Epipremnum Shangri La Pothos Care Guide

Looking to add a touch of lush greenery to your indoor space? The Epipremnum Shangri La Pothos might be the plant for you.

This stunning vine plant features gorgeous heart-shaped leaves in shades of green and cream, making it a beautiful addition to any room.

But don’t let its beauty fool you – the Epipremnum Shangri La Pothos care Is incredibly easy, making it perfect for novice and experienced plant owners alike.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to keep your Epipremnum Shangri La Pothos thriving and looking its best.

Get ready to elevate your plant game and create an oasis in your home.

Scientific name	Epipremnum Aureum
Other names	Shangri La, Sleeping Pothos
Native	Solomon Islands in the Pacific
Family	Araceae
Kingdom	Plantae
Growth zone	USDA 10b to 12
Plant type	Vine
Growth size	20–40 ft. long, 3–6 ft. wide
Growth rate	Moderate to fast
Leaves	Variegated
Flowering	Rarely flowers
Soil pH	Neutral to slightly acidic
Toxicity	Toxic to humans and pets
Common pests	Spider mites, Mealy bugs
Diseases	Southern Blight, Bacterial Wilt Disease, Fungal Leaf Spot, Phytophthora Root Rot, Manganese Toxicity

What is Epipremnum Shangri La Pothos?

Epipremnum Shangri La Pothos, also known by its scientific name Epipremnum aureum ‘Shangri La’, is a tropical plant native to the Solomon Islands in the Pacific.

It belongs to the family Araceae and the kingdom Plantae. This rare plant is called Sleeping Pothos, Golden Pothos, Godzilla Pothos or Spinach Pothos.

This plant is popular due to its ease of care and aesthetic appeal. It is a climbing plant that can reach up to 20 feet long if given the proper conditions to grow.

The Shangri La Pothos is an evergreen perennial cultivar that annually retains its leaves.

The leaves of this plant are large and heart-shaped, with variegated shades of green and cream. The variegation varies depending on the amount of light the plant receives.

The leaves may become predominantly green in low light conditions, while bright, indirect light will promote more cream-colored variegation.

Epipremnum Shangri La Pothos is not known to flower often when grown indoors. When it does, the flowers are typically small and inconspicuous.

This plant prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.1 and 6.5. Ensure proper drainage to avoid waterlogged soil, which can lead to root rot.

While Epipremnum Shangri La Pothos is generally considered safe for pets and humans, it is toxic if ingested.

It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause swelling, irritation, and pain in the mouth and throat.

Pests affecting this plant include spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. Proper care and hygiene can help prevent infestations.

Epipremnum Shangri La Pothos is hardy and disease-resistant, but overwatering or poor drainage can lead to root rot or fungal infections.

Keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged and ensuring proper drainage can help prevent these issues.

But can pothos live outside? Read to find out.

How Do You Identify an Epipremnum Shangri La Pothos

Epipremnum Shangri La Pothos can be identified by its distinctive leaf shape, color, and pattern, as well as its stem structure and root system.

Here’s a guide on how to identify young and mature plants:

How to identify young Epipremnum Shangri La Pothos:

1. Leaf Shape: The leaves of young Epipremnum Shangri La Pothos plants are heart-shaped with a pointed tip.
2. Color of Leaves: The leaves are green with light yellow or cream variegation, which can vary depending on the light the plant receives.
3. Size and Pattern of Veins: The veins on the leaves are prominent and usually light green or white, running along the centre and branching out towards the edges of the leaves.
4. Stem Structure: The stem of young Epipremnum Shangri La Pothos is green, thin, and flexible, with no aerial roots.
5. Root System: The roots are white and thin, growing outwards from the stem and extending into the soil.
6. Fruits: Young plants do not produce fruits.
7. Location and Environment: Young plants can be found in nursery pots or small planters, and they thrive in bright, indirect light with moderate humidity.

