The Philodendron Shangri La is known for its uniquely ruffled and deeply lobed leaves that emerge from a central mound. This distinctive houseplant offers a lush, textured look that stands out in any collection. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance plant with high visual impact, this might be your perfect match.
Its care is straightforward, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced plant enthusiasts. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to keep your Philodendron Shangri La thriving.
Philodendron Shangri La
The Philodendron Shangri La is a captivating cultivar, prized for its unique foliage. Unlike many philodendrons with smooth, heart-shaped leaves, this variety presents a mass of wildly serrated, lobed leaves. It creates a full, bushy appearance that resembles a dense, green explosion.
It’s a sport, or spontaneous mutation, of the classic Philodendron ‘Hope’. This mutation resulted in its characteristic leaf shape and growth habit. It’s a self-heading type, meaning it grows in a clumping form rather than as a long, trailing vine.
Origin And Background
This plant is a cultivated variety, developed for its ornamental features. Its exact origin is often attributed to selective breeding within the *Philodendron bipinnatifidum* species complex. It shares lineage with plants like ‘Hope’ and ‘Selloum’, but its foliage is entirely its own.
The name “Shangri La” evokes an idea of a peaceful, hidden paradise, which reflects the plant’s lush and jungle-like aesthetic. It brings a piece of tropical drama to indoor spaces without requiring extensive care.
Key Identification Features
You can identify a true Philodendron Shangri La by a few specific traits. First, look for the deeply divided, almost shredded-looking leaves. Each leaf is multi-lobed with wavy, ruffled edges.
The leaves emerge a bright lime green and gradually deepen to a medium or dark green as they mature. The plant maintains a very compact, mound-forming habit, rarely growing a significant trunk like some of its relatives.
Leaf Structure and Texture
The leaf structure is the star of the show. Each leaf is pinnately lobed, meaning the divisions are arranged on either side of a central rib. The texture is slightly leathery but flexible, and the surface has a subtle glossy sheen.
Growth Habit and Size
Indoors, a Philodendron Shangri La typically reaches about 2 to 3 feet in both height and width. It grows at a moderate pace, putting out new leaves from the center of the mound. Its contained size makes it ideal for tabletops, plant stands, or as a floor specimen in smaller rooms.
Benefits Of Growing This Plant
Choosing a Philodendron Shangri La comes with several advantages. Visually, it adds incredible texture and depth to your plant grouping. Its unique form acts as a natural focal point.
Like many philodendrons, it also contributes to better indoor air quality by filtering common household toxins. Its resilience and adaptability mean you can enjoy its beauty without constant, fussy maintenance.
Ideal Growing Conditions
To keep your Philodendron Shangri La healthy, replicating its preferred tropical environment is key. Focus on providing the right balance of light, warmth, and humidity.
Light Requirements
This plant thrives in bright, indirect light. A spot near an east or north-facing window is often perfect. A few feet back from a south or west-facing window, shielded by a sheer curtain, also works well.
Avoid prolonged exposure to direct, harsh sunlight. This can scorch the leaves, causing unsightly brown or yellow patches. If the leaves start to look faded or the plant becomes leggy, it likely needs more light.
Temperature And Humidity
As a tropical plant, it prefers consistent warmth. Aim for temperatures between 65°F and 80°F (18°C – 27°C). Protect it from cold drafts, air conditioning vents, and sudden temperature drops below 55°F (13°C).
Humidity is important for lush growth. While it can tolerate average household humidity, it truly prospers with higher levels, around 60% or more. You can increase humidity by:
- Using a room humidifier placed nearby.
- Setting the pot on a pebble tray filled with water.
- Grouping it with other plants to create a microclimate.
If the leaf tips turn brown and crispy, low humidity is a common culprit.
Planting and Potting Mix
Starting with the right soil and pot sets your Philodendron Shangri La up for long-term success. The goal is to create a well-aerated environment for the roots.
Choosing The Right Pot
Select a pot with adequate drainage holes. This is non-negotiable to prevent root rot. A standard plastic or ceramic pot works fine. Ensure it’s only 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the root ball when repotting.
Oversized pots hold too much moisture, which the roots dislike. A snugger pot encourages healthier root growth and reduces the risk of overwatering issues.
Perfect Soil Composition
The Philodendron Shangri La needs a light, chunky, and well-draining potting mix. A standard houseplant soil is often too dense on its own. You can create an ideal mix by combining:
- Two parts high-quality potting soil.
- One part perlite or pumice for drainage.
- One part orchid bark or coconut coir for aeration.
This blend allows water to flow through freely while retaining just enough moisture and giving roots plenty of oxygen.
Step-by-Step Repotting Guide
Repot your plant every 2-3 years, or when you see roots circling the bottom of the pot. The best time is in spring or early summer during its active growth period.
- Gently remove the plant from its current pot, teasing apart any tightly bound roots.
- Place a layer of fresh potting mix in the new pot.
- Position the plant in the center at the same depth it was previously.
- Fill in around the roots with more mix, tapping the pot to settle it.
- Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, and let it drain completely.
Watering and Fertilizing Schedule
Mastering watering is the most critical skill for a happy Philodendron Shangri La. Its needs change with the seasons and its environment.
How To Water Correctly
The golden rule is to water deeply, then allow the top portion of soil to dry out before watering again. Insert your finger into the soil up to the first knuckle. If it feels dry, it’s time to water.
