Philodendron Micans Care: Keeping Your Velvet Leaves Healthy

Philodendron Micans is a tropical and easy-to-care-for plant that can spruce up any indoor space effortlessly. Its one-of-a-kind characteristics make it well-loved among plant enthusiasts.

This post will share all the facts and tips to aid you in caring for your Philodendron Micans. Keep reading if you want to know where to buy this plant and what to expect with this Philodendron.

What Is Philodendron Micans?

Philodendron Micans is from the Araceae family. It is famous because of its heart-shaped leaves that are rich green with purple hues with a bit of shimmer (but not as shimmery as the Silver Satin Pothos).

It is often referred to as Velvet-Leaf Philodendron. Its velvety texture sets it apart from most Heart-Leaf Philodendrons.

Philodendron Micans is a terrific addition to your home and can be placed near an east or west-facing window. If outdoors, it has the highest chances of survival in hardiness zones 10-12.

Philodendron Micans Origin And Family

Velvet-Leaf Philodendron is a member of the genus Philodendron and the family Araceae. It comes from the rainforests of Mexico and the Caribbean (Central and North America).

Discovered in 1891 by Michael Micans, a horticulturist, while on safari with Ernest Henry Wilson. It has become a favorite among houseplant collectors in recent years.

Where To Buy

If you’re trying to get a deal on a Philodendron Micans, Etsy has some of the best and distinct plant selection online.

The very affordable prices of Philodendron Micans are approximately between $10 for 4-inch potted plants to $30+ for larger or more mature plants.

Philodendron Micans Plant Size

As a houseplant, the Philodendron Micans reaches between 5-8 inches tall and up to 24 inches long wide when mature. This plant will look good when placed near an east or west-facing window.

Philodendron Micans Care Needs

Your Philodendron Micans, with its velvety foliage, will flourish if you take good care of it. This plant loves humidity and relatively dry soil throughout the year.

Water your Philodendron when the first 2-3 inches of the soil are dry. Make sure to give it a total drench, allowing water to run down the bottom of the pot. In terms of lighting, what’s best for this plant is bright indirect light.

Look at the more specific growing tips below to keep your Philodendron Micans healthy and happy!

Philodendron Micans Care Difficulty

The Philodendron Micans is easy-to-care-for in most situations, assuming you have the right amount of light and well-draining soil. With this Velvet-Leaf Philodendron guide, you can quickly grow this tropical plant.

Philodendron Micans Growth Rate

The Velvet-Leaf Philodendron is a fast grower. Indoors, it matures to a height of about 5-8 inches and up to 24 inches long.

Sun bleached Philodendron Micans 😍 pic.twitter.com/W7HktgHUNm

— ⑬ (@EerieJazmin) February 25, 2022

Philodendron Micans Potting

Philodendron plants usually prefer a pot with good drainage. A large-sized plastic, terracotta, or clay pot works fine. With aerial roots, it can also be placed in a hanging basket to allow it to trail, or provide a trellis or a moss pole, to let it climb.

Drainage holes are essential to keep your plant’s roots from drowning due to excess water.

Philodendron Micans Repotting

Philodendrons are typically fast-growing plants. Moving your Philodendron Micans plants into a larger pot allows more room for its roots to grow. You will know that it’s time to repot if you see roots shooting out of the drainage holes.

Typically, you’d want to repot this tropical plant every 1-2 years. It is ideal for replacing old nutrient-deficient soil with a fresh batch of standard commercial potting soil when filling the new pot.

Philodendron Micans Soil

Philodendron Micans grows well when grown in standard commercial potting soil. If you want to make your own instead of purchasing a medium, start by adding perlite, peat moss, or coco coir. This plant prefers its soil to stay relatively dry.

Additionally, it’s essential to have good drainage to prevent problems like root rot and fungal diseases.

We suggest the following soil options:

Philodendron Micans pH

For the Velvet-Leaf Philodendron, you’ll want your soil to have an acidic pH, approximately between 5.5-6.5. A standard commercial potting soil has a pH level around that range, so you don’t have to be overly concerned.

If you have to raise the pH of your soil, add a bit of baking soda, wood ash, calcitic lime, or dolomitic lime.

On the other hand, if your soil’s pH is too high, you can lower it with sulfur or aluminum sulfate.

To identify the soil’s pH value, use a standard soil moisture meter device, which doubles as a pH tester.

Philodendron Micans Water

Your Heartleaf Philodendron will want the soil to stay relatively dry between watering schedules. Feel the soil with your finger and check when the upper 2-3 inches of the soil are dry. If this is the case, thoroughly drench your plant until water seeps out from the bottom of the pot.

Overwatering is one prevalent cause of plant death indoors. When in doubt, underwater is usually preferable to overwater this gorgeous plant. To make sure that your plant’s roots aren’t getting drowned, use well-draining soil and a pot with drainage holes.

Philodendron Micans Light

This easy-to-care-for houseplant prefers bright indirect light for approximately 6-8 hours daily. If there’s excessive light, its leaves will get burned. If there’s a lack of light, its leaves may droop, and the stems will get leggy. Prolonged low light may also cause the leave’s purplish tinge to disappear.

