The Shangri La Pothos, known botanically as Epipremnum aureum ‘Shangri La’, stands out among Pothos varieties due to its distinctively textured foliage. Unlike the flat, heart-shaped leaves of other types, its leaves are crinkled, curled, and often remain partially unfurled, creating a unique “sleeping” or “spinach-like” appearance. This characteristic makes it a captivating houseplant, adding an intriguing visual element to indoor spaces. While it has a slower growth habit than other Pothos, it maintains the genus’s general ease of care.
Shangri La Pothos Care
Light
Shangri La Pothos thrives in bright, indirect light. Placing it near an east or west-facing window, where it receives filtered sunlight, is ideal. While the plant tolerates lower light, its growth may slow, and leaf coloration might diminish. Direct midday sun can scorch its foliage, so avoid such exposure.
Watering
Water Shangri La Pothos thoroughly when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil feel dry. This approach allows the soil to dry out moderately between waterings, preventing overwatering. Overwatering can lead to root rot and yellowing leaves.
Soil Requirements
Shangri La Pothos needs a well-draining potting mix to prevent waterlogging and promote healthy root development. Enhance a general indoor plant mix with materials like perlite, pumice, or orchid bark for improved aeration and drainage. A common blend includes one part potting mix, one part perlite, and one part coco coir or peat moss. This ensures the soil retains moisture without becoming saturated.
Humidity and Temperature
Shangri La Pothos prefers average to high household humidity, ideally above 40 percent, reflecting its tropical origins. While it tolerates typical indoor humidity, increased moisture contributes to its vigor. To boost humidity, group plants, use a pebble tray, or employ a humidifier. The plant thrives in average room temperatures, between 65°F and 85°F (18°C to 29°C), and should be kept away from cold drafts.
Fertilizing
During the active growing season (spring through summer), Shangri La Pothos benefits from regular fertilization. Apply a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer, diluted to half strength, every 2 to 4 weeks. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to nutrient burn or salt buildup in the soil. During fall and winter, when growth slows, reduce or stop fertilization.
Propagating Shangri La Pothos
Propagating Shangri La Pothos is commonly achieved through stem cuttings. The best time for this is during spring or summer, when the plant is actively growing. Select a healthy vine and cut just below a node, the small bump on the stem where leaves or aerial roots emerge. Each cutting should have at least one leaf and one node.
Cuttings can be rooted in water or directly in a well-draining soil mix. For water propagation, place the cutting in room-temperature water, ensuring the node is submerged while leaves remain above the waterline to prevent rot. Change the water every few days.
Roots begin to develop within two to four weeks, though Shangri La Pothos may take longer than other varieties. Once roots are 2 to 3 inches long, transplant the cutting into a pot with appropriate soil. When rooting directly in soil, dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder before planting it in moist soil, ensuring the node is buried.
Common Issues and Solutions
Shangri La Pothos may show signs of distress, often due to environmental factors. Yellowing leaves frequently indicate overwatering, especially with soggy soil or mushy stems. To address this, allow the soil to dry more thoroughly between waterings and ensure adequate drainage. Yellowing can also stem from insufficient light, a lack of nutrients, or pest infestations.
Brown leaf tips or edges often suggest low humidity, underwatering, or a buildup of salts from over-fertilization. Increase ambient humidity through misting or pebble trays, and adjust watering frequency to prevent the soil from drying out completely. If over-fertilization is suspected, flush the soil with water to remove excess salts and adjust the feeding schedule.
Pest issues can occur. Common pests include spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. Spider mites create fine webbing and cause yellow or brown spots, while mealybugs appear as white, cottony masses. Scale insects manifest as small, hard bumps on stems and leaves. Effective solutions include isolating affected plants, wiping leaves with a damp cloth or rubbing alcohol, and applying insecticidal soap or neem oil.