If you’re a houseplant lover looking for rare indoor plants with dramatic foliage and low-maintenance care, Scindapsus Treubii is a must-have addition to your indoor garden. With its glossy leaves and exotic look, this tropical climbing plant comes in two stunning varieties: Scindapsus Treubii Moonlight and Scindapsus Treubii Dark Form.
In this ultimate care guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about both varieties, including how to grow them, where to place them, and tips for propagation. This guide is perfect for beginners and advanced plant collectors alike.
Plant Origin & Classification
Scindapsus Treubii is native to the lush, humid rainforests of Southeast Asia, specifically found in regions like Malaysia, Borneo, and Indonesia. In the wild, these tropical plants typically trail along the forest floor or climb tall trees using their natural aerial roots. Their natural climbing habit allows them to seek light in dense jungle environments, making them excellent candidates for vertical growth indoors.
When cultivated as an indoor houseplant, Scindapsus Treubii thrives when supported by climbing structures such as moss poles, bamboo stakes, trellises, or totem poles. While they can also grow beautifully in a trailing form from hanging planters, offering a structure mimics their native growth pattern and encourages larger, more mature leaf development.
From a botanical perspective, Scindapsus Treubii belongs to the Araceae family—commonly known as the aroid family. This family includes other popular indoor plants like Monstera, Philodendron, and Pothos. Within the Araceae family, Scindapsus Treubii falls under the Monsteroideae subfamily, and its genus is Scindapsus.
What Is Scindapsus Treubii?
Scindapsus Treubii is a tropical vine from the aroid family, native to the humid rainforests of Southeast Asia. Closely related to Pothos and Philodendron, it’s appreciated for its durability, rich foliage, and adaptability as an indoor plant. It grows slowly, but its dramatic visual appeal makes it worth the wait.
Varieties:
- Scindapsus Treubii Moonlight: Recognized by its silvery sheen and heart-shaped leaves.
- Scindapsus Treubii Dark Form: Known for deep green, almost black leaves that give a bold, architectural look.
These rare houseplants are excellent for trailing or climbing on a moss pole and do equally well in pots or hanging planters.
Why Choose Scindapsus Treubii for Your Indoor Plant Collection?
Whether you’re a seasoned plant parent or a beginner, here’s why Scindapsus Treubii is a great houseplant:
- Low maintenance: Once established, these plants require minimal attention.
- Visually striking: The Moonlight’s silver tones and the Dark Form’s deep hues offer striking contrasts.
- Compact growth: Unlike fast-growing vines, they remain manageable for years.
- Great for indoor environments: Tolerant of varying humidity and indirect light.
However, they grow slowly—very slowly. And they aren’t cheap, often priced higher than more common indoor plants. But their elegance, longevity, and ease of care make them a worthwhile investment.
Scindapsus Treubii ‘Moonlight’ vs. ‘Dark Form’: Key Differences
| Feature | Moonlight | Dark Form |
|---|---|---|
| Leaf Color | Silvery green with dark green margins | Deep green to almost black |
| Texture | Glossy, heart-shaped | Glossy, narrow, elongated |
| Growth Rate | Very slow | Slightly faster |
| Availability | More widely available | Once rare, now easier to find |
| Light Preference | Bright indirect light | Tolerates slightly lower light |
Scindapsus Treubii Moonlight
Also known as Sterling Silver, this variety showcases a silvery sheen on thick, heart-shaped leaves. It looks full and bushy even when relatively young due to short internodes. It’s often compared to Satin Pothos, but with more reflective elegance.
Scindapsus Treubii Dark Form
Initially ultra-rare and commanding triple-digit prices, the Dark Form now enjoys wider circulation. Its nearly black foliage stands out dramatically in light spaces. The leaves grow at sharper angles, giving the plant a bold, architectural shape.
Want to buy Scindapsus Treubii Moonlight or Dark Form?
Light Requirements for Scindapsus Treubii
Both varieties thrive in bright, indirect light. A few hours of morning or late afternoon sun is acceptable, especially from east- or west-facing windows.
- Avoid direct midday sunlight: It can scorch the leaves.
- Dark Form can tolerate slightly dimmer spots, but growth will be slower.
- In low-light environments, vines may become leggy, with fewer leaves and more space between nodes.
Tip: Use a grow light if your space lacks natural sunlight.
Watering: The #1 Priority in Scindapsus Treubii Care
The most common mistake? Overwatering. These plants are highly prone to root rot.
- When to water: Let at least two-thirds of the potting soil dry out.
- In summer: once per week.
- In winter: once every 2–3 weeks, depending on humidity and temperature.
Signs of Overwatering:
- Yellowing leaves
- Mushy stems
- Foul odor from soil
Always use pots with drainage holes and a well-aerated potting mix to reduce risk.
Best Potting Mix for Scindapsus Treubii
Use an airy, well-draining soil blend. Ideal ingredients include:
- Coco coir or peat
- Perlite or vermiculite
- Orchid bark
- Activated charcoal (optional for root health)
Avoid dense or water-retaining soils. You can purchase a premixed aroid potting mix, or create your own blend at home.
Humidity and Temperature Preferences
Scindapsus Treubii hails from rainforests in Southeast Asia, so it appreciates higher humidity—but it’s adaptable.
