Philodendron Micans Care Guide
Give them a relatively chunky free-draining mix. My go-to is the Bioleaf Aroid Mix. That’s already mixed for you and is a mix of orchid bark, pumice, fern fibre, charcoal and worm castings. Or you can make your own using ingredients like indoor potting mix, perlite, pumice and fern fibre.
Philodendron Micans
You won’t be able to take your eyes off the stunning velvety foliage of this vining indoor plant, not to mention the depth and range of glowing green hues it displays. Plus, its beauty belies the fact that this is an easy-care houseplant, believe it or not! Philodendron ‘Micans’ does best in bright indirect light so place it near a window, but be sure to keep it away from the harsh direct rays of the sun. Climbing philodendrons like Philodendron Micans use aerial roots to cling onto surfaces to gain access to light. It is in their DNA to find the light source and when they do, their leaves will become large, and in some cases, change form. Learn more about how to give them the care they need!
Light
Philodendron hederaceum ‘Micans’ can handle low light, but if you want them to grow faster and produce larger leaves, provide medium to bright indirect light. If your Micans starts to grow leggy and produces smaller and fewer leaves, then relocate it to a setting that provides more indirect light (over 5 hours daily) or provide it with artificial light. In a north- or east-facing window, you can place them close to access more sun, or you can keep them out of reach of direct light in a south- or west-facing window. Learn more about light requirements for indoor plants!
Water
Philodendron Micans loves a good soaking after the soil has almost completely dried out. The soil should be watered immediately after it has dried out completely, otherwise the leaves will begin to turn brown, and die off. Water more often during the warmer months while growing, and reduce watering during the winter months. You can avoid over-watering these hardy indoor vines by planting them in terra-cotta pots as the clay wicks the water from the soil. This is a great trick for perennial over-waterers!
Soil
Philodendron Micans require loose, nutrient-rich potting soil. Use a soil medium that can retain moisture but also allows for draining excess water to avoid root rot. Most pre-mixed soils will suffice. Make sure that there is plenty of organic matter, like coco-coir, peat moss, or shredded leaves, and avoid soils that contain moisture retaining crystals. The soil should also contain materials such as pumice wood chips, or coarse sand that is mixed evenly throughout the soil mixture. This will create tiny air pockets that aid in proper drainage and allow for healthy root development! If your soil drains too quickly, we recommend re-potting your Velvet Leaf Philodendron into a compost-rich soil mixture with fewer drainage materials. Learn how to create your universal soil mixture for all your indoor plants!
Temperature
Most household temperature ranges (65-80°F) are adequate for these philodendron. Letting them remain in temperatures under 55℉ will stunt their growth. Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can be fatal for these tropical indoor plants.
Humidity
Philodendron Micans can live in average humidity (40-50%), but increased humidity will help this plant develop faster. Place it in an area that is naturally humid or use a humidifier or a pebble tray with water to create the ideal environment. Learn how to increase the humidity for you indoor plants!
Fertilizer
Philodendron hederaceum ‘Micans’ love to be fertilized during their active growing season, so be sure to use either ¼-diluted fish emulsion with iron or ¼-diluted complete liquid fertilizer twice a month. Another option is to top-dress your plants with compost (like worm castings) in the spring. It will slowly release nutrients to the roots throughout the growing season. Learn more about how to fertilize your houseplants!
Growth Rate
The Philodendron Velvet Leaf is a robust plant. So, it can grow fast and long without too much attention. The leaves can grow in size to 4” +, and the stems can reach great lengths! You can trim them or train them as a climbing plant by wrapping the stems around a trellis. They look lovely both ways!
Pet Friend or Foe
The Philodendron Micans is toxic if ingested. Foe!
Pro Tips
- Rotate your philodendron to promote a complete, balanced indoor plant.
- When trimming the houseplant, cut under the node (swollen nodule where the leaves and aerial roots form) to propagate a new plant!
- Always check the leaves (top and bottom) during your care sessions. Check for unwanted guests (pests and diseases).
