Satin Pothos: The Vining Plant with Velvet Leaves

I can’t imagine a better way to start off the year than with a new plant. I was recently gifted a healthy Satin Pothos—a rare and lucky find—that now sways cheerily in its hanging pot by the front window. You may recognize this plant for its silvery variegation and velvety leaves. Once sighted, it’s easy to be drawn in by the unique colors and textures. I, for one, have always had my eye on them…

The name Satin Pothos (or Silver Philodendron) is actually a bit of a misnomer. While in the same family as both pothos or philodendron, they’re more cousins than siblings. Still, they display similar characteristics, including heart-shaped leaves and trailing vines. Best of all, they’re also easy to care for and a great plant for beginners!

Sunlight
Satin Pothos, like their vining cousins, are happiest in bright, indirect sunlight. They can tolerate low light, which is why they’re considered a good starter plant. However, placing your plant near a window (preferably on a shelf to allow vining) will help it thrive and grow lush and long quickly.

Water
Like most plants, a Satin Pothos only needs to be watered when the top 1-2 inches of soil is dry and dusty. This may be every couple of weeks, but routinely testing the soil for dryness is the best way to ensure you don’t overwater. It’s okay of the soil remains moist (just not drenched), but keep watch on the leaves. If they begin to turn yellow, your plant has been overwatered! Leaves that begin to curl inward is a sign your plant is thirsty.

Humidity
Satin Pothos do prefer a higher level of humidity than other indoor plants. This can generally be satisfied by keeping your plant in the bathroom or kitchen. Dry air will start to brown the tips of their leaves. Satin Pothos also enjoy warmer temperatures that don’t fall below 55 degrees, which makes them a great indoor plant.

Food
Fertilize your Satin Pothos every month during the growing season (spring – summer) to ensure it has the nutrients to grow healthy. Flush the soil every 3-4 months to remove any salt build-up that can harm your plant. When you notice roots poking through the drainage hole, repot it in a container that is a few inches wider than its diameter.

Propagation
When you notice the vines of your Satin Pothos becoming a bit too long, you can easily propagate them to make new plants! Simply find a root node on the vine (a brown nub) and snip the vine directly behind it. Place the propagated vine in water either permanently or until the new roots are 3-5 inches long. They can then be potted!

Outside of normal plant care, there isn’t much you have to do to keep these beautiful plants alive and thriving. Have you seen a Satin Pothos before? Or have experience owning one? I’d love to know!

XO,
Micah