The Shangri La plant is a captivating addition to any indoor garden, cherished for its striking foliage and adaptable nature. Its lush appearance adds a tropical touch to interior spaces. This guide explores the specific characteristics and care requirements necessary to ensure this plant thrives in your home.
Understanding the Shangri La Plant
The common name “Shangri La Plant” primarily refers to Philodendron bipinnatifidum ‘Shangri-La’, also known as Philodendron selloum ‘Shangri-La’. This cultivar is distinguished by its deeply lobed or ruffled, glossy green leaves, which can grow quite large. Unlike many vining philodendrons, the ‘Shangri-La’ exhibits a compact, bushy, and upright growth habit, forming a dense, shrub-like shape. It typically reaches a height of two to three feet and a width of three to four feet, making it a manageable indoor plant. This variety showcases its characteristic dissected leaf margins earlier than its parent species.
Essential Care for Shangri La Plant
Light
Shangri La plants flourish in bright, indirect light. Placing it near a south or west-facing window, diffused by a sheer curtain, provides ideal illumination. While it tolerates lower light, too little light may result in leggy growth. Direct sunlight can scorch its leaves, causing damage.
Watering
Water your Shangri La plant when the top two to three inches of soil feel dry. Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged to prevent root rot. Always allow excess water to drain completely from the pot after watering.
Soil
A well-draining, rich, and loose potting mix is suitable for the Shangri La plant. An ideal soil promotes good aeration while retaining adequate moisture. Components like peat moss, perlite, and bark chips can be incorporated for root health. A common mixture includes equal parts potting mix, perlite, and coco coir or peat moss.
Temperature and Humidity
As a tropical plant, the Shangri La thrives in warm temperatures, ideally between 60°F and 75°F (16°C to 24°C). Temperatures consistently below 50°F (10°C) can cause stress and inhibit growth. This plant also appreciates high humidity, preferably above 50%. To increase humidity, mist the leaves, place a pebble tray with water nearby, or use a room humidifier.
Fertilization
During spring and summer, feed your Shangri La plant once a month with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. Dilute the fertilizer to half strength to prevent over-fertilization, which can harm the plant. Reduce or cease fertilization during fall and winter when the plant’s growth naturally slows.
Propagation Techniques
Propagating the Shangri La plant can be achieved through stem cuttings or division. For stem cuttings, select a healthy vine and make a cut just below a node, removing any leaves that would be submerged. Place the cutting in a jar of water until roots develop, or directly into a moist, well-draining soil mix. For soil propagation, cover the container with a plastic bag for humidity and place it in a warm location with indirect light. For division, water the plant thoroughly before removing it from its pot, then gently separate natural divisions ensuring each section has roots and stems for repotting into fresh soil.
Pruning and Ongoing Maintenance
Regular pruning helps maintain the Shangri La plant’s shape, size, and overall health. Remove any yellowing, damaged, or dead leaves by cutting them cleanly near the stem. Pruning just above a node encourages bushier growth and new shoots, helping manage its compact form. Routine maintenance also includes dusting the plant’s large leaves with a damp cloth every few weeks for efficient photosynthesis. Rotating the pot by a quarter turn monthly promotes even growth and prevents leaning.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Several common issues can arise with Shangri La plants, often signaling a need for care adjustment. If leaves turn pale or yellow, it may indicate overwatering, insufficient light, or too much direct sunlight; adjusting the watering schedule or relocating the plant can resolve this. Brown tips on leaves often point to under-watering, over-watering, or low humidity; consistent watering and increasing ambient humidity can alleviate this problem. Pests such as spider mites, mealybugs, thrips, and fungus gnats can also affect the plant. Inspect the plant regularly for signs of infestation, and treat affected areas with neem oil or insecticidal soap until the issue is resolved.