If your Philodendron Micans isn’t getting enough light, you can move it closer to a window or consider investing in LED grow lights. Here are recommended products for you to choose from:

Avoid putting your Philodendron Micans in direct sunlight, as this could damage it severely or even kill it.

Philodendron Micans Fertilizer

A water-soluble fertilizer is ideal for P. Micans. NAME SPECIFIC FERTILIZER, for example, would work. Feed your plant once a month during the spring and summer.

During winter, you don’t need to fertilize as growth naturally slows down.

Propagating Philodendron Micans

There are different ways to propagate Philodendron Micans. For higher chances of success, follow the steps we’ve laid out below for each unique method.

Philodendron hederaceum ‘Brazil’ and 'Micans' 🌞 #HouseplantHour pic.twitter.com/PilyBhRoco

— jaymi 🦋 (@muddlemoss) October 23, 2022

Stem Cuttings In Soil

One primary method to grow a Velvet-Leaf Philodendron is directly planting stem cuttings into the soil. If you don’t already have this plant, you can purchase a cutting from Etsy or your local Facebook Marketplace.

It is best to propagate during spring to summer so it will be easier for your plant to recover from transplant shock.

1. Cut. Using clean shears, cut off a healthy section of the healthy plant. A cutting should ideally be at least three inches tall and include a few leaves and nodes.

2. Plant. Bury the stem’s nodes in a pot or container filled with damp potting soil. Pinch the soil around the stem or use wooden skewers to hold the plant in place. Too much movement can disrupt root growth.

3. Maintain. Place your container near a window in bright, indirect light. Remember to keep the soil moist.

4. Wait. You can expect new roots in about 2-3 weeks. An emerging shoot is the best indicator

that your cutting has successfully grown roots!

Stem Cuttings In Water

Water propagation is another easy method to root your P. Micans cuttings. Here are some steps to follow:

1. Cut. Remove the bottom leaves from a healthy stem after harvesting them.

2. Submerge. Put the cutting in a glass of water and let it soak. Make sure none of the leaves are submerged in the water to prevent rotting.

3. Maintain. Keep your cutting in a well-ventilated area with bright indirect light. The plant’s health can be enhanced if you keep a humidifier nearby.

4. Refill. Every time the water begins to become murky, replace it. For rapid root growth, keep the nodes submerged.

5. Transplant. Plant your cutting into clean, well-aerated soil after the roots grow long enough. To assist the roots in adapting, keep the soil moist.

Humidity And Aeration for Philodendron Micans

High humidity levels (70% and up) are best for your Philodendron Micans.

Crispy leaves and browning edges often characterize the lack of humidity in houseplants. Consider getting a humidifier, or placing your plant in well-lit, naturally higher-humidity spaces (such as bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms).

Philodendron Micans Temperature

Generally, warm temperatures are best for your Velvet-Leaf Philodendron plant. This can range between 70-90 degrees Fahrenheit.

The more significant consideration for this plant is consistency. Sudden temperature changes can heavily damage the Velvet-Leaf Philodendron. Protect your plant against cold drafts in cold weather by closing windows and sealing any openings. Keep it far from heat vents that can dry the foliage.

Toxic

Keep an eye out if you have small children or animals. P. Micans is dangerous to pets like cats, dogs, and people. They contain high levels of insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that, if ingested, may cause the following symptoms: pain and swelling of the mouth, oral irritation, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. It may also cause skin irritation.

In most cases, this plant is considered non-life-threatening.

Pests, Diseases, And Other Problems for Philodendron Micans

Things may still go wrong from time to time, even with expert care. Pests and diseases are inevitable aspects of gardening. As a whole, the Philodendron Micans is a plant that’s resistant to pests and diseases.

Read the following sections for tips on diagnosing common problems and discovering ways you can help your plant return to a healthy condition.

Spider Mites

Spider mites are common pests, particularly among Velvet-Leaf Philodendron plants. Spider mite damage will initially appear as small, brown, or yellow patches on your plant’s velvety leaves. You might also discover that your plant has slowed or ceased to grow.

To get rid of spider mites, wash off your Velvet-Leaf Philodendron with a sink nozzle, a pressure sprayer, or a garden hose. Additionally, you can spray the leaves with insecticidal soap or neem oil, but make sure to cover all surfaces, including the underside of the leaves!

Of course, you can also introduce natural predators of spider mites such as ladybugs, lacewings, and Stethorus picipes beetles (dubbed as the “Spider Mite Destroyer”). The fantastic thing about these bugs is that they will feed on spider mites, but they won’t harm your plant!

Fungus Gnats

Plant roots are consumed by fungus gnat larvae, not the fungus gnats themselves. These pests love moisture, and your Velvet-Leaf Philodendron is particularly vulnerable as it prefers relatively dry soil.

Fungus gnats are well-named for their ability to bring fungal diseases to your plant in addition to sucking the nutrients from the roots. You can put up yellow sticky traps to detect these bugs’ emergence and catch them as they fly.

