'Moonlight' scindapsus guide
Scindapsus treubii 'Moonlight', also called moonlight pothos, Scindapsus treubii, sterling silver scindapsus
Published 2026-11-08
Quick care
- Light
- Bright indirect
- Water
- When the soil is almost dry. Its thick leaves store water.
- Humidity
- Average room air is fine
- Temperature
- 18 to 29°C (65 to 85°F). Keep above 10°C (50°F).
- Soil
- Any well-draining houseplant mix
- Feeding
- Balanced liquid fertilizer, monthly in spring and summer
- Pets
- Toxic to cats and dogs. It contains calcium oxalate crystals.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Mature size
- Vines 2 to 3 m (6 to 10 ft) indoors
- Propagation
- Stem cuttings in water or soil
- Where to buy
- Plant shops
This page covers what makes 'Moonlight' scindapsus different. For light, water, soil, pests, and the rest, read the pothos care guide.
What it is
‘Moonlight’ is not a true pothos. It is Scindapsus treubii, a cousin of satin pothos. The leaves are thick, stiff, and oval to lance-shaped. They are washed in pale silver all over, with a darker green midrib and edges. It grows slow and stays compact.
How to tell it apart
| Plant | Leaves | The tell |
|---|---|---|
| ‘Moonlight’ | Thick, stiff, all-over silver sheen | Solid silver wash, no spots |
| Satin pothos | Matte, soft, silver spots | The silver sits in spots on dark green |
| ‘Cebu Blue’ pothos | Thinner, narrow, blue-silver | Long arrow shape and a blue cast |
‘Dark Form’ is the same species with almost black, glossy leaves.
Care differences
The thick leaves hold water. Let the soil get almost dry before you water. Soggy soil rots it faster than a pothos.
It grows slow. Do not expect long vines. Bright indirect light keeps the silver bright. It handles medium light, but grows even slower there.
Grow it from a cutting
Cut a stem just below a node with two or three leaves. Root it in moist soil or sphagnum moss. Water rooting works too, but it is slow. Expect roots in four to six weeks.
Pet safety
The ASPCA lists Scindapsus as toxic to cats and dogs. It contains calcium oxalate crystals that irritate the mouth and stomach.
Buying it
‘Moonlight’ is sold at plant shops and online, and now and then at garden centers. Look for a full pot with firm, flat leaves. Wrinkled or soft leaves point to root rot or a plant that dried out hard.