Read; Baltic Blue Pothos Plant Care

How to identify mature Epipremnum Shangri La Pothos:

1. Leaf Shape: The leaves of mature plants are larger and broader, still retaining the heart shape with a pointed tip.
2. Color of Leaves: Thy have dark green leaves with cream or yellow variegation, depending on light conditions.
3. Size and Pattern of Veins: The veins are still prominent but can become more pronounced as the plant grows.
4. Stem Structure: The stem becomes thicker and develops aerial roots that attach to surfaces to climb and grow.
5. Root System: The roots become more extensive and can grow out of the pot if not pruned regularly.
6. Fruits: Mature plants produce small, inconspicuous fruits.
7. Location and Environment: Mature plants can be found in larger planters or hanging baskets and require bright, indirect light with moderate to high humidity to thrive.

Epipremnum Shangri La Pothos Care Needs

Epipremnum Shangri La Pothos is a low-maintenance plant that can thrive with minimal care. Here’s what you need to know about caring for this plant:

Epipremnum Aureum ‘Shangri La’ Watering Requirements

One of the most crucial aspects of caring for this plant is ensuring it receives the right amount of water.

Overwatering or underwatering your Shangri La Pothos can cause significant damage to its health, and it’s essential to get it right.

Water Needs for Shangri La Pothos

The Shangri La Pothos requires moderate watering. It thrives in soil that is kept consistently moist but not waterlogged.

The amount of water the plant needs depends on several factors, including the pot’s size, the environment’s humidity, and the temperature.

When to Water Shangri La Pothos

The Shangri La Pothos should be watered when the top two inches of the soil are dry. You can test the soil dryness with your finger, poke a stick, or use a moisture meter.

While all three methods work well, using a moisture meter is best. A reading of three on the moisture meter indicates the soil is dry and that the plant needs to be watered.

Frequency of Watering Shangri La Pothos

The frequency of watering your Shangri La Pothos depends on the season. During the active growing seasons of spring and summer, you should water the plant once a week.

In contrast, during the winter, when growth slows or is dormant, water the plant less frequently – once a fortnight.

Amount of Water Needed for Shangri La Pothos

When watering your Shangri La Pothos, ensure that you water until the soil is completely saturated. This ensures that the plant gets enough water without waterlogging the soil.

Types of Water to Use

The best water for your Shangri La Pothos is rainwater or distilled water at room temperature. Avoid using mineralized or chloramine water, as they can harm your plant.

How to Water Shangri La Pothos

When watering your Shangri La Pothos, add water slowly, allowing each pour to soak into the soil. You should stop adding water when the water runs out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot.

Empty the drain tray to ensure the roots don’t sit in water. Also, avoid getting the leaves wet as this can cause damage to the plant.

Signs of Underwatering

Signs of underwatering in your Shangri La Pothos include:

• Leaf discoloration
• Curling
• Wilting
• You may also notice the soil is dry to the touch

Signs of Overwatering

Signs of overwatering in your Shangri La Pothos include:

• Yellowing leaves
• Soft and mushy stems
• Root rot

Lighting Needs of Shangri La Pothos

Epipremnum Shangri La Pothos is a popular houseplant known for its attractive foliage and easy care requirements.

Like all plants, the Pothos requires adequate lighting to thrive. In this section, we will explore the lighting needs and requirements of the Epipremnum Shangri La Pothos.

What kind of lights are best for an Epipremnum Shangri La Pothos?

When grown indoors, the Pothos prefers bright but indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and cause ugly spots that won’t recover.

Therefore, it’s best to avoid placing the plant in direct sunlight. Instead, place it in a warm spot exposed to indirect or bright light.

You can also buy LED grow lights if you don’t have access to a well-lit area. Use the grow light for 10-12 hours every day.

How much light does a Sleeping Pothos need?

The Pothos requires 8-10 hours of optimal lighting daily. This ensures that the plant receives adequate light to grow and thrive.

