Scindapsus treubii
Scindapsus treubii (Moonlight) Care Guide
Featured photoscindapsus-treubii.jpgScindapsus treubii is the slower, more sculptural cousin of S. pictus. Its leaves are thicker, longer, and a uniform silver-green or near-silver in the Moonlight cultivar; the Dark Form has near-black glossy leaves. It tolerates lower light but grows much more slowly than the satin pothos and rewards collectors who do not need a fast trailer.
Care facts at a glance
- Light
- Bright indirect
- Water
- Water when the top 2 to 3 cm of mix has dried.
- Humidity
- 50–70 %
- Temperature
- 18–29 °C
- Soil
- Chunky aroid mix; bark, perlite, and a small fraction of coir.
- Toxicity
- Mildly toxic. Calcium oxalate sap. (humans) · Toxic to cats and dogs per ASPCA Scindapsus listing. (pets)
- Origin
- Forests of Indonesia, Malaysia, and surrounding Southeast Asia.
- Mature size
- Vines to 1 to 2 metres indoors with support.
Overview
Scindapsus treubii has been in cultivation for decades but became popular relatively recently as the Moonlight cultivar spread through plant trade. The Dark Form is a separate clone with deep, almost black, glossy leaves.
Care Priorities
- Bright filtered light; deep shade slows already-slow growth to a crawl.
- Let the top layer of mix dry between waterings — very water-sensitive.
- A small moss pole encourages bigger leaves over time.
- Patience: this is one of the slowest aroids in trade.
Common Problems
Yellowing leaves are overwatering. Stalled growth in low light is normal but reversible — move closer to a window. Leaf damage from cold draughts shows as soft black patches.
Sources & further reading (3)
- encyclopedia — accessed 2026-04-28
- botanical-garden — accessed 2026-04-28
- toxicity-database — accessed 2026-04-28
Frequently asked questions
Why is my treubii so slow?
Treubii is naturally slow. One to three new leaves a year indoors is typical.
Moonlight vs Dark Form — different species?
Same species, different cultivars. Care is the same; the Dark Form prefers slightly brighter light to keep leaves glossy.
Best display?
A small trellis or short moss pole on a bright shelf. The slow growth keeps the plant tidy without trimming.
