Scindapsus treubii 'Dark Form' – Care, Growth and Styling Guide
Scindapsus treubii 'Dark Form', sometimes called 'Nearly Black', is a rare and elegant houseplant known for its thick, deep green leaves that appear almost black in the right light. This striking tropical vine brings bold contrast to any collection and is perfect for both trailing displays and climbing setups. With low maintenance needs and a dramatic presence, it's one of the darkest foliage plants available for indoor growing.


Key Features and Unique Traits



Striking Black Foliage: Thick, leathery, lanceolate leaves up to 15 cm long with a glossy near-black surface.
Contrasting Underside: Matte silver-gray undersides add dimension and visual texture.
Durable Texture: Waxy, rubbery leaves resist moisture loss and feel luxurious to the touch.
Versatile Growth: Can climb a moss pole or trellis, or trail elegantly from shelves and planters.



Care Tips for Scindapsus treubii 'Dark Form'



Light: Prefers bright, indirect light to maintain its dark color. Can tolerate lower light, but may turn greener. Avoid direct sun.
Water: Let the top 2–3 cm of soil dry before watering. Always check soil moisture to avoid overwatering and root rot.
Soil: Use a well-draining aroid mix with perlite, orchid bark, and light potting soil.
Humidity: Enjoys 50–70% humidity. Normal indoor levels are usually fine, but avoid prolonged dry air.
Temperature: Thrives between 18–27 °C. Protect from drafts and temperatures below 15 °C.
Fertilizer: Feed monthly with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength during active growth.
Pruning: Trim leggy or damaged vines to shape the plant and encourage fuller growth.
Support: Grows beautifully up a moss pole or trellis; also works well as a cascading plant in elevated pots.



Toxicity Warning


Scindapsus treubii 'Dark Form' contains calcium oxalate crystals and is toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of pets and small children.


Common Issues and How to Fix Them



Yellowing Leaves: Usually caused by overwatering or soggy soil. Check drainage and let soil dry more between waterings.
Brown Edges: Often a sign of low humidity or underwatering. Mist occasionally or group with other plants.
Pests: Susceptible to spider mites, scale, and mealybugs. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil, and wipe leaves clean regularly.
Drooping: Can result from under- or overwatering, or cold shock. Check roots and conditions before adjusting care.



Extra Tips for Scindapsus treubii 'Dark Form'



Placement: Place near a north- or east-facing window, or under strong grow lights for darker foliage.
Propagation: Easy to propagate via node cuttings. Root in water, moss, or moist soil until new roots develop.
Natural Habitat: Native to tropical rainforests of Borneo and Southeast Asia, where it climbs trees in humid, shaded understory layers.



Interesting Fact


This nearly black houseplant is one of the darkest-leaved aroids cultivated indoors. Its deep color and glossy texture make it a collector favorite among rare foliage lovers.


Etymology


The genus Scindapsus comes from the Greek word “skindapsos,” meaning “climber of tree trunks.” The species name treubii honors Dutch botanist Melchior Treub. Cultivar name 'Dark Form' describes its signature black foliage.
Taxonomic citation:Scindapsus treubii Engl., published in Bot. Jahrb. Syst. 25: 13 (1898)


FAQs – Scindapsus treubii 'Dark Form'



Can it grow in low light?Yes, but leaves may turn greener. Bright, indirect light enhances the dark foliage.
How do I encourage climbing?Use a moss pole or trellis to mimic its natural rainforest growth style.
Can it grow in water?Yes — stem cuttings root well in water. Long-term hydroponics is possible with nutrient support.
Is it suitable for beginners?Absolutely — it’s low maintenance, pest-tolerant, and adapts well indoors.



Order Scindapsus treubii 'Dark Form' Today


Bring home the bold elegance of Scindapsus treubii 'Dark Form'. With its rare, black foliage and easy-care nature, this tropical vine adds drama and depth to any indoor jungle. Shop now and elevate your plant collection.