The Beautiful Rare Vine That'll Stand Out Indoors (But Keep It Away From Pets)

Are you looking for a gorgeous vine to add to your indoor houseplant collection? There is one that stands out above the rest, but it comes with a serious caution. If the conditions in your home are conducive to growing it, the Scindapsus treubii 'Moonlight' is a rare, stunning indoor vine with dark green foliage that gets the nickname "sterling silver" from stunning silver leaf tops. It resembles silvery moonlight, and the gorgeous heart-shaped foliage makes it a unique-looking statement houseplant. Also, it's a slow climber, which makes it easy to train as it grows in the direction you guide it.

If your plant becomes unruly, pruning can help maintain its appearance and encourage new growth. To prune the plant, use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to trim back any leggy or overgrown stems. Make the cut just above a leaf node to encourage new shoots to grow from that point. However, be sure to keep it far away from children and pets. According to the North Carolina State Extension Gardener, 'Moonlight' is toxic to humans and pets, so it's crucial to keep it out of reach, or skip this plant altogether. Instead, choose from one of the many underrated types of indoor plants.

If you are confident that 'Moonlight' poses no risk to your household, there are very few requirements for growing a healthy plant. 'Moonlight' thrives in bright light, but needs to stay out of direct sun. The soil in your pot needs to remain moist without waterlogging the roots. The best way to avoid this is to have a pot with well-draining soil and a few drainage holes, and to water only when the top layer is dry to the touch. Because it is a tropical plant, 'Moonlight' prefers slightly humid conditions. You may want to consider running a humidifier during winter months if you have dry heat.

Fertilize in the spring and summer when 'Moonlight' needs extra growth resources. This is a perfect houseplant to grow indoors and encounters few problems, if any. Aphids and spider mites are common houseplant pests, so be on the lookout and treat the plant with insecticide at the first sighting. To propagate 'Moonlight', select a healthy stem with at least two or three leaves and cut just below a node. Remove the leaf closest to the cut end to expose the node, which is where new roots will develop. Place the cutting in water or a moist potting mix, ensuring the exposed node is submerged or in contact with the soil. Keep the cutting in a warm, bright spot out of direct sunlight. After a few weeks, roots should begin to form, and once they are an inch or two long, the new plant can be transferred to a pot with well-draining soil.