Easy to Moderate
Scindapsus 'Mount Salak'
Scientific Name
Scindapsus treubii 'Dark Form' (Mount Salak)
Family
Araceae
Native Region
Southeast Asia (Mount Salak, West Java, Indonesia)
Growth Rate
Slow
Origin + Story
So dark it looks painted.
Naming note. Named after Mount Salak, the volcano in Java where this dark cultivar was originally sourced. Sometimes labeled simply as Scindapsus treubii 'Dark Form' or 'Black Scindapsus.' Same plant, different names. Related to Silver Lady (same species, different expression), but visually its complete opposite.
The species is native to Southeast Asia. This particular dark form was collected from the slopes of Mount Salak in West Java, Indonesia. Volcanic soil, high humidity, and dappled light produced a plant with unusually deep, near-black foliage.
Thick, waxy leaves in a green so deep it reads black in low light. Undersides are a matching dark tone. The surface has a subtle sheen that catches ambient light in a way solid-black plants rarely do.
Grows well with cream backdrops, warm woods, terracotta contrast pieces, and collectors building around dramatic foliage.
Care guide
Light: Bright indirect light. Tolerates medium.
Water: When the top inch is dry.
Humidity: 50% and up.
Temperature: 65 to 80°F.
Soil: Chunky aroid mix.
Growth Rate: Slow.
Detailed care
Light
Bright, indirect. Tolerates medium.
Water
Top inch dry, then water thoroughly. Slightly more drought-tolerant than most aroids.
Humidity
50% or higher for the best growth.
Soil
Chunky aroid mix.
Feeding
Balanced fertilizer monthly in the growing season.
Support
A slow grower. Moss pole encourages larger leaves.
Common Issues
Slow growth: Expected. Mount Salak is one of the slower Scindapsus cultivars.
Yellowing: Overwatering.
Lighter new leaves: New growth emerges lighter and deepens over weeks. This is normal.
Grows well with
Plants that share a trait: same family, similar care, or complementary aesthetics.