However, note that different varieties of Pothos have varying light requirements. Some varieties can tolerate lower light conditions, while others require more light to maintain their vibrant colors.

What is the ideal lighting environment for your Epipremnum Shangri La Pothos?

As mentioned earlier, the Pothos prefers bright but indirect light. You can place the plant near a window, but ensure that it’s not exposed to direct sunlight.

South-facing windows receive the most light, while east or west-facing windows receive morning or afternoon sun.

You can position the plant 4-5 ft from the windows to ensure that it receives enough light. If you don’t have access to natural light, LED grow lights can provide the required lighting.

Signs your Epipremnum Shangri La Pothos needs more light

When your Epipremnum Shangri La Pothos is not getting enough light, it can show various indications. Some of these signs are:

• Leaf discoloration: If you notice dark brown spots or yellowing of leaves, it can be a sign that your Pothos needs more light.
• Slow growth rate: Insufficient light can result in slow growth or no growth at all.
• Leggy Pothos: When the stems become elongated and thin, with large gaps between leaves, it indicates that your Pothos is stretching towards the light source.
• Loss of variegation or contrast in the leaf colors: If the colors of your Shangri La pothos variegated leaves appear dull or faded, it could mean your plant is not receiving enough light.
• Soil takes too long to dry: If you notice the soil takes longer than usual to dry, it could indicate that your Pothos is not getting enough light as the plant is not actively photosynthesizing.

How to maximize light exposure for your Epipremnum Shangri La Pothos?

Here are some tips to maximize light exposure for your Pothos:

• Find a well-lit spot like a patio, doorway, or window.
• Position the plant 4-5 ft from south-facing windows or east/westward-facing windows for morning/afternoon sun.
• Rotate the plant every few weeks to ensure that all sides receive adequate light.
• Clean the leaves regularly to remove dust or debris that can block sunlight.
• Try adding a reflective surface, such as aluminum foil or white board, behind the plant to increase light reflection.
• Use LED grow lights to supplement the natural light.

Soil Requirements for Epipremnum Aureum ‘Shangri La’

Soil is a crucial element in the healthy growth of any plant, including Epipremnum Aureum ‘Shangri La’.

The right soil mixture is vital for proper drainage and aeration, which is essential to avoid root rot and promote healthy growth.

The ideal soil mixture for the Shangri La Pothos should be well-draining and have organic matter.

The soil should be light and not densely packed to promote proper drainage. The soil pH for this houseplant should be neutral to slightly acidic, ranging from 7 to 5.5 pH.

If the pH is too high, lime can be added to raise it, and if it’s too low, sulfur can be added to lower it.

The soil for the Shangri La Pothos should be kept slightly damp, and it’s recommended to use soil specific to this plant to retain the correct amount of moisture.

Proper soil aeration is also crucial for this plant to supply the roots with much-needed oxygen, promoting healthy growth and reducing compaction.

For those looking to purchase commercial potting mix for the Shangri La Pothos, there are many options available.

The Perfect Plants Organic Pothos Soil is an excellent choice for those looking for a ready-to-use soil mix.

For those who prefer a DIY soil mix, a combination of coco coir, perlite, vermiculite or shredded bark, and compost is a suitable option.

It’s crucial to pay attention to signs that the soil isn’t suitable for the Shangri La Pothos, such as stunted growth and fungus growth.

If any of these signs are present, it may be time to repot the plant with a suitable soil mixture to promote healthy growth.

Temperature Requirements for Epipremnum Shangri La Pothos

Epipremnum Shangri La Pothos is a beautiful and popular houseplant with moderate temperature needs.

They are native to the tropical regions of Southeast Asia, where they grow in moderate to high humidities and minimum temperatures of 64.4°F.

Although they can tolerate a range of temperatures, provide them with the right environment to promote healthy growth.

