No doubt, Scindapsus varieties are everyone’s favorite plants. They have lovely foliage and lush greenery that instantly attract attention.
Scindapsus Pictus Argyraeus and silvery Ann are always preferred choices for any grower. However, they are often confused with one another. In fact, many Scindapsus plants look the same.
If the comparison of Scindapsus Pictus Argyraeus and Silvery Ana is really confusing for you, this article will help you. So, read on to become capable of easy recognition of both related plants.
Table of Contents
What is Scindapsus Pictus Argyraeus?
Its formal name is not known as Scindapsus Pictus Argyraeus. In fact, it is being sold under different names, such as “satin pothos” or “silver satin pothos.”
This plant is native to the tropical and subtropical forests of Southeast Asia. The beauty of this plant comes from its mid-sized evergreen cordate foliage.
The green leaves of Scindapsus Argyraeus are widely variegated with silver or white. In the wild, this plant climbs the trunks of nearby trees.
This makes it a perfect choice for trailing or climbing per your preferences. The texture of its leaves is pretty much leathery.
If you want this Scindapsus to thrive well, you should avoid direct exposure to sunlight. Ideal temperatures for it range between 15 and 29 degrees Celsius.
Scindapsus Pictus Argyraeus falls into the category of low-maintenance plants. So, it won’t be a needy plant if you are busy or forgetful.
What is Scindapsus Pictus Silvery ann?
Silvery Ann is another versatile member of the Scindapsus clan. This plant is native to the rainforests of Southeast Asia and can also be found in the Solomon Islands and Sumatra. This plant belongs to the arum family, like Scindapsus Pictus Argyraeus, silver splash, and exotica.
You can benefit from your silvery Ann in more ways than just decoration, as it does a great job of filtering the indoor air. Additionally, it absorbs humidity from your atmosphere.
As the name suggests, silvery Ann has large blotches of silver variegation. In fact, you can find some of its leaves covered entirely in silver.
This plant looks its best when left to cascade from a hanger, as it will be a centerpiece of the room. Back home, Silvery Ann grows as an epiphyte.
Differences between Scindapsus Pictus Argyraeus and Silvery Ann?
The decision on Scindapsus Pictus Argyraeus and Silvery Ann is challenging for all growers. New plant collectors need help in telling these two plants apart. Both plants have heart-shaped leaves with whitish variegations, which are thick, smooth, matted, and green.
So, there are many reasons for the common mix-up. However, an experienced eye can easily tell the differences.
1. Variegation spread
Both plants have variegated blotches on their surfaces. Also, the variegation is in the same silvery white or light grey color. However, variegated spaces vary from one plant to another.
The silvery Ann is more variegated than the Scindapsus Pictus Argyraeus.
2. Variegation pattern
Scindapsus pictus argyraeus has a pretty consistent variegation pattern. This pattern is repeated on all the leaves. So, all the leaves have the same scattered silvery spots.
The variegation spreads around the midrib. Silvery Ann, on the other hand, has random variegated blotches. You can find leaves with variegation covering half or all of the leaves.
Also, the concentration of the variegation starts around the edges. The variegation also starts at the bottom of the Argyraeus leaf.
It is pretty common to find some silvery Ann leaves without any variegations, while the Scindapsus Pictus Argyraeus leaves are always variegated. Even if the variegation is small, it is always there.
3. Leaf size
The leaves of both plants can give you the impression that they are the same size. However, getting closer to both plants will reveal a noticeable size difference.
The leaves of Scindapsus Argyraeus are smaller than the leaves of Silvery Ann. In fact, the former has the smallest leaves in the whole Scinnapsus pictus group.
4. Plant size
In the juvenile phase, both plants have similar sizes. But as they both reach maturity, their sizes can vary. Mature Scindapsus Pictus Argyraeus reaches a height of 92 cm.
But it can be smaller, with an average of 45 cm long. As for the silvery Ann, its mature size can range between one and 1.20 meters long.
5. Growing speed
Scindapsus Argyraeus grows relatively faster than the silvery ann. However, under the right conditions, your Silvery Ann can become a moderately growing plant.
6. Watering needs
Both plants do not like overwatering, but also won’t tolerate drought. They need moderate watering only when the soil dries. But these drought-tolerant plants require different watering times.
Ideally, you can water your silvery Ann once every 14 days. Your Scindapsus Pictus Argyraeus will need watering once a week in summer. In winter, you can water it every 10 days.
7. Fertilizer requirements
Another distinctive feature of Scindapsus pictus argyraeus vs silvery Ann is their fertilizing needs. Scindapsus pictus argyraeus won’t require feeding at all.
The Silvery Ann, on the other hand, is in need of regular fertilizing during the growing seasons. Monthly feeding will encourage the healthy growth of this Scindapsus variety.
Scindapsus Pictus Argyraeus vs Silvery Ann: Are they the same?
No, Scindapsus Pictus Argyraeus and Silvery Ann are not the same plants. Although they look pretty much alike, they are not identical.
They do share the same origin, family, and natural habitat, but they exhibit different variegation patterns. Their leaves have the famous Scindapsus cordate shape, but they are not of the same size.
In terms of size, the silvery Ann is larger than the Scindapsus Pictus Argyraeus. This applies to both leaf and plant sizes. Silvery Ann grows slowly, especially when compared to argyraeus.
But you can boost the former’s growth speed with fertilizers. Silvery Ann needs regular fertilizing during spring and summer. Scindapsus Argyraeus won’t need any sort of fertilizer.
Last but not least, the silvery ann needs less watering than the Scindapsus Pictus Argyraeus. You can water the former once every fortnight, while the latter needs watering once per week.
