How to Grow and Care for Jade Satin Pothos

If you are a fan of pothos plants, the jade satin pothos (Scindapsus pictus ‘jade’) is a great variety to add to your collection. Similar to other satin pothos plants like the ‘Argyraeus’ and ‘Exotica’ this pothos variety is actually a part of the Scindapsus genus rather than the closely-related Epipremnum genus like most pothos (golden pothos, marble queen pothos, jade pothos, and more). Nevertheless, it is commonly accepted as a pothos plant due to its similar appearance and care requirements. 

The jade satin pothos is beloved for its large, thick, heart-shaped leaves and deep green coloring. It can be difficult to find and acquire compared to some of its pothos relatives, and more expensive too. That being said, it is not considered particularly rare and most houseplant shops or nurseries should carry it. As with all pothos plants, pet parents should be aware that the jade satin pothos is considered toxic to pets if ingested.

Jade Satin Pothos Care

Pothos are known for being some of the easiest houseplants to care for and the jade satin pothos is no exception. That being said, it is a bit pickier about its growing conditions than some of its close relatives, particularly the light it receives. As with most Scindapsus varieties, it requires more consistent light than other pothos varieties, particularly because it is already a relatively slow-growing plant. Otherwise, though, the jade satin pothos is an easygoing houseplant that even growers with a brown thumb will be able to keep alive.

Light

This pothos does best in a location that receives plenty of bright, indirect light. Unlike other varieties of pothos, such as the golden pothos, the jade satin pothos does not tolerate low light conditions well. If this plant does not receive enough light, it will experience stunted and leggy growth. At the same time, avoid locations that receive direct sunlight as the leaves are susceptible to leaf burn.

Soil

Choose a soil mix that is rich, airy, and well-draining. A combination of equal parts indoor potting soil, perlite, and orchid bark mix is ideal and easy to make at home. 

Water

The jade satin pothos is sensitive to overwatering and can develop root rot if it is left in soggy soil. To prevent overwatering, allow the top two to three inches to dry out between waterings. Use your finger or a moisture meter to test the soil before watering. 

Temperature and Humidity

As a tropical plant, the jade satin pothos requires consistently warm temperatures and average to high humidity in order to thrive. Ensure temperatures stay between 60 to 85 degrees Fahnrenheit (15 to 29 degrees Celsius). Average household humidity levels are fine for the jade satin pothos, but keep it away from drafty windows or air vents which can dry out the air and cause the plant’s leaves to develop crispy edges.

Fertilizer

Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer once every three to four weeks during the active growing period (spring and summer) to help support new growth. Stop fertilizing in the early fall months once the temperatures begin to drop.

Pruning

Pruning a jade satin pothos is not necessary, but may be desired over time to control its growth and appearance. Wait until the spring and summer months when the plant is actively growing to prune, and then ensure you never prune more than a third of the plant’s stems at a time. Always use a pair of sharp, clean pruning shears or scissors, and don’t throw away the stem cuttings—they can be used for propagating new plants.

Propagating Jade Satin Pothos

As with all pothos plants, the jade satin pothos is very easy to propagate using stem cuttings. Propagating is a great way to fill out an existing plant, or grow new plants for free. It’s also a smart way to repurpose stem cuttings after you have pruned and shaped your plant. Here’s how to propagate a jade satin pothos from stem cuttings in just a few simple steps. 

1. Using a pair of sharp, clean pruning shears or scissors, take a few stem cuttings from a mature and healthy jade satin pothos. Each stem cutting should have at least three nodes (but no more than five), and at least one leaf. 
2. Remove the bottom leaves from each stem cutting so that the stem and nodes are exposed. Ensure there is at least one leaf left at the top of each cutting. 
3. Fill a small container with fresh, room-temperature water and add the cuttings into the water. The stems should be submerged while the leaves at the top of the stem should sit above the surface of the water.
4. Place the cuttings in a location that receives medium to bright indirect light, and refresh the water once a week to keep it clean. After a few weeks, you should start to see small white roots growing from the nodes. 
5. Once the roots are at least an inch long the cuttings can be planted in soil. Prepare a small pot with a chunky, well-draining soil mix and plant the rooted cuttings. 
6. Water the freshly potted plants well, allowing excess water to drain from the pot’s drainage holes, and then put them back in a bright spot. For the first one to two weeks, keep the soil evenly moist (but not soaking) to help the new roots acclimate from water to soil, and then gradually start allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.

Potting and Repotting Jade Satin Pothos

This pothos plant should be repotted once it outgrows its container—approximately once every two to three years, depending on its growth rate. Spring and summer are the best months for repotting as the plant is actively growing and is less likely to experience shock. Choose a new potting container that is only two to four inches larger than the plant’s previous container, and refresh as much of the soil as possible during repotting.

Common Pests and Plant Diseases

The jade satin pothos is not particularly prone to any pests or diseases, however, as with most houseplants, it’s a good idea to keep an eye out for some common houseplant pests. Spider mites, mealybugs, fungus gnats, and thrips will all happily take up residence in a jade satin pothos. Making regular pest checks a standard part of your plant’s care routine is a good way to catch any potential infestations early and stop them in their tracks. 

When it comes to diseases, root rot is the main one to watch out for with this pothos. Root rot usually results from overwatering and a lack of proper drainage, either due to overly dense soil or using a pot without drainage holes. A plant suffering from root rot should be repotted immediately and have any affected roots pruned off.

Common Problems With Jade Satin Pothos

As with all pothos plants the jade satin pothos is a relatively low-maintenance and easygoing houseplant. That being said, it is susceptible to a few common problems which can arise due to improper growing conditions. 

Yellow Leaves

Yellow leaves are a common houseplant ailment that the jade satin pothos is not immune to. Usually, it is an indication that your plant is either under-watered or not receiving enough light. That being said, yellow leaves can also be a sign of a pest infestation, overwatering, lack of humidity, and too much light. Unfortunately, closely examining your plant’s growing environment is and experimenting with solutions is the only way to know what the root cause is.

Brown Leaves

Jade satin pothos plants can develop brown leaves for a number of reasons, the most common of which are a lack of humidity and too much sunlight (leaf burn). Ensure your plant is kept away from drafty windows or air vents, and keep it out of direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn. Unfortunately, once a leaf has developed brown spots or edges there is no way to reverse it. You can prune the affected leaves off if you wish.

Stunted Growth

In general, satin pothos plants (Scindapsus pictus and its varieties) are known to have moderate to slow growth rates. However, if you notice that your plant is experiencing particularly slow or stunted growth, it is likely that you need to give it more sunlight. Lack of light is the most common reason that jade satin pothos plants experience stunted growth, followed by improper fertilization.