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Amazing Care Tips & Tricks For The Shangri La Pothos You Should Know

Shangri La Pothos is a tropical plant with unique features that make an excellent addition to any plant lover’s collection.

In this post, we’ll go through the dos, don’ts, and everything you need to know to keep your Shangri La Pothos happy.

If you’re looking to buy one for yourself, we’ll discuss various options for you to check out. Read on to learn more about the exciting attributes that make this plant special.

What Is Shangri La Pothos?

The Shangri La Pothos is a perennial from the Araceae family classified under Epipremnum. It has a beautiful rich green color with yellow variegation leaves, curled uniquely.

It is commonly known as Sleeping Pothos, Spinach Pothos, Godzilla Pothos, and Javelin Pothos. It is a tropical and rare plant typically known for its wrinkly foliage.

This wild-looking beauty has leaves that look like cooked spinach leaves, hence one of its nicknames. It is also referred to as the Sleeping Pothos plant for its sleeping appearance. Where other plants’ leaves lay flat, Shangri La’s are shriveled and rolled up.

This plant is probably an acquired taste because it’s strange looking (definitely not for everyone), but I think it’s a very cool plant.

The Shangri La Pothos would grow and thrive well in certain climates, preferably in hardiness zones 10-12.

Origin And Family

Aureum plants were initially discovered in 1880 and reclassified multiple times under different genera. Our great botanists eventually got it right, making this plant’s scientific name Epipremnum Aureum Shangri La.

Pothos plants came from the forests of Mo’orea in French Polynesia, and it has long since become naturalized in the forest floors of Southeast Asia, Australia, and the Pacific Islands.

This beauty, however, is an evergreen perennial cultivar bred from the Golden Pothos.

Where To Buy

We buy many plants such as the Shangri La Pothos from Etsy. We get a good deal; the plants are packed securely and delivered directly to our house!

The prices for a Shangri La Pothos are relatively affordable, ranging between $20 for small plants and $40 for larger or more mature plants.

Shangri La Pothos Plant Size

The Sleeping Pothos is an Epipremnum plant that grows to be approximately 6-8 tall indoors. It thrives well near an east or west-facing window because of its height capacity, light requirements, and high humidity needs.

Shangri La Pothos Care Needs

Your Shangri La Pothos will thrive beautifully when it’s properly cared for. It likes to grow in relatively moist soil and bright indirect light.

Typically, you will need to water your Epipremnum when the top 2 inches of soil are dry. Soak the soil until water leaks out of the container’s bottom. As a plant that craves dampness, it will be in good health when this requirement is met in abundance.

We’re making it easier for you to care for your Shangri La Pothos with the extensive list of tips below.

Care Difficulty

Regarding care complexity, the Spinach Pothos usually is simple to maintain, and this plant requires well-draining soil and a sufficient amount of light for optimal growth.

Growth Rate

The Javelin Pothos plant grows 6-8’ in height when grown to its maturity indoors. Its growing season is in the spring and summer.

Most Epipremnum species, including the Shangri La, have a slow-to-moderate growth rate.

Potting

In general, Epipremnum plants prefer a container with good drainage. A medium-sized plastic, terracotta, or clay container is advised for your Sleeping Pothos.

Climbing is a natural growth habit of Shangri La Pothos. It climbs up using its aerial roots. Simulating how it grows naturally will assist it in becoming more prominent and reaching its full potential. Providing your plant with a moss pole to climb is an easy way to accomplish this.

Lack of drainage, which causes root rot, is one of the leading causes of houseplant death. Please ensure that the bottom of your container has holes to allow excess water to drain.

Repotting

It’s essential to repot your Shangri La Pothos if you see roots coming out of the pot’s drainage holes. Based on experience, this plant grows at a relatively slow-to-moderate rate, so expect to repot every 2-5 years.

While repotting, you can give your Epipremnum a nutrient boost by adding standard commercial potting soil to replace the old material.

Soil

The Spinach Pothos is an easy-to-care-for plant that needs standard commercial potting soil to stay healthy. If you plan to prepare your own soil mix, we recommend adding a handful of perlite and peat moss with your regular potting soil.

Your Epipremnum will benefit from a consistently moist soil environment. However, drainage and aeration are essential requirements for all types of soil.

Here are some recommended potting soils:

pH

This plant requires a pH range between 5.5 and 6.5, indicating that your Javelin Pothos prefers neutral to acidic soil. If you are regularly repotting this plant or adding new dirt, the pH level is less of a problem than if you were growing it outdoors.

