Transform your home into a lush jungle with the addition of the velvety-leaved Philodendron micans. Get an extensive care guide here!
Philodendron Micans, also known as the Velvet Leaf Philodendron, is a popular indoor plant prized for its captivating, heart-shaped foliage covered with a thin velvety film. Bring home this trailing beauty and help it thrive with this informative Philodendron Micans Care Guide!
- Botanical Name: Philodendron hederaceum var. hederaceum
- Popular as Velvet Leaf Philodendron
- Reaches a handsome height of 2-3 feet
- Grows best in a loamy, well-draining medium
- Toxic to Pets
Philodendron Micans Plant Profile
Philodendron Micans have stunning, heart-shaped foliage covered in soft, velvety hairs, giving the leaves a unique and eye-catching appearance. The leaves are typically a rich shade of green, with some species displaying beautiful bronze or reddish hues, especially when exposed to bright, indirect light.
The captivating foliage grows upto 6 inches in length, with a similar width, while the vines can reach up to 3 feet long, making it a great choice for hanging baskets or climbing up a trellis.
And let’s be real, what’s better than having a plant in your home that’s so good-looking, you’ll be tempted to stroke it all day long? That’s Philodendron Micans for you!
Ideal Pot Size
The ideal way to find the right size is to get a pot that is one size bigger than the root ball of the plant. A 4-6 inches pot is a good option for Philodendron Micans. Keep an eye on the drainage holes of the pot; if you see the roots coming out, it is time to treat your Philo with a one-size bigger pot.
Although an unglazed clay pot is ideal for maintaining the proper soil moisture, you can also opt for showy planters with enough drainage holes to complement the gorgeous Velvet Leaf Philodendron.
Propagating Philodendron Micans
Philodendron Micans can easily be propagated using stem cuttings. All you need is a healthy plant and a sterile clipper to start with.
- Look for a healthy stem with at least two or three leaves on it. Cut just below a leaf node, ensuring the stem is at least 4-6 inches long.
- Remove the lower leaves from the stem cutting, leaving only the top pair, and dip the bottom inch of the stem cutting into rooting hormone to promote faster root growth.
- Fill a glass with clean, filtered water and put the cutting so that the foliage doesn’t come in contact with the water.
- Find a spot that receives bright, indirect light, and let the cutting sit there.
You’ll notice new growth in 4-5 weeks. Once the roots get one inch long, transplant the cutting to a pot with a well-draining medium and watch it grow.
Requirements for Growing Philodendron Micans
Light
Philodendron Micans prefer bright, indirect light to flaunt its velvety sheen. Direct sunlight will scorch the leaves, ripping off their subtle glow, so it is best to place the plant near a window that has filtered light. The houseplant won’t mind low light conditions as well, but in that case, the vines will take a longer time to develop.
Northern or Eastern windowsills or a bright living room can be the plant’s happy place. You can also trail the vines along your curtain rod to create a living drape, keeping off the prying eyes of your neighbors.
Soil
Velvet Leaf Philodendrons prefer a well-draining medium that is rich in organic matter. An ideal blend would be a combination of houseplant mix, perlite, orchid bark, peat moss, and coco coir to provide the right nutrition and drainage. Do not use the typical garden soil, as that will not allow enough room for the roots to breathe.
Water
Like most of its cousins, Philodendron Micans prefer moist condition that is not soggy. To ensure this, the medium should be allowed to dry out slightly between watering sessions. Watering too often will cause root rot, while not doing it enough will cause the plant to wilt. A good rule of thumb is to water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry.
Water the plant thoroughly so that it reaches the roots and seeps out of the drainage holes.
Temperature & Humidity
Philodendron Micans love somewhat warm temperatures between 65 and 85 F (18-30 C). They will not tolerate temperatures below 50°F or 10C and should be protected from drafts and extreme temperature changes. If the degrees in your place tend to drop down the lower limit, consider exposing the plant to heaters or indoor greenhouses to help it survive.
The houseplant prefers a humid environment, but they are adaptable to lower humidity levels. If the air in your home is dry, you can boost the moisture around the plant by misting it regularly or by placing a humidifier near it. A pebble tray can also help.
Philodendron Micans Care
Fertilizer
Philodendron Micans should be fertilized during the growing season, from spring to fall. A balanced fertilizer that is formulated for indoor plants would be perfect. Dilute the feed to haft its strength and shower your green buddies every 4-6 weeks. Hold back on fertilizing during the winter months, as feeding the plant when it is in its dormant stage will affect plant growth.
Pests & Diseases
The houseplant is susceptible to a number of houseplant pests, including spider mites, mealybugs, and scales. Keep a close eye on the vines and spray with organic neem oil solution every month to keep potential diseases at bay. Also, avoid overwatering and provide the plant with good air circulation.