- Optimal humidity: 50–70%
- Temperature range: 21–32°C (70–90°F)
- Avoid cold drafts or temps below 10°C (50°F)
These houseplants can handle household humidity, but growth may stall in very dry environments. A humidifier or grouping plants together can help.
Feeding and Fertilization
Scindapsus Treubii doesn’t demand much food. Overfeeding won’t speed up its growth.
- Fertilize once every 2–3 months during spring and summer.
- Use a balanced houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength.
- Avoid fertilizing in winter.
Propagation Tips: Grow Your Own Treubii
Propagation through stem cuttings is a rewarding and budget-friendly way to grow more Scindapsus Treubii plants. This method allows plant lovers to create new plants from a healthy parent vine without needing advanced tools or skills.
How to Propagate Scindapsus Treubii:
- Choose a healthy vine: Look for a long, mature vine with several nodes (the points where leaves and roots grow).
- Make the cut: Using sterilized scissors or a knife, cut between two nodes. Ensure that each segment includes at least one healthy leaf and one node—this is essential for successful rooting.
- Select your rooting medium:
- Water: Place the cutting in a clear glass jar with water. Change the water every few days to prevent stagnation.
- Sphagnum moss: Keeps the cutting moist while allowing good airflow around the roots.
- LECA (Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate): A soilless, low-maintenance option for advanced plant parents.
- Well-draining soil: Plant directly into an airy potting mix; keep the soil lightly moist.
- Provide the right environment: Place the cutting in a spot with bright, indirect light and warm temperatures between 21–27°C (70–80°F). Avoid direct sunlight, which can stress the cutting.
- Wait for roots: Root development usually begins within 3 to 4 weeks. Once roots are about 1–2 inches long, you can transplant the cutting into its permanent pot.
- Create a fuller plant: For a bushier look, plant multiple rooted cuttings together in the same container. Since Scindapsus Treubii vines don’t branch naturally, grouping them makes for a lush appearance.
Best time to propagate: Late spring to summer, when the plant is actively growing and has optimal environmental conditions.
Repotting Tips
Though Scindapsus Treubii is a slow grower, repotting is still an important part of its long-term care. These houseplants typically need to be repotted only every 2 to 4 years, or whenever you notice that the roots have begun to outgrow the current container (evident by roots poking out from the drainage holes or the plant becoming root-bound).
When to Repot:
- Best Season: Repot during spring or early summer, when the plant is in its active growth phase. This allows the roots to recover quickly and adapt to the new pot.
Pot Selection:
- Always choose a pot that has drainage holes to prevent water accumulation at the bottom.
- Select a pot that is 1–2 inches larger in diameter than the current one. Avoid choosing an oversized pot, as this increases the risk of overwatering.
Soil Mix:
- Use a fresh, well-draining potting mix—preferably an aroid mix composed of coco coir, orchid bark, and perlite.
Repotting Steps:
- Gently remove the plant from its current container.
- Loosen the root ball slightly and trim any dead or mushy roots.
- Place the plant into the new pot and fill in with fresh soil.
- Water lightly and place the plant in a shaded, warm spot for a few days to reduce transplant shock.
Regular repotting not only refreshes the soil nutrients but also promotes better root aeration and healthier growth overall.
Common Problems and How to Solve Them
No Growth
- Temperature too low (<21°C)
- Low light conditions
- No fertilizer application
Yellow Leaves
- Overwatering (check roots)
- Natural aging of older leaves
- Pest infestation: spider mites, thrips
Leggy Growth
- Insufficient light
- Solution: Move to a brighter spot or use a grow light
Damaged Leaves
- Common in trailing plants; protect from high-traffic areas
White Mold
- Poor ventilation + high humidity
- Wipe off with a damp cloth; increase airflow
How Big Does Scindapsus Treubii Get?
With time and patience, each vine can grow up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) or longer.
- Support with:
- Moss poles
- Bamboo stakes
- Wall trellises
Because it rarely branches naturally, propagating and potting multiple vines together gives a fuller look.
Is Scindapsus Treubii Safe for Pets?
No. Scindapsus Treubii contains calcium oxalate crystals, which are toxic to cats, dogs, and even humans if ingested.
Final Thoughts: Is Scindapsus Treubii Worth It?
If you’re searching for a striking indoor plant with long-term charm and minimal fuss, Scindapsus Treubii ‘Moonlight’ or ‘Dark Form’ will not disappoint. These plants suit both modern homes and tropical-inspired interiors, offering elegance and character in equal measure.
Although they take time to mature, their beauty and resilience make them a satisfying addition to any indoor plant collection.
FAQs
1. What are the two types of Scindapsus Treubii?
- Moonlight: Silvery, heart-shaped leaves
- Dark Form: Deep green to almost black narrow leaves
2. Is Scindapsus Treubii hard to grow?
No, but it’s slow growing. Just avoid overwatering and cold temperatures.
3. How fast does it grow?
Very slowly—expect just a few leaves per year.
4. Can Scindapsus Treubii grow in low light?
It can tolerate low light temporarily but prefers medium to bright indirect light for healthy growth.
5. How do I make my Scindapsus Treubii fuller?
Propagate multiple cuttings and plant them together in one pot for a bushier look.
Bring Home the Beauty of Scindapsus Treubii
Ready to grow your rare plant collection? Whether you’re drawn to the silver shimmer of Moonlight or the bold elegance of Dark Form, Scindapsus Treubii is a perfect choice for indoor plant lovers.