Water

Proper watering is an essential factor for houseplants. Too much, and you might invite diseases like fungal infections and root rot. On the contrary, too little and the plants might end up with browning, undernourished leaves. For optimal health, Sleeping Pothos generally prefers relatively moist soil.

One way to check for moisture is simply sticking your finger in the pot. When the soil’s top 2 inches are dry, you’ll know it’s time to give your plant a drink.

Drainage holes and aerated soil are must-haves for Sleeping Pothos. Rule of thumb: You don’t want your plant sitting in excess water for an extended period.

Light

The Shangri La Pothos is highly adaptable in terms of light since it works well in both bright and low light conditions. This houseplant prefers bright indirect light for approximately 6-8 hours daily. This is a tricky balance since too little light will lead the plant to lose its variegation, while too much light will cause the leaves to open out completely, losing their peculiar, shriveled look.

If you’re worried that your Shangri La Pothos isn’t getting enough light, you may need to move it closer to a window or consider using artificial lights. Here are some basic options for you to consider:

Avoid putting your Shangri La Pothos in direct sunlight, as this could severely damage or even kill it.

Fertilizer

Water, sunlight, and soil provide the necessary nourishment for houseplants. Over time, dirt can lose its nutrient value and must be supplemented with plant food.

If you want a thriving Spinach Pothos, fertilize it once a month during the spring and summer. You may opt for a balanced fertilizer, but make sure to dilute it first if it’s highly concentrated.

Typically, you don’t need to fertilize at all during the winter.

Propagating Shangri La Pothos

Reproducing your Shangri La Pothos can be done with the proper propagation method. Below are some options to choose from, along with detailed instructions to help you out.

Stem Cuttings In Soil

Most plant enthusiasts agreed that the easiest method to propagate a Sleeping Pothos is directly planting stem cuttings into soil. This plant’s growing season is from the early spring to summer, so it’s best to take cuttings during this time.

1. Cut. Cut a portion of the stem with new leaves and at least one node attached. Without a node, your cutting won’t be able to sprout fresh leaves.

2. Disinfect. If you have cinnamon or rooting powder, dip the cutting to disinfect the wound and encourage faster rooting.

3. Plant. Stick the disinfected cutting into your potting mix. Pro tip: Make sure that the nodes are buried.

4. Water. Water the soil and always keep it moist (but not soggy).

5. Maintain. The Shangri La Pothos roots grow within 2-3 weeks. We recommend placing your new plant in a bright, shaded area with good airflow.

Stem Cuttings In Water

The following are essential steps in water-propagating your Spinach Pothos:

1. Look for a healthy plant section with at least one node. Trim it off using clean shears.

2. Place your cuttings in a clear jar filled with water. To prevent decay, ensure that no leaves are submerged.

3. While waiting for roots to grow, keep your cutting in a well-lit, well-ventilated area.

4. Refill the container when it’s empty or dirty. To produce roots, the plant nodes should be constantly exposed to water.

5. After 2-3 weeks, check to see if your cutting has enough roots to be planted in the soil.

Humidity And Aeration

Shangri La Pothos is a rare perennial that loves high humidity. We recommend keeping it under the ideal humidity levels of 50%-70% for best results.

In addition to receiving water through its roots, this lovely plant will require nourishment from the humidity in the air. You can keep bowls of water around to evaporate or invest in a humidifier that increases humidity more consistently for your plant.

Temperature

Warm temperatures are preferable for Javelin Pothos plants, but they can thrive in the ideal temperature range of 60-85 degrees Fahrenheit.

However, they prefer stable temperatures, so keep them away from windows and openings that may let in cold air during the winter. Additionally, keep them away from vents and other heat sources that can dry the air.

Toxic

Unfortunately, the Spinach Pothos contains significant amounts of crystals that harm people and animals (including cats and dogs). You may have mouth irritation, swelling lips and tongue, drooling, difficulty breathing, and vomiting if ingested. In the majority of instances, this plant is deemed non-lethal.

Toxic To Pets? Care Specifics
Botanical Name Shangri La Pothos
Common Name Sleeping Pothos, Spinach Pothos, Javelin Pothos
Plant Family Araceae
Origin ?MISSING?
Plant Type perennial
Leaf Shape curled
Leaf Color right green with yellow variegation
Recommended Home Placement near an east or west-facing window
Growth Rate slow-to-moderate
Light bright indirect light
Soil standard commercial potting soil
When To Water Water When the soil’s top 2 inches are dry.
When To Fertilize once a month during growing season
Preferred pH 5.5-6.5
Humidity Range 50%-70%
Toxic To Pets? Yes – symptoms include mouth irritation, swollen lips, and tongue, drooling, breathing difficulty, and vomiting
Common Pests & Diseases spider mites, brown tips, scale insects, yellow leabes, root rot, mealy bugs, drooping leaves

Pests, Diseases, And Other Problems

Is your Shangri La Pothos looking ill? Most would agree that this plant has a high tolerance to pests, diseases, and general issues.

