Grow Lights for Scindapsus: Silver Vines Under Gentle LEDs

Grow lights for scindapsus give satin pothos the bright, indirect light it prefers when a window falls short. NC State Extension describes Scindapsus pictus as a tropical evergreen vine with dark green leaves marked in silver that prefers bright indirect light and does not tolerate direct sun. A modest LED or fluorescent fixture can supply that light all year.

The short answer

Hang a full spectrum LED or fluorescent light 12 to 24 inches above the leaves and run it 12 to 14 hours a day. Aim for medium light of about 250 to 1,000 foot candles. If the plant gets no window light at all, extend the day to 16 to 18 hours.

How much light does scindapsus need?

NC State Extension says satin pothos prefers bright indirect light and room temperatures of 65 to 85°F, and that cooler air and direct sun are not tolerated. The University of Minnesota Extension places medium light plants at 250 to 1,000 foot candles, the level an east window gives. The University of Missouri Extension puts medium light plants in the same 250 to 1,000 foot candle range and suggests 500 to 1,000 foot candles under artificial light. Bright indirect light matches that medium range.

Which grow light suits scindapsus?

Minnesota Extension says white or balanced lights suit most plants at any stage. Missouri Extension notes that fluorescent tubes last about 10,000 hours, against about 1,000 hours for a standard incandescent bulb, and suggests 15 or more watts of fluorescent light per square foot for medium light plants. For a foliage plant, Minnesota suggests 12 to 24 inches between light and leaves. See grow lights for cannabis for fixture types and led light distance cannabis for how distance changes intensity.

Minnesota advises 12 to 14 hours of light a day for foliage houseplants. Missouri adds that plants with no outdoor light do well with 16 to 18 hours, while 12 to 14 hours may be enough when some window light comes in. A timer handles the schedule. See grow light timers for setup ideas.

How do you tell if scindapsus has the right light?

Watch the leaves and spacing along the vine. Minnesota notes that plants in lower light grow more slowly and use less water. NC State says yellow leaves can signal overwatering and curling leaves can signal underwatering, so check water before you change the light. NC State adds that the indoor plant grows 1.5 to 3 feet and can be trained on a stake or left to trail.

Scindapsus light basics

Sources: NC State Extension, University of Minnesota Extension, University of Missouri Extension.

How to: step by step

1. Place the plant away from direct sun in a room that stays 65 to 85°F.
2. Hang a white or full spectrum LED or fluorescent fixture above it.
3. Set the light 12 to 24 inches above the top leaves.
4. Plug the light into a timer set for 12 to 14 hours.
5. Extend to 16 to 18 hours if the plant gets no window light.
6. Train the vine on a stake or let it trail from a hanging pot.
7. Check water before changing the light if leaves yellow or curl.

Troubleshooting

Yellow leaves: NC State links this to overwatering. Let the potting mix dry a little before you water.

Curling leaves: often a sign of underwatering, per NC State.

Scorched patches: the light is too close or the plant is in direct sun. Raise the fixture or move the pot.

Give your satin pothos a steady light

A small fixture on a timer lets a silver vine grow through dark months. Kind Seed Co has more light guides to explore, along with cannabis seeds for growers curious about other crops.

Sources

• Scindapsus pictus (satin pothos), NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
• Lighting for indoor plants and starting seeds, University of Minnesota Extension
• Lighting indoor houseplants (G6515), University of Missouri Extension