Share
A wild twist on a beloved classic
If you're a fan of quirky houseplants that bring something unexpected to the table, Pothos ‘Shangri-La’ is calling your name. This variety of Epipremnum aureum stands out from the rest with its deep green, crinkled, and tightly twisted leaves—like a pothos that decided to go full-on jungle chic. It’s just as tough and beginner-friendly as other pothos, but with a dramatic, sculptural flair that makes it a conversation piece.
Whether it’s trailing down a shelf or climbing up a pole, Shangri-La brings texture, mystery, and ease to your plant collection.
Pothos ‘Shangri-La’ thrives in bright, indirect light, which helps maintain its vibrant color and unique growth pattern. While it can survive in lower light, the curling leaves may become less defined, and growth can slow noticeably.
Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the foliage—especially since the twisted leaves offer more surface area to burn.
Water your plant when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil feel dry. Like other pothos, Shangri-La prefers to dry out slightly between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, especially since the crinkled leaves may make it harder to spot signs of distress right away.
During spring and summer, expect to water weekly. In cooler months, reduce frequency to every 10–14 days. Always ensure the pot has good drainage.
Shangri-La does well in average household humidity but will thrive with a bit of extra moisture in the air. If your home is dry, especially during winter, you can:
Temperature-wise, keep it in the 65–85°F (18–29°C) range and avoid exposure to cold drafts or temperatures below 55°F (13°C).
Use a well-draining indoor potting mix. You can enhance drainage by adding perlite or orchid bark to the mix. A loose, airy soil will support healthy root growth and prevent moisture buildup.
Repot every 1–2 years, or when you see roots circling the bottom of the pot. Pothos like to be slightly root-bound, so don't upsize too quickly.
Feed every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring through early fall) with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer at half strength. Over-fertilizing can cause salt buildup and affect the leaf texture.
Hold off on fertilizing in winter unless the plant is actively growing.
Prune to encourage fuller growth or maintain shape. Cut just above a node (the bump where a leaf grows) to stimulate new vines. Remove any damaged or yellow leaves with clean scissors.
Wipe the leaves gently every few weeks to keep them dust-free and glossy—just be gentle with the curly structure!
Pothos ‘Shangri-La’ is easy to propagate using stem cuttings:
Spring and summer are the best seasons for propagation.
As with all pothos, Shangri-La is toxic to pets and humans if ingested, due to calcium oxalate crystals. Keep it out of reach of curious pets and children.