The Philodendron Micans plant is very suitable for small living spaces. They are a native to Mexico, the Americans, and the Caribbean.
The leaves are velvety, heart-shaped which never grow beyond 3” in width. The nodes are dense and neatly packed appearance.
Philodendron Micans plant profile
[wptb id="3205" not found ]The color of the leaves is depending on the light. The leaves can be deep green to purple. Sometimes they are rust hue, with new leaves edged in pink.
They can be grown in hanging planter for its elegant vines to trail down. You can give the plant with a trellis or burlap-wrapped pole to make the plant climb.
Common name
Scientific name: Philodendron Micans. Common name: Velvet Leaf Philodendron. The plant grows in USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F), USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F) and USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F).
Growth and size
The Philodendron Micans is considered as a fast growth rate. When the plant reaches the mature stage, it can reach 8 to 12 inches tall. The plant mature width could reach 24 inches wide.
Usage
The Philodendron Micans plant is an indoor houseplant. You can decorate these plants with big pots beside the couch in the living room.
Hang them using plant hanger. Use geometric pots for beautiful decoration of the living space. Place them on a bench for styling the room.
The plant can be grown as an annual and very suitable for growing in containers.
How to grow Philodendron Micans plant
Light requirement
The Philodendron Micans plant would love to be in a location with bright, indirect light, and no direct sun. Direct sunlight may burn the leaves. The plant can survive in lower light but will grow slowly.
You can place the plant in front of a North or East facing window. The plant can thrive if place 5 feet to 10 feet away from a West or South facing window.
Consider not to place to a location near other buildings or alley. This can cause a considerable decrease in the available light.
Soil requirement
The best soil for the Philodendron Micans is a loose, well-drained soil that is high in organic matter. You can mix potting soil with peat moss or 100% sphagnum peat moss.
You can also use peat-vermiculite or peat-perlite for the plant to thrive well.
Temperature
The most ideal temperature for this plant is between 65°-75ºF (18.3°-23.9ºC) during the day and above 55º F (12.8ºC) at night. Beyond these measurements, could cause the plant’s growth to slow down.
The temperature fits the origin temperature such as the Dominican Republic. The Dominican Republic’s temperature stays constant almost year-round.
The annual average temperature is 25ºC (77°F). Rainfall is very seasonal. The wettest months are October through to April.
Humidity
The Philodendron Micans plant is tolerant of dry conditions. The most ideal humidity level should be similar to its origin. During summer it’s recommended to mist the leaves.
Like in the Dominican Republic, the average humidity in January is the most humid. In the month of March is the least humid month. The average annual percentage of humidity is 82.0%.
If the plant does not get the right humidity can cause leaves to develop brown edges or yellow, start to wilt, and leaves becomes crispy.
There are ways to increase humidity around the plant.
Use pebble tray
Place a layer of pebbles in the tray. Add water to the pebbles.
Place the plants on top. The pebbles hold the plant just above the water. This will allow the roots are not wet all the time. The moisture increases as the water in the tray evaporates.
Mist the plant
Start mist the plant that will raise the humidity around the plant. The effects are temporary.
Mist with a spray bottle filled with water. Spray the plant in the morning and afternoon.
Humidifier
To get an easier effort, use a humidifier. A humidifier is good for the plants and for humans. It can also add extra humidity during the winter months.
Humid location
To get enough humidity level in a more natural way is to place the Philodendron Micans plant in a humid location. one great place is the bathroom but with the right lighting
You can also place the plant in the laundry room or the kitchen with the right light setting.
Pot
The best pot for the Philodendron Micans plant is a glazed ceramic pot, plastic pot, or hanging basket. Make sure they have drainage holes for water to flow through the bottom of the pot.
How to care for the Philodendron Micans plant
Fertilizer
The Philodendron Micans is a plant that can grow very fast. During its growth stage, they should be fed every month during spring months and summer months (June to September).
During the cooler months (winter and fall), feed the plant every six to eight weeks using regular houseplant food. Feed the Philodendron Micans houseplants with a balanced liquid foliage houseplant fertilizer containing macro-nutrients.
