We independently select everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission.

Guide

Silver Ann Vs. Satin Pothos

Silver Ann, also called Silvery Ann Pothos, and Satin Pothos are popular houseplants known for their lush green foliage and easy maintenance. While they may look similar at first glance, some distinct differences exist between the two plants.

One of the main similarities between Silver Ann and Satin Pothos is their appearance, as both have heart-shaped leaves with a glossy texture. However, Silver Ann has silver variegation on its leaves, while Satin Pothos has a velvety texture and a dark green color.

Another difference between the two plants is their growth habit. Silver Ann tends to be a more compact plant, while Satin Pothos grows quite long and vine-like.

Silver Ann Pothos Vs. Satin Pothos - Quick Look

Plant Characteristics & CareSilver Ann PothosSatin Pothos
Scientific NameScindapsus pictus 'Silvery Ann' Silver Ann PothosScindapsus pictus ‘Silver Satin’ Satin Pothos
Plant TypeEvergreen tropical vining plantsEvergreen tropical vining plants
Native to the Solomon Islands and other parts of Southeast AsiaNative to Southeast Asia, specifically the regions of Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia
AppearanceCharacterized by its heart-shaped leaves with green and silver variegationAlso has heart-shaped leaves that are dark green with silvery markings on the upper surface of the leaf
SizeLeaves can reach 4 to 6 inches long and 2 to 4 inches wide. The vines grow up to 8 feet longLeaves grow to between 2 and 4 inches long and 1 and 3 inches wide. The vines grow up to 6 to 8 feet long
WaterPrefer to be kept in evenly moist soil, but they tolerate short periods of droughtPrefer to be kept in evenly moist soil, but they tolerate short periods of drought
SunTolerate various light conditions but prefer bright, indirect lightTolerate various light conditions but prefer bright, indirect light

More Information About These Two Plants

Plant Type

The Silver Ann Pothos and Satin Pothos belongs to the Araceae family. They both share the scientific name Scindapsus pictus with their common names differentiating the plants in single quotation marks.

Other scindapsus pictus varieties include Scindapsus pictus 'exotica’ and scindapsus pictus ‘argyraeus,’ both featuring dark green leaves and silvery markings.

They are evergreen tropical vining plants that grow natively in Southeast Asia, and are one of the most common houseplants.

As indoor plants, they’re commonly grown in hanging baskets so their vines can trail, but they can easily be pruned and kept as a bushy tabletop plant.

Origin

The Silver Ann Pothos is a cultivar or variety of the Epipremnum aureum native to the Solomon Islands and other parts of Southeast Asia. However, the specific origin of the Silver Ann cultivar is still being determined, as it is an artificial variety created through selective breeding or mutation.

The Silver Ann Pothos was likely developed by plant enthusiasts or growers looking for a variation of the Golden Pothos with unique silver variegation.

The Satin Pothos, also known as Silk Pothos or Silver Philodendron, is native to Southeast Asia, specifically the regions of Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. Its scientific name is Scindapsus pictus, and it is a member of the Araceae family, which includes many other popular houseplants such as the Peace Lily and the ZZ Plant.

The Satin Pothos has been cultivated as a houseplant for many years and has become popular due to its beautiful velvety leaves and low-maintenance care requirements.

Appearance

The Silver Ann Pothos has heart-shaped leaves that are glossy and green with silver variegation. The leaves have a slightly pointed tip. The silver variegation on the leaves varies in intensity, with some leaves having more silver than others.

The Satin Pothos has heart-shaped leaves that are dark green with silvery markings on the upper surface of the leaf. The leaves have a velvety texture and are slightly puckered, giving them a three-dimensional appearance. The underside of the leaves is a lighter green color and has a matte finish.

Size

The size of a Silver Ann Pothos plant depends on the growing conditions and care it receives. A well-cared-for Silver Ann Pothos can grow up to several feet in length. The leaves of the plant grow to be 4 to 6 inches long and 2 to 4 inches wide. The vines of the Silver Ann Pothos grow up to 8 feet long, making it a great plant for hanging baskets or training up a trellis or moss pole.

The size of a Satin Pothos also varies with the growing conditions and care it receives. A well-cared-for Satin Pothos grows up to several feet in length. The leaves of the plant can grow to be 2 to 4 inches long and 1 to 3 inches wide. The vines of the Satin Pothos grow up to 6 to 8 feet long.

When grown in a container, these plants typically grow to fill the pot and may eventually require repotting into a larger container to accommodate their growth.

Water

The Silver Ann Pothos and the Satin Pothos prefer to be kept in evenly moist soil, but they do tolerate short periods of drought. Avoid overwatering the plant, which leads to root rot. Only water the these plants when the top inch of the soil is dry to the touch.

When watering, thoroughly saturate the soil and allow any excess water to escape through the drainage holes. Use a well-draining potting soil mixed with perlite and peat moss to improve drainage, and avoid letting the plant sit in standing water. During the winter months, the plant may require less frequent watering.

Read More: How Often to Water Pothos Plants

Sun

The Silver Ann Pothos and Satin Pothos tolerate various light conditions but prefer bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight scorches the leaves, so it’s best to place the plant in a location where it will receive filtered or diffused light. The plant also grows well in low light conditions, but its growth may be slower, and the leaf variegation may be less pronounced due to a loss of chlorophyll.

If they don’t receive enough light, they may become leggy, and their leaves may lose their variegation. Moving the plant to a brighter location or using supplemental artificial lighting may be necessary if this happens.

Most Pothos varieties do well in artificial lighting, which is why they’re a popular indoor plant for office buildings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the silver ann and satin Pothos rare?

These are not particularly rare indoor plants. They are found in many nurseries or online plant shops.

How do I know if I have a silver Ann or satin Pothos?

Look at the leaf size and appearance to differentiate between the Silver Ann and Satin Pothos plants. Silver Ann Pothos has larger green leaves with silver splash variegation, while Satin Pothos has smaller leaves with a more satin-like texture and jade green color.

What is the difference between a Pothos and a Philodendron?

While Pothos and Philodendron plants are often mistaken for one another, though they belong to different genera. The main differences between them are their leaf shape and size. Pothos leaves are typically smaller and heart-shaped and different cultivars have a wide range of variegated patterns. Philodendrons have larger leaves and more diverse leaf shapes.

Regarding plant care, they have similar requirements, including a well-draining potting mix, indirect sunlight, and regular watering during the growing season. A moss pole can be used to support their vining growth. Some common Philodendron species include Philodendron Treubii and Philodendron Silver Lady.

Browse all guides