Troubleshooting
Pothos 'Shangri La' problems — and how to fix them
Pothos 'Shangri La' (Epipremnum aureum 'Shangri La') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Yellowing leaves
Usually overwatering or soggy roots; let the top third of the mix dry between waterings and ensure the pot drains freely.
Loss of leaf curl
Leaves flatten and revert toward plain pothos in low light; move to brighter indirect light to restore the ruffled, curled form.
Brown crispy edges
Caused by very dry air, underwatering or salt build-up; water more consistently and flush the soil occasionally to leach fertiliser salts.
Root rot
Mushy stems and a sour smell signal rot from a dense, wet mix; repot into a chunky aroid blend and trim away blackened roots.
Prevent pothos 'shangri la' problems before they start
Most pothos 'shangri la' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
- Common pothos problems — the species this cultivar belongs to
- What's wrong with my plant? — the diagnosis apps compared
- Pothos 'Shangri La' watering schedule
- Pothos 'Shangri La' light requirements
- Best soil mix for pothos 'shangri la'
- Pothos 'Shangri La' temperature & humidity
- Full pothos 'shangri la' care guide
Looking for pothos 'shangri la' in general rather than its problems? Read the full pothos 'shangri la' care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Pothos 'Shangri La' problems — FAQ
Why is my pothos 'shangri la' yellowing leaves?
Usually overwatering or soggy roots; let the top third of the mix dry between waterings and ensure the pot drains freely.
Why is my pothos 'shangri la' loss of leaf curl?
Leaves flatten and revert toward plain pothos in low light; move to brighter indirect light to restore the ruffled, curled form.
Why is my pothos 'shangri la' brown crispy edges?
Caused by very dry air, underwatering or salt build-up; water more consistently and flush the soil occasionally to leach fertiliser salts.
Why is my pothos 'shangri la' root rot?
Mushy stems and a sour smell signal rot from a dense, wet mix; repot into a chunky aroid blend and trim away blackened roots.