Ideal Temperature Range for Epipremnum Shangri La Pothos

Epipremnum Shangri La Pothos prefers a temperature range of 70-90℉ (21-32 degrees Celsius).

This temperature range is perfect for this houseplant and helps promote healthy growth. Note that temperatures outside of this range may cause stress to the plant.

Epipremnum Shangri La Pothos Temperature Tolerance

Epipremnum Shangri La Pothos can tolerate temperatures below 70°F (21 degrees Celsius), but growth may slow down.

If the temperature drops below 50°F (10 degrees Celsius), it can shock and eventually kill the plant.

On the other hand, high temperatures greater than 90°F can cause the plant’s stem and leaves to dry out due to excessive transpiration.

Tips for Maintaining Optimal Temperature

Maintaining the ideal temperature range is crucial for the healthy growth of Epipremnum Shangri La Pothos.

Here are some tips to help maintain optimal temperature:

• Place the plant near an east-facing window to provide them with plenty of indirect light. This will help regulate the temperature.
• Keep the plant away from air conditioners and heaters. These can create temperature fluctuations that can harm the plant.
• If the temperature drops below 50°F, move the plant closer to a grow light or cover it with a frost blanket or plastic bag. This will help keep the temperature stable.

Signs of Unfavorable Temperatures

Watch for signs that your Epipremnum Shangri La Pothos is not in the right temperature range. Here are some signs to look for:

• Brown spots or yellowing of the leaves: If the plant is exposed to temperatures that are too cold, it can cause damage to the leaves.
• Slow growth rate: If the temperature is not ideal, the plant may not grow as quickly as it should.
• Leaf drop: If the temperature is too cold, the plant may drop its leaves.
• Wilting: If the temperature is too hot, the plant may wilt, and its leaves may become limp.

Epipremnum Shangri La Pothos Humidity Needs

Humidity is an essential factor to consider when caring for the Epipremnum Shangri La Pothos.

While this plant can tolerate a wide range of humidity levels, maintaining a medium to high humidity of 60% to 80% is ideal for its growth and overall health.

When the humidity level is too low, the leaves of the plant tend to dry out, and the tips may turn brown.

Low humidity levels also cause the leaves to curl and drop. Furthermore, dry air is common in regions with colder climates, especially during winter, when heaters are on, further drying the air.

On the other hand, when the humidity level is too high, it may lead to the development of fungi and other plant diseases.

Excess moisture in the air can also encourage the growth of pests like spider mites.

To ensure that the humidity level in your home is suitable for the Epipremnum Shangri La Pothos, you can use a hygrometer to measure the humidity.

If the humidity level is low, you can group plants together to create a microclimate of higher humidity.

You can also use a humidifier or mist the plant leaves regularly with a fine-mist mister.

Alternatively, you can use a pebble tray filled with water to increase the humidity level around the plant. When the humidity level is too low, the leaves may show signs of stress.

Some signs that the humidity level may be too low for the Epipremnum Shangri La Pothos include dry and crispy leaves, brown tips, and leaf drops.

On the other hand, when the humidity level is too high, the leaves may appear to be waterlogged or show signs of yellowing, leading to root rot.

Fertilizer Shangri La Pothos: Tips and Recommendations

Epipremnum Shangri La Pothos is a hardy plant that can grow in different environments, including indoor and outdoor settings.

While it can survive with minimal care, it needs regular fertilisation to thrive and grow healthily. Fertiliser acts like vitamin to plants, and it helps to replenish the nutrients that get depleted over time.

Here are some essential things to know about fertiliser needs for Epipremnum Shangri La Pothos.

Nutrient Requirements

Epipremnum Shangri La Pothos requires macronutrients like nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) in large doses, secondary nutrients like calcium, magnesium, and sulfur in small doses, and micronutrients like iron, copper, boron, zinc, and chlorine.

These nutrients help the plant to grow healthy leaves, stems, and roots.