Slower growth and small leaf size are the sign that the plant is under fertilizing. Pale leaves indicate the plant is not getting enough calcium and magnesium. These elements are essential micro-nutrients for the plant.
Watering
The best way to water the Philodendron Micans plant is when the top inch of soil is dry, before the next watering. Dip your index finger about one inch into the soil.
If it is dry then it is the right time to water and to raise the moisture level. During the spring and summer months, the soil should be kept moist. During the winter months, the soil should be allowed to dry out between waterings.
Too much water or not enough water can cause droopy leaves. As soon as you fix the watering, the leaves will recover quickly.
You can use tap water when watering the Philodendron Micans plant. Watch out for salty water that can build up in the soil over time and eventually cause problems.
Chlorinated water is also safe. You can be sure to use the water when having a water filtration system.
Pruning
The Philodendron Micans plant may be happy when being pruned regularly to help keep the plant lush and full. If you notice leggy trails, you should cut the plant just after a node.
Regular pruning can promote bushy leaves and encourage new growth. Cuts must be smooth rather than jagged. Use sharp and clean scissors, pruning shears, or your fingernails.
Make sure to sterilize those pruning tools before use.
Repotting
Anytime you discover that the roots compact and form a tight ball, that would be the right time to re-pot the plant. Re-pot the plant to a pot that is around 2 to 3 inches larger.
The best time to re-pot the Philodendron Micans is during the latter part of winter. Another good time for repotting is in spring or before the plant begins to grow new leaves.
How to propagate the Philodendron Micans plant
The fastest and best way to propagate the Philodendron Micans plant is by using stem cuttings. The best time to propagate is during spring or early summer.
To start the propagation, cut or pinch off a branch. Choose a healthy branch.
Make sure at least 2 or 3 nodes are present. You need to take leaves off your cutting to expose additional nodes.
Prepare a jar of water or moist soil in a 4-inch pot.
Place the stem in water or moist soil. The roots will emerge very quickly and easily.
Just put the cutting directly into water or soil. It will immediately grow.
Pests and problems
The Philodendron Micans plants are susceptible to be infested by several insect pests. Those including aphids, mealybugs, scales, and spider mites.
In order to have a healthy plant, controlling outbreaks helps the plant. You can use low-toxic insecticidal sprays containing insecticidal soaps, horticultural oils, Neem oil or pyrethrins for effective control.
Please read the label instruction before use.
Frequently ask question
Why do the leaves turn to yellow?
If the plant is placed in an area with full, direct sunlight, it can cause leaves to turn yellow. If the plant does not get enough light, this may result in the lower leaves turning yellow and even the death of leaf tips.
You can place the plant near a sunny windowsill with a light sheer curtain. This location would be just fine.
Why do the leaves have brown tips?
The first possible cause is too much bright light can cause brown, dry tips or brown patches on the leaves.
The second possible cause is the plant is getting a lack of moisture. This may cause them to develop brown leaf tips. The Philodendron Micans need consistently moist soil to thrive. Do not let the soil get too soggy.
The third possible cause is over-fertilizing. If the leaves curl downward before turning brown, the problem might be tip curl.
To fix this, water the plant thoroughly to wash out excess fertilizer. Feed the Philodendron Micans with 1/2 teaspoon granular fertilizer diluted in 1-quart of water. Do this every three to four weeks during the summer.
The fourth possible cause is a pest problem. If the Philodendron Micans is infested with insects, wilting or yellowing of the leaves or stippled leaves or a sticky substance on the leaves will emerge.
Spray the plant with an insecticidal soap spray to fix the problem.
Why does the plant have a brown spot?
When the plant gets brown spots or tips on their leaves, usually it is a sign of poor watering habits. The best way to water the plant is to flush it completely until water runs freely out the drainage holes.
Why does the plant have droopy leaves?
Droopy leaves of the Philodendron Micans plant is a sign of the plant is getting too much water or not enough water. If you water them properly immediately, they will recover quickly.