In the following sections, I’ve provided the common issues that affect this rare plant. Use these tips to help diagnose and treat your Epipremnum.

Spider Mites

Spider mites are an unwelcome but widespread problem on houseplants, particularly in Javelin Pothos. Spider mite damage initially appears as little brown or yellow dots on your plant’s leaves. When there is a severe infestation, you might notice delicate, sticky webs crawling with red bugs.

To dislodge the spider mites, begin by thoroughly washing off every nook and cranny of your Javelin Pothos. You will need to do this in a sink, in a tub, or outdoors. If that doesn’t work, you can use insecticidal soap, neem oil, or horticultural oil to suffocate the spider mites.

If you have several plants in your home, you might need to quarantine your sick plants while you’re controlling the spider mite population.

Scale Insects

On the stems or leaves of your Shangri La Pothos, scale insects may manifest as bumps. Once attached to a plant, these little insects, which may be green, gray, brown, or black in appearance, are often sedentary.

If the infestation is not too bad, you can dissuade scale insects from attacking your plant with a teaspoon of neem oil diluted in four glasses of water. Spray the plant vigorously with a spray bottle.

Neem oil and horticultural oils might not kill the bugs, but they will definitely cause them harm. There are various pesticide sprays considered safe for indoor usage against scales.

Mealybugs

Mealybugs can infest your Javelin Pothos. If you discover these microscopic parasites, which can be distinguished by their white “fluff,” you must act swiftly to prevent their spread.

Apply rubbing alcohol to a cotton ball to begin. Wipe your Epipremnum’s leaves to eliminate any apparent mealybugs.

In addition, 5mL of neem oil, 500mL of water, and 10 drops of liquid soap can be combined (as an emulsifier). A monthly application of this solution will not only make your plant leaves appear clean and glossy, but it will also deter mealybugs from populating your houseplant.

Brown Leaf Tips

Many circumstances can cause the edges of your Sleeping Pothos’s leaves to brown. Lack of humidity, excessive exposure to intense light, salt and mineral buildup from chemically treated tap water, and fertilizer burn are potential causes.

Drooping Leaves

Shangri La Pothos leaves that droop can be caused by uneven watering, improper lighting, and lack of humidity. It may also be beneficial to clean the leaves of your plant with simple water and a microfiber cloth to eliminate the dust coating that can inhibit photosynthesis.

Yellow Leaves

Sometimes, you may see yellow leaves on your Spinach Pothos, which can signify trouble. Factors that cause this problem include moisture stress, improper lighting, nutrient imbalance, inconsistent temperatures, insect infestations, bacterial or viral infections, and many others.

To narrow down the problem, you will need to consider any recent weather changes or how you care for your plant.

Root Rot

Javelin Pothos is very susceptible to root rot. Some indoor gardeners may overwater their plants or neglect to provide appropriate drainage, and these are the two most common causes of root rot.

Root rot is difficult to treat, and thus prevention is preferable. If you do not have a soil meter, become accustomed to touching your soil to determine its moisture content. If the top few inches of the earth do not feel dry, do not water!

Use porous containers (such as clay, unglazed ceramic, and concrete) to allow excess moisture to escape through the edges of the container. Give your plant a soil mixture that is well-aerated so that its roots can breathe and grow freely.

Similar Plants

Love Sleeping Pothos? Here are a variety of pothos you should try:

Marble Queen Pothos: – The Marble Queen Pothos is a hardy indoor plant that can thrive in various environments. The light green foliage with creamy white variegation makes it an elegant yet easy-to-care-for plant must-have.

Manjula Pothos: – The enticing foliage of this plant is a true treat whether you make it a decorative centerpiece or display it in a hanging basket. Its refreshing appearance creates a tropical vibe indoors.

Satin Pothos: – The heart-shaped, matte leaves of this tropical, low-maintenance plant are worth to be shown off. Use it as an accent piece to liven up any space or indoor garden. It’s definitely a must-have for your houseplant collection.

Neon Pothos: – The Neon Pothos is one of the most beautiful types of Pothos. It is one of the simplest indoor plants to care for since it can adapt to various lighting and watering conditions.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for unique indoor plants with flair, the Shangri La Pothos is an attractive choice, and its wrinkly foliage is a true treat.

You can’t get enough Epipremnum plant guides, can you? Check out these further Two Peas In A Condo blogs to discover what else we have to offer!

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