Scindapsus - Amapallo Amarillo, Devil's Ivy, Hunter's Robe, Ivy Arum, Pothos Ivy, Taro Vine

(Scindap'sus)

DESCRIPTION: This small group consists of twenty tropical, climbing plants native to Southeast Asia. These plants are valued for their large, attractively variegated leaves, which may be heart-shaped or ovate. These plants, commonly known as Amapallo Amarillo, Devil's Ivy, Hunter's Robe, Ivy Arum, Pothos Ivy, and Taro Vine, also produce arum-like flowers with greenish-colored spathes. These plants are excellent for growing in a hanging basket, training up a moss pole or wall, or for draping over a pillar. They are excellent as houseplants. The most widely grown variety is S. pictus 'Argyraeus', which climbs up to 40 feet. Its 4-inch-long, heart-shaped leaves are mottled with silver on the top.

POTTING: These plants need a minimum temperature of 50º F. They should be sheltered from cold drafts and direct sunshine, although they do need bright light conditions. The best soil mixture for them is equal parts of peat and loam with enough sand to make it porous and a few small pieces of charcoal. They need moist soil during the growing season, but only water slightly during the winter. These vines need some humidity. To provide this, stand the container on a tray of moist pebbles and mist the leaves with water frequently. Pinch the tips of the growing shoots off occasionally to produce a bushy plant. Note: Make sure to keep these plants out of reach, as they are poisonous to cats and small children if ingested.

PROPAGATION: The tips of the shoots, about 6 inches long, can be taken off and inserted in well-drained pots of sandy soil. Set these in a propagating case with bottom heat until they form roots, after which they can be planted in separate pots.

VARIETIES: S. aureus & var. Wilcoxii, Marble Queen; S. pictus & var. argyraeus.

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