Frequency of Fertilisation

During the active growth stage in spring and summer, fertilise the plant once or twice a month. During the dormancy stage in late fall and winter, do not fertilise.

Wait at least a month after transplanting or repotting before fertilising as most potting soils have fertilisers.

What Fertiliser is best for Epipremnum Shangri La Pothos

The best fertiliser for Epipremnum Shangri La Pothos is an all-purpose fertiliser with a balanced nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium ratio (NPK ratio) of 10-10-10, 15-15-15, or 20-20-20.

Slow-release fertiliser is also an option, but it can be more expensive. Granular fertiliser should be avoided when planting indoors, while liquid fertiliser is the best for Pothos.

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How to Apply Fertiliser

When fertilising indoor plants, dilute the liquid fertiliser to half the recommended manufacturer’s strength.

For example, if the manufacturer stipulates a teaspoon per gallon, use only half that amount, i.e. ½ a teaspoon for every gallon of water.

Use the recommended manufacturer’s strength when growing Epipremnum Shangri La Pothos outdoors.

Benefits of Fertilising Epipremnum Shangri La Pothos

• Fertilising Epipremnum Shangri La Pothos regularly helps to replenish the soil’s nutrients
• Promoting healthy growth and lush foliage
• It also enhances the plant’s resistance to pests and diseases, making it more resilient and hardy.

Tips for Fertilising Epipremnum Shangri La Pothos

Here are some tips for fertilizing your Epipremnum Shangri La Pothos:

1. Use a high-quality, all-purpose fertilizer with a balanced nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium ratio – NPK ratio of 10-10-10, 15-15-15, or 20-20-20.
2. Follow the recommended frequency of fertilization. During active growth stages, fertilize your plant 1-2 times a month. During dormancy stages in late fall and winter, don’t fertilize.
3. Don’t fertilize your plant after transplanting or repotting. Wait for a month since most potting soils have fertilizers.
4. When fertilizing indoors, water down the liquid fertilizer to half the strength recommended by the manufacturer. For example, if the manufacturer stipulates a teaspoon per gallon, only use half that amount i.e., ½ a teaspoon for every gallon.
5. When fertilizing your plant outdoors, use the recommended manufacturer’s strength and avoid using granular fertilizers when planting indoors.
6. Consider using slow-release fertilizer, but it can be a bit pricey.
7. In addition to using fertilizer, you can supplement your plant with natural compost. Worm castings are an excellent example of natural compost that enriches the soil. Layer ¼ to ½ inch of compost once or twice a year.
8. Signs of over-fertilization include burnt or yellow leaves, wilting, and stunted growth. Signs of under-fertilization include slow growth, small leaves, and pale leaves.

Signs of Over-Fertilisation

As much as we want to shower our Epipremnum Shangri La Pothos plants with love and nutrients, sometimes we can end up loving them to death.

Over-fertilising your plant can lead to leaf burn, stunted growth, or even death.

Here are some signs to look out for:

1. Yellowing Leaves: If you notice the leaves of your pothos plant turning yellow and dropping off, it could be a sign of over-fertilisation. The excess nutrients can cause the leaves to become chlorotic, which means they cannot produce enough chlorophyll to sustain the plant.
2. Wilting: Over-fertilising can also lead to wilting, as the plant may struggle to take up water properly. This can happen because the excess salt from the fertiliser draws water out of the plant’s roots and into the soil, making it difficult to get the moisture it needs.
3. Salt Deposits: Another sign of over-fertilisation is the presence of salt deposits around the plant’s roots. These white or yellowish deposits result from the excess fertiliser that the plant hasn’t absorbed and can accumulate in the soil over time.

If you notice any of these signs, take action to remedy the situation. Stop fertilising your plant for a while and water it thoroughly to flush out any excess salt.

You may also need to repot the plant with fresh soil to prevent further damage.

