How to Grow and Care for Scindapsus Dark Form

The Scindapsus ‘Dark Form’ is a houseplant admired for its deeply colored, velvety foliage. Its leaves have a rich, dark green coloration that can appear almost black in certain lighting, creating a striking visual. This vining plant’s trailing or climbing nature allows for versatile display options, either cascading from a hanging basket or trained to grow upwards on a support structure.

Identifying the Scindapsus Dark Form

Distinguishing the Scindapsus ‘Dark Form’ involves observing its unique foliar characteristics. The leaves are thick, sturdy, and lance-shaped, with a glossy surface that enhances their dark hue. The texture is often described as leathery or waxy.

This variety is most often identified as Scindapsus treubii ‘Dark Form’. Unlike Scindapsus pictus ‘Argyraeus’ or ‘Exotica’, which are characterized by prominent silver markings, the ‘Dark Form’ has a solid, uniform color. Its leaves are dense and have a deep, almost black appearance.

Essential Care Requirements

Bright, indirect light is necessary for preserving the deep color of the leaves. Direct sunlight can cause the color to fade and slow growth, so an east-facing window is a good placement. While it can adapt to lower light levels, growth will be less vigorous and the signature dark coloration may diminish.

Allow the top inch or two of the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent overwatering. It is better to underwater this plant than to overwater it. You can tell the plant needs water when its leaves begin to curl slightly. Using distilled or rainwater is beneficial, as it avoids mineral deposits on the leaves from hard tap water.

A well-draining soil mix is important for the plant’s health. An aroid-specific mix with perlite, orchid bark, and potting soil provides the necessary aeration and prevents the soil from becoming waterlogged. Repotting is only needed every two to three years, as the plant does well when slightly root-bound.

This plant thrives in household temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C) and appreciates humidity levels between 40% and 60%. During the spring and summer growing season, apply a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength monthly to support growth. Avoid fertilizing when the soil is completely dry to prevent root burn.

How to Propagate

Propagating the Scindapsus ‘Dark Form’ is effectively done using stem cuttings. Select a healthy vine and make a clean cut just below a node, which is the small bump on the stem where leaves and aerial roots emerge. Each cutting should have at least one leaf and one node.

One method is to place the cutting in a jar of water, ensuring the node is submerged while the leaf remains above the water line. Change the water every few days to keep it fresh. Roots will begin to form from the node within a few weeks.

Alternatively, plant the cutting directly into a pot with a moist, well-draining soil mix. Dipping the cut end into rooting hormone before planting can encourage faster root development. Place the pot in bright, indirect light and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged until the plant establishes itself.

Common Issues and Solutions

If you notice the leaves are curling, it is a sign of thirst, indicating that the soil has become too dry. Check the soil moisture and water the plant thoroughly if the top few inches feel dry.

Yellowing leaves are a symptom of overwatering, which can lead to root rot if not addressed. Ensure the pot has adequate drainage and allow the soil to dry out more between waterings. If you suspect root rot, repot the plant into fresh soil after trimming away any affected, mushy roots.

Leggy growth, where stems become long and sparse, points to insufficient light. Move your plant to a location with more bright, indirect light to encourage fuller growth. Pruning the leggy vines also stimulates new growth closer to the base of the plant.