Scindapsus treubii 'Moonlight'

Identity and naming history of Scindapsus treubii 'Moonlight'

The name 'Moonlight' is used for this pale cultivated form of Scindapsus treubii, which is also sold as 'Sterling Silver'.

The wild species occurs in Peninsular Malaysia, northwestern Borneo and Java, growing as a forest climber in wet tropical conditions.

Growing 'Moonlight' at home

• Light: Place 'Moonlight' near a bright window with filtered daylight. This supports steady growth and keeps the silver-green colour clear.
• Watering: Let the mix dry well and wait until the pot feels clearly lighter, then water thoroughly and let it drain completely.
• Potting mix: Use an organic, free-draining mix with bark or coarse coco chips and pumice or perlite.
• Climbing or trailing: A small board or trellis gives the climbing roots a surface to grip. The vine can also grow sideways or trail from a raised pot.
• Temperature and humidity: Keep 'Moonlight' at a steady 18–24°C. Typical room humidity is fine. Keep gentle air movement around mature leaves.
• Feeding: Use a balanced fertiliser as directed on the label while new leaves and roots are developing. If growth slows, stop feeding until a new leaf opens or the stem starts growing again.
• Repotting: Move into a slightly larger container when roots crowd the pot or the potting mix packs down and drains slowly.
• Propagation: Start new plants from stem cuttings or by layering part of the stem while it remains attached to the parent plant.

Common care issues with 'Moonlight'

• Pale leaves develop dry, bleached patches beside the window: Move 'Moonlight' to a bright spot with filtered light.
• Thick silver-green leaves fold inward as the pot becomes light: Water thoroughly and let the pot drain. On the next cycle, check the mix while the leaves are still firm and water once the top is dry and the pot feels lighter.
• Pale lower foliage yellows while the potting mix remains wet: Take the plant out of its pot and inspect the roots for soft brown decay. With a clean, disinfected tool, cut away soft brown roots until only firm, healthy roots remain. Discard the removed roots and repot into fresh, free-draining mix.
• Cottony clusters, tiny webbing or groups of small insects settle on the vine: Check for mealybugs, spider mites and aphids. Isolate the plant. Use an indoor-plant treatment labelled for the pest you find and repeat it as directed on the label.

If the cause remains unclear, send clear photos of the whole plant, the affected leaves and the potting mix so we can help assess what is happening.

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.