The Philodendron ‘Shangri La’ is a distinctive, bushy houseplant known for its compact growth and unique, deeply lobed leaves. Unlike many vining philodendrons, it grows as a non-vining shrub with stems emerging from its center. Its large, green leaves develop pronounced “fingered” edges as they mature, creating an attractive crinkled or ruffled appearance. This dense form and eye-catching foliage make it a popular choice for indoor spaces.
Philodendron Shangri La Care
Light
Philodendron ‘Shangri La’ thrives in bright, indirect light. Ideal illumination comes from a few feet away from a south or west-facing window, or behind a sheer curtain. Direct sunlight can cause leaf scorch, leading to burnt spots or faded leaves.
Insufficient light affects growth and appearance. In dimmer environments, the plant may become leggy, stretching towards the light, and produce smaller leaves. Consistent, bright indirect light promotes healthy, dense foliage.
Watering
Watering Philodendron ‘Shangri La’ appropriately is important. The plant prefers consistently moist but not waterlogged soil. Water when the top two to three inches of soil feel dry to the touch.
When watering, saturate the soil thoroughly until water drains from the pot’s drainage holes. Allowing the pot to sit in standing water can lead to root rot. Yellowing leaves often indicate overwatering, while drooping or curling leaves may signal underwatering.
Soil
The ideal soil mix should be well-draining, airy, and rich in organic matter. A free-draining potting mix prevents water from pooling around the roots, promoting healthy growth.
Components such as peat moss, coco coir, perlite, and orchid bark contribute to good aeration and drainage. A slightly acidic soil pH between 5.0 and 6.0 is preferred by philodendrons.
Temperature and Humidity
As a tropical plant, Philodendron ‘Shangri La’ prefers warm temperatures, ideally 60-80°F (16-27°C). It is sensitive to cold; temperatures below 50°F (10°C) can stall growth or harm the plant. Keep it away from cold drafts or sudden temperature drops.
High humidity is beneficial, as it thrives in humid climates. While it adapts to average household humidity (30-50%), it prefers levels above 50% for optimal growth. To increase humidity, consider a humidifier, a pebble tray filled with water beneath the pot, or grouping plants.
Fertilization
During its active growing season (spring and summer), Philodendron ‘Shangri La’ benefits from regular feeding. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half strength, monthly or every two to three weeks. This provides necessary nutrients for robust leaf development and overall plant vigor.
Reduce or stop fertilization during fall and winter. The plant’s growth naturally slows, requiring fewer nutrients. Always fertilize on moist soil to prevent root burn.
Propagating Philodendron Shangri La
Propagating Philodendron ‘Shangri La’ is achieved through stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem with at least one or two nodes, which are small bumps where leaves and roots emerge. Make a clean cut below a node using sharp, sterilized scissors or a knife.
Remove any lower leaves that would be submerged in water or soil to prevent rotting. Root the cutting in water, where roots develop within a few weeks, or directly in a well-draining potting mix. Warmth and consistent humidity encourage successful rooting. Once a robust root system forms (roots a few inches long), transfer water-rooted cuttings to soil.
Common Problems and Solutions
Yellowing leaves on a Philodendron ‘Shangri La’ often signal overwatering, especially if the soil remains consistently wet. Adjusting the watering schedule to allow the top few inches of soil to dry out between waterings can resolve this. Yellowing can also indicate nutrient deficiencies or underwatering.
Brown leaf tips or edges point to low humidity or inconsistent watering. Increasing ambient humidity around the plant and maintaining a more consistent watering routine can alleviate this issue. Leggy growth and smaller leaves are common indicators of insufficient light, suggesting the plant needs to be moved to a brighter location with indirect sunlight.
Philodendron ‘Shangri La’ can be affected by common houseplant pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. Regularly inspecting the plant and treating infestations promptly with organic methods, such as neem oil or insecticidal soap, helps manage these issues. Drooping leaves can be a sign of both overwatering and underwatering, or stress from temperature fluctuations, requiring careful assessment of the plant’s environment and soil moisture.