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

  1. Home
  2. Plants
Scindapsus pictus

Silver Ann: Rare, Variegated Easy-Care Pothos

The silver Ann, also called silver Philodendron, is a unique variegated Pothos plant that’s popular as a houseplant but challenging to find. The leaves have silvery splashes of color, and the lush, trailing vines make it a beautiful addition to any space.

Published on 11 August, 2023 by Oliver Rouane-Williams
Skip to

Other names for this plant...

Pothos Silvery Ann Satin Pothos Silver Satin Pothos Silver Splash Silver Philodendron

About Silver Ann

Like most other houseplants, the silver Ann is an excellent air purifier. While this plant can get leggy, regular pruning can keep your silver Ann full. The plant has heart-shaped leaves with silver splotches, but the silver can be less pronounced if it is not in good health.

A reasonably low-maintenance plant, this is an excellent choice for those who are new to growing indoor plants.

Botanical Name

The scientific name for silver Ann is Scindapsus pictus in the Araceae family. While the plant is sometimes called a silver Philodendron, and both Pothos and Philodendrons belong to the same family (Araceae, the aroid plant family), they are different plants belonging to different genera. Philodendron is a genus itself, while Pothos belongs to the Epipremnum genus.

Plant Type

Silver Ann Pothos is an evergreen tropical vine. The slow-growing vine stays green year-round and uses aerial roots to grow up tree trunks in the wild. Indoors, it can be trained to grow up a moss pole or trellis. It can also be allowed to trail from a hanging basket or high shelf.

Origin

This plant originated in the jungles of South East Asia.

Appearance

The scindapsus pictus silvery Ann has heart-shaped matte green leaves with silvery splashes of color. The leaves are firm and glossy, and the variegation may be inconsistent or differ from plant to plant.

Silver Ann Pothos have gray, white, and silver variegated leaves.

Types Of Silver Ann Plants

  • Scindapsus pictus argyraeus variety

  • Scindapsus pictus exotica variety

  • Scindapsus pictus silvery Ann variety

  • Scindapsus pictus silver lady variety

  • Scindapsus pictus silver splash variety

  • Scindapsus treubii dark form variety

  • Scindapsus treubii moonlight variety

Silver Ann Styling 

A silver Ann can be beautifully grown and displayed in many ways. You can let the long vines trail from a hanging basket or shelf, or you can keep them trimmed short for a tropical tabletop display. They can also be trained to grow up a trellis or moss pole. Since they like humid environments, they also grow well in a large terrarium.

Light

These tropical plants love bright indirect light. Place them near a window that gets 6-8 hours of diffused, indirect sunlight each day. If they get too much direct sun, their leaves can burn.

Water

Water your silver Ann every 10-14 days or when the top two inches of soil feel dry. They do not tolerate over-watering, which can cause root rot.

Temperature

The silver Ann prefers warmer temperatures as they are a tropical plant. They do best in temperatures ranging from 65-85 degrees Fahrenheit. They will struggle in lower temperatures.

Humidity

The silver Ann plant thrives in an environment with relative humidity. Humidity should range between 40-50% for optimal growth. During drier months, you may need to mist the leaves between waterings or use a humidifier.

Soil

Silver Ann Pothos plants prefer a well-draining potting mix with a good balance of peat, soil and perlite. The pot should have drainage holes to prevent the roots from sitting in water.

Pothos plants do not like to be root bound, so choose a pot a couple of inches larger than the last one when repotting.

Pruning

Trim off yellow or brown leaves at any time. If the rest of the vine is healthy, be careful to trim off the leave without cutting the stem. If many leaves on a vine are dying, cut the entire stem back at the base.

You can trim the length of the vines at any time. Cut below a node to encourage new growth for a fuller plant.

Keep any healthy stem cutting for propagation so you can share this rare plant with friends!

Feed

This plant is not picky about its plant food, so any balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer will do. Fertilize during the growing season in the spring and summer when your plant is producing new growth.

Height & Growth

While these plants can grow up to 10 feet in the wild, they are more likely to be 3-4 feet tall when grown in homes as houseplants.

Toxicity

All types of Pothos plants are toxic if ingested. The leaves contain calcium oxalate crystals that can cause oral irritation and digestive distress.

Pet

According to the ASPCA, this plant is toxic to cats, dogs and horses.

Common Problems 

  • Overwatering: Wilting and yellow leaves are a sign of over-watering, which can cause root rot and eventually kill your plant.

  • Under-watering: While silver Ann doesn’t like wet soil, if you go too long between waterings, the leaves will quickly dry up and turn brown.

  • Incorrect Light: Low light conditions can cause this plant to lose its silver variegations.

  • Pests: Some common insects that can bother your silvery Ann Pothos are mealybugs, spider mites, and scale bugs.

How To Propagate Silver Ann

Propagation of the silver Ann is easy. Take clean scissors and cut just below a node on a healthy vine. Remove the bottom leaves and place the cutting in a glass of water to root.

The jar should be placed in bright, indirect light. Be sure to replace the water weekly until you see 3-inch roots, then plant the cutting in a new pot.

Propagate silver Ann easily through stem cuttings.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you take care of a silver Ann plant?

Taking care of a pathos plant is fairly straightforward. Don’t over-water them, ensure the plant has plenty of light but not direct sunlight, and choose a planter with drainage holes and well-draining soil.

How big does a silvery ann Pothos get?

A silvery Ann can get fairly tall (up to 10 feet in the wild) but is usually about four feet indoors. Long vines may require periodic pruning to keep them off the floor.

What is a silvery Ann’s preferred light condition?

The best lighting for your pathos plant is bright, indirect light for 6-8 hours daily.

Articles about this plant