Pruning and Propagating Shangri La Pothos

Pruning and propagation are essential tasks for maintaining the health and appearance of your Epipremnum Shangri La Pothos.

Pruning is the process of removing parts of the plant to promote growth, while propagation is the act of creating new plants from cuttings.

Pruning your Pothos

Pruning is essential to keep your plant looking full and bushy. It also helps remove any dead, diseased, or damaged leaves, which can cause pest infestation or spread disease.

Use clean and sharp scissors or pruning shears to prune your Epipremnum Shangri La Pothos.

Cut the stem just above a leaf node, where the leaves are attached to the stem. This will encourage new growth and prevent the plant from becoming too leggy.

The Best way to Propagate Shangri La Pothos

Propagation is the process of creating new plants from stem cuttings. It’s an easy and cost-effective way to expand your plant collection or share your favorite plant with friends and family.

To propagate your Epipremnum Shangri La Pothos, take a cutting of about 4-6 inches long with several leaves. Cut just below a node and remove any leaves from the lower 2 inches of the cutting.

Place the cutting in water or moist soil, keeping it warm and humid. Within a few weeks, you should see new roots and leaves forming.

Potting & Repotting

Potting and repotting your Epipremnum Shangri La Pothos ensure its healthy growth.

When potting or repotting, ensure the pothos pot has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. It’s also recommended to use a well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter.

Repotting should be done every 1-2 years or when the plant has outgrown its current pot.

Signs that your plant needs repotting include roots growing out of the drainage holes or the soil becoming dry and hard.

When repotting, choose a pot one size larger than the current one. Gently loosen the plant from the old pot and remove any dead roots. Here are some best pothos pots to choose from.

Add fresh soil to the new pot and place the plant in the center. Fill the pot with soil and gently press it down. Water the plant thoroughly after repotting.

Common Problems with Epipremnum Shangri La Pothos

Epipremnum Shangri La Pothos is a hardy plant that is relatively easy to care for but not immune to problems.

Here are some common problems that may arise when caring for this plant:

1. Root rot: Overwatering or poor drainage can cause the roots of pothos to rot. Signs of root rot include yellowing leaves, wilting, and a foul odor. If caught early, root rot can be treated by trimming away affected roots and repotting them in fresh soil.
2. Pests: The most common pests that affect Epipremnum Shangri La Pothos are mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. They can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil, but prevention is key. Inspect your plant regularly and keep it clean and well-ventilated.
3. Leaf spots: Leaf spots are often caused by fungal or bacterial infections and can be recognized by the appearance of brown, yellow, or black spots on the leaves. Remove infected leaves and avoid overhead watering to prevent the spread of the disease.
4. Yellow leaves: Yellow Shangri la pothos leaves signify stress or disease. Check for pests, overwatering, or underwatering, and adjust your care routine as needed.
5. Brown tips: Brown tips on the leaves can be caused by underwatering, over-fertilization, or low humidity. Adjust your watering and fertilization routine, and consider using a humidifier if your home is dry.
6. Holes on leaves: Holes in the leaves are usually caused by leaf-eating pests, such as caterpillars or grasshoppers. Prune away any affected leaves and apply a natural insecticide to treat the pest infestation.

FAQs

Other Pothos Care Guides:

Emerald Pothos Care Guide

Global Green Pothos Care Guide

Hawaiian Pothos Plant Care

Conclusion

Epipremnum Shangri La Pothos is an excellent choice for both experienced and beginner plant enthusiasts due to its low maintenance requirements and ability to thrive in various environments.

With proper care, including regular watering, fertilizing, pruning, and addressing common issues promptly, this plant can bring a touch of lush greenery and air-purifying benefits to any indoor or outdoor space.

Remember to avoid direct sunlight, provide it with well-draining soil, and be cautious not to overwater.

Whether you’re looking to improve your home’s aesthetic or benefit from its air-purifying qualities, the Epipremnum Shangri La Pothos is a great choice.