Another option is to use a cider-vinegar trap to entice gnats. Pour equal volumes of water and apple cider vinegar into a cup. As an emulsifier, mix in a few drops of liquid soap. Watch these bothersome insects drown by setting the trap next to the damaged plant.

Scale Insects

Scale insects might appear as lumps on the stems or leaves of your Philodendron Micans. These tiny bugs, which may be green, gray, brown, or black, usually remain sedentary once they’ve latched onto a plant.

If the infestation isn’t too severe, you can use a teaspoon of neem oil diluted in four cups of water to discourage scale insects from attacking your plant. Take a spray bottle and vigorously spritz the plant.

Neem oil and horticultural oils may not kill the pests but will undoubtedly cause some damage to them. Numerous insecticide sprays against scales are considered safe to use indoors.

Aphids

Aphids are tiny insects that will suck the sap of your P. Micans. Some aphids are crawlers, and some are winged. They may come in brown, black, red, green, white, and many others.

Look for aphids on the underside of leaves, on shoots that have not unfurled yet, and on delicate areas of the stem. If you find these insects (usually in a cluster), act quickly before they spread to other houseplants!

First, cover the soil with a plastic bag. Then, give your plant a thorough wash using soap and water. You can even use a sponge to make sure all surfaces are covered. After washing, isolate your plant in a shaded area with good airflow so its leaves won’t burn from the soap.

If the aphids come back, spray your P. Micans with neem oil, horticultural oil, or rubbing alcohol. Remember to dilute these products first.

Philodendron Micans 4" from California Tropicals 3IHAFIYhttps://t.co/jyvFYRPRGY pic.twitter.com/Xq35djEs4Z

— Sabina_MosciskipTgf (@mosciskiptgf) December 2, 2022

Mealybugs

Mealybugs have the potential to infest your Velvet-Leaf Philodendron. These parasites cause damage by absorbing the nutrients from the plant. If left unchecked, mealybugs have the potential to kill your Velvet-Leaf Philodendron.

Rubbing alcohol is your number one weapon against mealybugs. It will kill mealybugs on contact and turn them into a translucent brown color. Dilute the alcohol in water and spray directly on the pesky critters.

Brown Leaf Tips

The edges of your Velvet-Leaf Philodendron’s leaves may turn brown if it’s not getting the sufficient amount of moisture that it needs, both from the air and through its roots. Water your plant on time and check if the humidity level in its location is consistent with its needs.

Consider the amount and frequency you apply fertilizers. Overfeeding can burn the foliage of your houseplants, and this is typically manifested as browning edges on their leaves.

Drooping Leaves

Drooping leaves on your Philodendron Micans indicate that your plant is thirsty. In this case, your plant will usually perk back up once it’s watered. It also helps to increase the humidity.

Be careful! Pest-infested plants can have droopy and curling leaves at first but will eventually develop other signs, such as spots, stunted growth, and a general decline in health. Always check on the underside of leaves if you suspect any issues with pests.

Yellow Leaves

Several factors can cause the leaves of a P. Micans to become yellow. One possibility is that it doesn’t get enough sunlight, and it could also be that the plant gets too much or too little water.

Yellow leaves should be pruned to encourage new growth and prevent the spread of deterioration. Besides, they can be unattractive and worrying to look at. Trim the leaves off with a sharp, clean pair of shears.

Root Rot

Root rot is a prevalent killer of the Velvet-Leaf Philodendron. Some indoor gardeners might get overzealous with their watering or need to remember to provide adequate plant drainage. These two mistakes are the two leading causes of root rot.

Because root rot is difficult to treat, prevention is the best option. If you don’t have a soil meter device, get comfortable touching your soil to feel for moisture. If the top few inches do not feel dry, skip the watering for later!

Use pots high in porosity (such as clay, unglazed ceramic, and concrete) to allow excess moisture to escape from the sides. Give your plant a well-aerated soil mix to let its roots breathe and grow freely.

Similar Plants to Philodendron Micans

Love Velvet-Leaf Philodendron? Here are some other similar plant options you should try:

Variegated Heartleaf Philodendrons – are rare and unique houseplants sought-after due to their amazing variegations. They also vine beautifully, so most gardeners and indoor growers aim to get their hands on one.

Philodendron Brasil – Despite not being a native of Brazil, this plant was named because it resembles the Brazilian flag. The natural beauty of this type is highlighted by the yellow and lime-green streaks jammed between its dark green leaves.

Philodendron Rio – Rio was a sport of P.Brasil. Plant enthusiasts enjoy this unusually quirky plant for its gorgeous silver and cream variegation. The name Rio seems appropriate, given that it is a Brazilian cultivar, don’t you think?

Philodendron Rojo Congo – Given that this particular cultivar is a cross between two different philodendrons, you may anticipate that it will be a beautiful and showy plant. With its tall oval leaves that are burgundy in color, it creates a stunning rosette for a highly appealing accent piece.

Conclusion

Prized for its velvety foliage, Philodendron Micans is a beautiful decoration for your household. Following our growing tips, you’ll have no trouble growing this Philodendron.

Do you have a Velvet-Leaf Philodendron in your collection? We’d love to see it! Please submit photos to [email protected], and we might post them on our blog!

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