The Philodendron Shangri-La, native to South America, is a distinctive houseplant known for its deeply lobed, non-vining leaves and bushy appearance. It offers a relatively easy-care option for indoor plant enthusiasts, providing a tropical aesthetic.
Philodendron Shangri-La Care
Light
The Philodendron Shangri-La thrives in bright, indirect light conditions. Placing it near an east or south-facing window, a few feet away or with a sheer curtain to diffuse intense light, is ideal. While this plant can tolerate lower light, growth may slow, and the foliage might appear darker green. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, leading to discoloration and damage.
Watering
The Philodendron Shangri-La prefers consistently moist, but not waterlogged, soil. Water when the top two inches or 50-75% of the soil feels dry. Water thoroughly until it drains from the pot’s bottom, then discard excess water from the saucer to prevent root rot. Both overwatering, which causes root rot, and underwatering, leading to wilting and dry spots, can harm the plant.
Soil Mix
A well-draining, airy potting mix is ideal for the Philodendron Shangri-La to ensure proper root aeration and prevent water retention. A suitable blend includes components like peat moss, perlite, and orchid bark or coco coir. This combination helps create a loose structure that allows for good drainage while retaining adequate moisture. The plant prefers a slightly acidic soil pH, ideally between 5.0 and 6.0.
Temperature and Humidity
Philodendron Shangri-La flourishes in warm conditions, with an optimal temperature range of 60°F to 75°F (16°C to 24°C). Temperatures below 50°F (10°C) can cause growth to stall and harm the plant. As a tropical plant, it benefits from high humidity, ideally above 50%, though it can adapt to levels between 30-50%. Increasing humidity can be achieved through misting, using a pebble tray, or placing a humidifier nearby.
Fertilization
During its active growing seasons in spring and summer, the Philodendron Shangri-La benefits from regular fertilization. A balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer, diluted to half strength, apply once a month. Fertilization should be reduced or stopped entirely during the fall and winter months when the plant’s growth naturally slows. Over-fertilization can lead to a buildup of salts in the soil, causing leaf burn.
Repotting Practices
Repotting your Philodendron Shangri-La is necessary when it shows signs of being root-bound, such as roots growing out of drainage holes, or when its growth significantly slows. The best time for repotting is early summer, allowing the plant to establish during its active growing period. Select a new pot only one to two inches larger in diameter than the current one to prevent overwatering issues.
When repotting, carefully remove the plant from its old container, gently loosening any tightly packed roots. Inspect the roots and trim any that appear soft, mushy, or diseased. Place a layer of fresh, well-draining soil mix at the bottom of the new pot, position the plant at the same depth it was previously, and fill around the root ball with more soil, gently firming it to remove air pockets. Watering thoroughly after repotting helps settle the soil and minimize transplant shock.
Propagation Methods
Propagating Philodendron Shangri-La is done through stem cuttings. To take a cutting, locate a healthy stem with at least one node, a small bump where roots and leaves emerge. Make a clean cut with sharp shears just below a node, ensure the cutting is 3 to 6 inches long with two to three leaves at the top. Remove any leaves from the lower part of the stem that would be submerged in water or buried in soil.
Cuttings can be rooted in water or directly in a moist potting mix. For water rooting, place the cutting in a jar with the node submerged, changing the water every few days. Roots typically begin to form within a few weeks. If rooting in soil, plant the prepared cutting in a small pot with a well-draining medium, keeping the soil consistently moist. Once roots are several inches long, the new plant can be transplanted into a larger pot.
Common Problems and Solutions
Several common issues can affect Philodendron Shangri-La, signaling a need for care adjustment. Yellowing leaves are a symptom of improper watering, such as overwatering, which can lead to root rot. If leaves are yellowing, check the soil moisture and adjust the watering schedule, allowing the topsoil to dry out more between waterings. Underwatering can also cause yellowing, often accompanied by wilting or drooping.
Brown leaf tips or edges often indicate low humidity or inconsistent watering. Increasing ambient humidity through misting or a pebble tray can help, as can consistent soil moisture. Pest infestations, such as spider mites, mealybugs, aphids, and thrips, can occur, leading to weakened growth or discolored foliage. Regular inspection and treatment with insecticidal soap or neem oil can manage these pests. Leggy growth, characterized by elongated stems with sparse leaves, indicates insufficient light, requiring the plant to be moved to a brighter, indirect light location.