The Scindapsus Pictus plant group offers a collection of numerous remarkable houseplants. However, Scindapsus Pictus plants get easily confused with one another. Generally, each plant in this group has beautiful leaves.
They are also known for being low-maintenance and adapting to various growing conditions. But things can get challenging when comparing Scindapsus Pictus Argyraeus and Scindapsus Pitus Exotica.
When you look at both plants, the leaf shape, color, and variegation might trick you into thinking they are the same. But a closer look can be revealing. You will notice differences that give each plant its beauty and remarkable character.
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What is Scindapsus Pictus Argyraeus?
You might not hear this name very often despite the wide spread of this plant. The other name, Satin Pothos, also knows it. Despite carrying the pothos name, this plant is not a member of the pothos plant collection.
Having the pothos name could be the result of common physical features. However, the right genus for this plant is Scindapsus. They are also a part of the Araceae plant family.
It is a tropical houseplant with slightly deep green leaves and small silvery variegated blotches. This silvery variegation reflects the satin shade. The Scindapsus Pictus Argyraeus leaves are not glossy; rather, it is a trailing plant that can thrive in a hanging basket as it gets long under the right conditions.
What is Scindapsus Pictus Exotica?
Scindapsus Pictus Exotica is a beautiful plant that has evergreen foliage. It has dark green leaves and large silver variegated spots. It is a climber that cascades from a hanging basket. You can leave it in a long pot, and it will hang from its walls. The plant is a part of the arum/Araceae family, like various philodendrons.
The exotica plant is native to tropical parts of Asia. So, it is commonly found in the Philippines, Bangladesh, and Thailand. You can support your Scindapsus Exotica with a moss pole to climb as it does in its natural habitat or let it hang. In addition to its irresistible beauty, the plant does a great job of purifying the air.
What are the differences between the Scindapsus Pictus Argyraeus and Exotica?
Telling the difference between Scindapsus Pictus Argyraeus and Exotica is not easy for beginner plant growers. They have the right to feel confused, as these two specific plants look alike. However, an experienced eye can quickly tell both plants apart.
1. Leaf shape
At a distance, the leaves might look similar. But the shape is not the same at all. The leaves of the Argyraeus or Satin Pothos look like a heart drawing. They are also smaller in size than exotica leaves.
Exotica leaves have a similar shape. However, looking closely, you will find them more ovate than cordate. When you look at the leaves of both plants, you will notice that the exotica leaves are more extensive in height and width.
2. Leaf color
The leaves of Scintapsus Pictus Argyraeus have a moderate green color that is not too dark or too light. Exotica leaves are darker than those of the Argyraeus plant. Also, the leaves of the Argyraeus are matte, while the exotica leaves are glossier.
3. Variegation
Variegation is another point where both plants vary. Both plants are variegated, but the patterns are entirely different. The variegation on Argyraeus leaves is relatively small compared to the exotica plant. It consists of small silvery or greyish blotches or spots.
Exotica plants, on the other hand, have more variegation. The variegation takes most of the leaf surface. The silvery variegation almost hides the dark green leaf color. But you can see the color clearly when you look at the area near the midrib.
4. Plant size
Another defining point in comparing Scindapsus Pictus Argyraeus and Exotica is both plants grow in almost the same way. They will either climb or hang from a higher container. But the final growth size is completely different. The Argyraeus becomes taller than the Exotica.
As for the size of Scintapsus Pictus Argyraeus can get as high as10 feet tall (3 meters). The Scindapsus Pictus Exotica’s mature height ranges between 1 and 1.5 meters. However, some plants can reach 3 meters too.
5. Light conditions
As tropical plants, they will need bright light to thrive properly. But the Argyraeus shows more adaptability to poorer lighting. However, it is better to expose it to bright indirect light.
On the other hand, Exotica won’t thrive when the light is low. The highly variegated plant will need a bright room, but it should not be exposed to the sun directly.
6. Temperature needs
Whether you grow Scindapsus Pictus Argyraeus or Scindapsus Pictus Exotica, you will need a humid and warm atmosphere. However, their preferred indoor temperatures can vary slightly. The temperature range for the exotica plant is between 19 and 30 degrees Celsius.
As for the Argyraeus, it requires an indoor temperature of between 16 and 26 degrees Celsius. Both plants won’t live in a cold environment. However, the Argyraeus can be kept at 15 degrees, provided you increase the humidity.
Scindapsus Pictus Argyraeus vs Scindapsus Pictus Exotica
No, Scindapsus Pictus Argyraeus and Exotica are completely different plants. Despite being members of the same family and genus, they are not the same plant. Both plants are native to tropical and subtropical forests in Asia, but their appearance is very different.
When you compare Scindapsus Pictus Argyraeus and Exotica, you might find a lot of similarities. Both plants are variegated and have similar leaf shapes. Also, they are poisonous and not safe for animals or humans. Also, the growing conditions are almost identical.
However, the leaves of the Exotica plant look bigger than the Argyraeus. Also, the leaves of Exotica reflect a deeper green shade and are more variegated. Sometimes, the wide variegated steaks of the Exotica make you think the leaf is silver or greyish. Argyraeus, on the other hand, has a moderate green color with tiny silverish variegated spots.
Argyraeus is more flexible than Exotica in terms of growing needs. They grow in the same environment, but the Argyraeus won’t mind a bit lower natural light and slightly lower temperatures than the Exotica.