- Tiny sticky droplets found in the leaves of your Philodendron Micans is a normal occurrence called extrafloral nectaries. This substance is created to attract pollinators and is harmless to your philodendron!
- Velvet Leaf Philodendron can go for long periods of time without water, but it is important to make sure they are watered when you see their leaves start to droop down.
- Use well-draining soil rich in organic matter when re-potting your philodendron.
- Get creative and find fun ways to stake up your indoor vines!
- Watch our video on growing big philodendron and pothos!
Philodendron Micans Care Guide
The Philodendron Micans or Velvet Leaf Philodendron is a very aptly named chap with his big, velvety-soft, heart-shaped leaves. His proper name is Philodendron hederaceum var. hederaceum (yes, really, he’s all that). He’s a relative newbie in NZ but is slowly starting to appear for sale more often and the price is coming down. I give him a 2.5 out of 5 LTLC Rating. At the easy end of medium level care, with some simple considerations. If you can keep a heart leaf Philodendron or Philodendron Brasil healthy and happy, you’ll find Philodendron Micans just the same to care for.
And that colour! New leaves come out a pinky-bronzey green with bright emerald green along the veins. They have gorgeous reddish-brown undersides too. Over time they darken to a bronzey-purpley-sagey-dark-green, sort-of a rusty-green (yes, its very hard to describe, and even harder to photograph due to that super soft velvety fuzz on the leaves). You really need to see them in real life to appreciate them. Just try not to constantly pat those soft leaves! Keep reading for the full care guide.
Temperature and Light
Medium to bright indirect light is ideal. Lower light can be tolerated by the Micans but don’t expect much growth, so not ideal for long. Tolerate and thrive are not the same thing. Around 18 to 24 degrees is a nice comfortable range for the Micans during the day and down to around 12 degrees at night, but I find they tolerate lower temperatures at night in winter if the rest of the conditions are ideal. They like similar conditions to other Philodendron.
Water
These guys aren’t as forgiving of over-watering as some, so I keep the soil soil lightly, evenly moist. Avoid soggy soil or wet feet. They do handle drying out better than some between waterings, but you want to get in there before the leaves curl. I use a soil water meter to check soil moisture about half way down (depending on pot size) and water when the top quarter to half is dry. Best not to let them dry fully to the bottom of the pot. If you keep yours in a clear pot it makes it even easier to know when to water.
If in doubt, don’t water. Wait a couple of days and check again. When you do water, completely soak the soil y top watering until the water pours out the bottom to flush out any excess minerals. Let every drop drain out before returning your Micans to their cover pot or saucer. Only plant your Micans pots with drainage holes or root rot or fertiliser burn become much more likely.
Soil
Give them a relatively chunky free-draining mix. My go-to is the Bioleaf Aroid Mix. That’s already mixed for you and is a mix of orchid bark, pumice, fern fibre, charcoal and worm castings. Or you can make your own using ingredients like indoor potting mix, perlite, pumice and fern fibre.
What you’re after is about 50% potting mix, fern fibre or similar – and 50% free draining chunkyness like orchid bark, pumice and perlite. When potting-up, only go up about 2 pot sizes maximum (eg: from a 14cm to a 16cm) so the roots aren’t suddenly exposed to a tonne of water. Repotting up too big too fast can cause root rot and also stop stem and leaf growth as the plant puts its energy into root growth to fill up the new area.
Leggy Micans?
It’s normal for the Micans to produce long, vining stems but if it’s getting extra-leggy between leaves, that can be a sign of not enough light.
Is the Philodendron Micans pet safe?
Unfortunately not. Like all Philodendron, the Micans can cause irritation if chewed or eaten, and in severe cases, swelling and breathing issues, so keep this chap out of reach of pets and kids (yes, they’re toxic to humans too).
LTLC Rating (Love That Leaf Care Rating)
I give the Philodendron Micans a 2.5 out of 5 LTLC Rating. Easy care overall, but a smidge fussier on the watering side than smooth-leaved Philodendron. In my totally made up rating system, a ZZ plant or Peace Lily would be a 1.