Scindapsus treubii (Scindapsus treubii)
Scindapsus treubii is a climbing, trailing, or cascading vine that can climb supports, extend horizontally, or grow in hanging containers. It is reported to be perennial.
Overview
Scindapsus treubii is a climbing, trailing, or cascading vine that can climb supports, extend horizontally, or grow in hanging containers. It is reported to be perennial.
Origin and habitat
Scindapsus treubii is native to the Malay Peninsula, northwestern Borneo, and Java. Its habitat is tropical rainforest in a tropical climate.
Characteristics
It is reported to grow slowly. The leaves are simple, entire, hairless, thick, and glossy, but sources differ in describing their shape as heart-shaped or narrowly lance-shaped; 'Moonlight' has dark green to creamy green leaves with a silvery or metallic sheen. The inflorescence is reported to be a spadix with a white spathe, and the plant is reported not to flower when grown indoors.
Light
Bright indirect or filtered light is suitable, including partial sun and dappled light beneath a canopy; strong direct light may scorch the leaves. It is generally suited to bright indirect light.
Watering
Avoid overwatering; sources differ on whether to water after the surface of the medium dries or after the medium becomes partly to nearly fully dry, while keeping it moderately moist without waterlogging.
Humidity and airflow
Scindapsus treubii is generally reported to prefer high humidity.
Temperature and dormancy
Sources differ in their descriptions of the plant's hardiness zone. It is generally frost tender; keep above freezing.
Growing medium and mounting
Use a well-drained, organic-rich growing medium; loam is suitable, and the medium can remain moderately moist with occasional drying.
Feeding
In temperate environments, it is reported that diluted liquid fertilizer can be applied every few weeks during the growing season.
Propagation
It is reported to be propagated by layering or stem cuttings.
Common problems
Mealybugs, aphids, and spider mites are reported as possible pests. Overwatering is reported to potentially cause root rot, while direct sunlight may scorch the leaves. It is reported to be sensitive to frost and should be kept from freezing conditions.
Identification
The main identifying features of 'Moonlight' are thick, glossy leaves with a conspicuous silvery sheen, distinguishing it from the nearly black-leaved 'Dark Form'.