrich Gustav Adolf Engler first described Scindapsus treubii in 1898 in Botanische Jahrbücher für Systematik, volume 25, page 13.