Water slowly and evenly around the soil surface until you see water escaping the drainage holes. Always empty the saucer or cachepot after 15-20 minutes to prevent the plant from sitting in water. Overwatering leads to yellowing leaves and root rot, while underwatering causes drooping and dry leaf edges.
Seasonal Watering Adjustments
Your plant’s thirst varies throughout the year. In spring and summer, with more light and warmer temperatures, you may need to water once a week. In fall and winter, growth slows, so reduce watering frequency, potentially to every 10-14 days.
Always let the soil’s moisture level, not the calendar, be your guide. Environmental factors like air conditioning or heating can also effect how quickly the soil dries.
Fertilizing For Optimal Growth
Feed your Philodendron Shangri La during its active growing season (spring through early fall). Use a balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer, diluted to half the recommended strength.
- Apply fertilizer every 4-6 weeks.
- Stop fertilizing in late fall and winter when the plant is resting.
- Always water the soil with plain water before applying fertilizer to avoid root burn.
Over-fertilizing can cause salt buildup in the soil, visible as a white crust on the soil surface, and can damage the roots.
Pruning and Maintenance
Regular maintenance keeps your Philodendron Shangri La looking tidy and encourages bushier growth. The good news is that it requires minimal pruning.
When And How To Prune
Prune primarily to remove any damaged, diseased, or dead leaves. This improves the plant’s appearance and directs energy to healthy growth. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.
Cut the leaf stem near the base where it emerges from the main plant. You can also trim any occasional yellowing leaves, which is a normal part of the plant’s life cycle. Pruning is best done in spring or summer.
Cleaning The Leaves
Dust can accumulate on the large, textured leaves, blocking sunlight. Gently wipe the leaves with a soft, damp cloth every few weeks. This not only keeps the plant photosynthesizing efficiently but also helps you check for pests.
Avoid using leaf shine products, as they can clog the pores on the leaves. A simple wipe with water is all that’s needed.
Common Problems and Solutions
Even with good care, you might encounter a few issues. Here’s how to diagnose and fix common problems with your Philodendron Shangri La.
Yellowing Leaves
Yellow leaves are the most common complaint. The cause is usually related to water. Overwatering is the prime suspect, especially if the yellowing starts on lower, older leaves and the soil feels soggy.
Underwatering can also cause yellowing, often accompanied by dry, crispy edges. Check your watering habits and adjust accordingly. Sometimes, a single yellow leaf is just natural aging; simply pluck it off.
Brown Leaf Tips Or Edges
Brown, crispy tips are typically a sign of low humidity or inconsistent watering. If you let the soil get bone dry for too long, the leaf edges can burn. Increase humidity around the plant and try to maintain a more consistent watering schedule.
Excess fertilizer or fluoride in tap water can also cause tip burn. Using filtered or distilled water for watering can sometimes help.
Pest Identification And Control
Philodendron Shangri La can occasionally attract common houseplant pests. Early detection is key for easy management.
- Spider Mites: Look for fine webbing and stippling on leaves. Wipe leaves with a damp cloth or use insecticidal soap.
- Mealybugs: Appear as small, white, cottony masses in leaf crevices. Dab with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
- Scale: Hard, brown bumps on stems and leaves. Scrape off gently and treat with horticultural oil.
Isolate any infested plant immediately to prevent the pests from spreading to your other houseplants.
Propagation Techniques
You can create new Philodendron Shangri La plants through division. This is the most reliable method for this self-heading cultivar, as it does not produce long vines suitable for stem cuttings.
Step-by-Step Propagation By Division
The best time to divide your plant is when you are repotting it in the spring. This minimizes stress and allows both sections to recover during the growing season.
- Remove the entire plant from its pot and gently shake off excess soil to expose the root ball.
- Look for natural divisions in the plant—separate clumps of stems with their own root systems.
- Using your hands or a clean, sharp knife, carefully tease or cut the root ball apart. Ensure each division has several healthy leaves and a robust set of roots.
- Pot each new division into its own container with fresh, well-draining potting mix.
- Water the new plants thoroughly and place them in a warm spot with bright, indirect light. They may look droopy for a week or two as they establish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Philodendron Shangri La Toxic To Pets?
Yes, like all philodendrons, the Shangri La contains calcium oxalate crystals which are toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. It can cause oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting. Keep this plant out of reach of curious pets.
How Fast Does A Philodendron Shangri La Grow?
It has a moderate growth rate. Under ideal conditions, you can expect it to put out several new leaves each growing season. Growth will slow or stop during the winter months.
Why Are The New Leaves On My Shangri La Smaller Than Usual?
Consistently small new leaves often indicate the plant needs more light or more frequent fertilization. Try moving it to a brighter location (without direct sun) and ensure you are feeding it during the growing season.
Can I Grow A Philodendron Shangri La Outdoors?
You can in warm, humid climates (USDA zones 9-11). It must be in a shaded or partly shaded spot, as direct sun will damage the leaves. In cooler climates, it thrives as a patio plant in summer but must be brought indoors before temperatures drop below 55°F.
What’s The Difference Between Philodendron Shangri La And ‘Hope’?
The Philodendron ‘Hope’ has smoother, less divided leaves with more defined lobes. The Shangri La is a mutation of ‘Hope’ and has much more deeply cut, ruffled, and textured foliage that gives it a fuller, bushier appearance from a young age.