Scindapsus treubii is the best houseplant if you like to collect rare plants. I am sure most of you never heard this name before. This plant is a family member of Monsteroideae. These tropical houseplants grow well in high humidity and in well-draining soil. The good news is Scindapsus treubii care is a simple process.
You do not need to have gardening knowledge to grow and care for Scindapsus treubii plants.
It is mainly found in the rain forests of Southeast Asia. It also has aerial roots. This means you do not need to work much for increasing humidity. Plants that have air roots always need fewer fertilizers and care.
But still, you have to do your best for your growing plants to grow them healthy.
This plant has two varieties. One is Scindapsus treubii moonlight with oval-shaped leaves and silvery sheen. The second is Scindapsus treubii dark with deep green leaves. That look dark black in low-light locations.
In today’s post, you’ll learn about the Scindapsus treubii care techniques and propagation. Common pests, diseases, and their solutions are also part of the article.
Quick care summary
| Common Names | Scindapsus treubii |
| Light | Bright, filtered |
| Water | Moderate |
| Soil | Fast draining with perlite |
| Temperature | 18 to 25 degrees C |
| Humidity | 40 % to 65 % |
| Pests and Diseases | Resistant to pests and diseases |
| Toxicity | Animals and Humans If consumed |
Scindapsus treubii care techniques
Follow our below techniques to grow this rare plant. If you do not understand any point of this post. Write us immediately we’ll help you to grow Scindapsus treubii plants.
Now take paper and pencil and make some notes.
Light
Scindapsus treubii plants need bright light. But the light has to be indirect. If you have a sunny window at home then grow this plant. Because if you buy a grow light then you have to buy high end grow light. Spending more than $200 for light to grow a single plant is not a wise decision.
Buy grow light if you like to grow multiple plants under one light and this is your hobby.
Put it near the sunny window and protect it from direct sunlight. Remember that the morning light is good for all types of plants. Because at this time the sun emits low intense rays. These sun rays directly go into the plant and make it strong and healthy.
Direct high intense light keeps the plant dry and this results in brown and burns leaves.
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Soil
Buy a regular houseplant potting soil and add some perlite in it. By adding it you can make it perfect for Scindapsus treubii care. Soil is an important factor in every plant’s growth. Highly fertile soil is always in demand.
I always recommend commercial potting mixes for growing houseplants. But if you need to use your garden soil in plant pots. Then you have to make it usable for potted plants.
1 part garden soil + 1 part perlite + 1 part orchid bark = perfect soil mix
Do not use any other formula because this plant is rare and only a handful of growers know how to grow it. I Speak from my personal experience with this plant.
Water
Unlike other calathea plants, Scindapsus treubii can tolerate a little dry environment. At the time of watering, you have to check the soil conditions. If the top few inches of soil contain some amount of moisture. Then no need to water the plants. If it is dry then you can water it thoroughly.
The first sign of underwater is curled leaves. When you pour some water the plant leaves gain their health back.
Filtered water is a good choice over tap water. The tap water in our country contains minerals. In some areas, it is safe to drink and safe for watering plants. But for indoor plants, I suggest you use only filtered water.
This type of water does not contain heavy minerals and is easy for plants to absorb. They do not need to spend more energy on the uptake of filtered water.
Remember that on hot summer days you need to water frequently even if there is perlite in the soil. the hot air makes the soil dry in few hours.
Temperature
18 to 25 degrees C is the ideal temperature range for Scindapsus treubii care. It is clear that this plant needs warm weather to thrive. If the temperature drops below 15-degree C then the plant will suffer.
Low temperature freezes the water content in the plant stems. This forms a deadly condition for your plant.
On the other hand, hot weather makes the plant dry by evaporating the moisture. Plants store moisture in their stems and leaves. Hot temperature kills the plant tissues and your plant will start dying.
Fertilizer
Fertilize your plants with organic fertilizers. They are saved to use on plants. Plants like calatheas have soft rooting systems. High-strength fertilizers can burn the roots and build up salt in the pot.
Use balanced fertilizers means 10-10- 10 (NPK). No need to use any particular fertilizer. Normal houseplant nutrients are best to use. One application each month is ideal.
Do not fertilize it on winter days. Because at this time plants do not grow. They take rest and fertilizing at this stage is a wastage of money and material.
Humidity
40 % to 65% humidity is the perfect range for the good health of Scindapsus treubii plants. In low humid areas, you need to make some arrangements to increase it. Plant humidifier is the best solution. Buying a humidifier is worth it if you live in a desert area and you need it for yourself too.
Spending money on this device just for one or two plants is not worthwhile.
Go for some other traditional solutions. Group the plants together or mist some water on the plant leaves.
Do not mist water on outdoor growing plants. This will result in wilting and in some cases burn the plant leaves.
The humidity that we have in our homes is referred to as general humidity. Its range is varying according to the weather. But it is always right for the plants to grow indoors.
Toxicity
The plant is only toxic to animals and humans if consumed in large quantities (Source: ASPCA). Keep your pets away from this plant. If accidentally they ingested it then call the doctor right away. Vomiting, Nausea, stomach pain are the few symptoms of toxicity.
Propagation
Stem cutting is the easiest way of propagation.
- Look for the healthy stem then cut it from the plant
- It should have one or more leaves.
- Then dip it into the rooting hormone
- Then plant it in the pot.
- Place the pot in the high humid location
- Do not put it in the bathroom or your cutting will rot.
- To increase humidity, cover the pot with a plastic cover.
- Give some water to keep the soil moist.
- Lift the cover once every 2 days so that the cuttings can get fresh air.
- This will also protect your cuttings from various fungal diseases.
Common problems with Scindapsus treubii
If you follow our guide your plants will not get any disease or pests. I have these plants at home for the last 7 years. I never see any fungal or bacterial disease. They are pest-resistant plants. Just keep the plant pot and surroundings clean. Your plants will never get infected by pests.
On my plants, I use only one preventive method and that is neem oil spray.
Take concentrated neem oil from the garden store and a spray bottle. Fill the bottle with water and add 2 tablespoons of neem oil to it. Then spray this mixture on the plant leaves.
Dilute neem oil prevents all the pests and common plant diseases.
If unfortunately, your plants get infected by mealybugs, aphids then use insecticidal soap. Take fresh water and wash your plants with insecticidal soap.
