How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Philodendron Micans

For ornamental value, the velvet philodendron is one of the most sought-after houseplants because of its leaf shape and velvety texture. It’s a tactile plant that demands to be stroked now and again. It is considered a semi-epiphyte, which means it can grow in soil and sometimes without soil.

Philodendron hederaceum var hederaceum, now classified as Philodendron micans, has spectacular heart-shaped leaves and a wonderful velvety texture on the surface, which inspired the common name velvet philodendron.

These fast-growing plants are often displayed on tall shelves so that they can cascade down and create a jungle effect on a bookcase or display shelving units. They can also be trained upwards to create a mini vertical garden.

These tough, easy-to-grow houseplants are a good choice for any plant parent. In this article, we look at where they came from and how to care for them.

What Is It?

As members of the arum or aroid family Araceae, philodendrons are grown for their leaves. However, they will also flower, after a long time, in the distinctive spathe and spadix that is noticeable in other plants in this group.

As a perennial vine, it will creep along the ground, cascade from a hanging basket, or it can be trained up a moss pole of a framework. It produces rootlets along the stem to help them grip onto fixtures.

They are fast-growing and very easy to grow.

Native Area

There are nearly 500 known species of philodendron, with most coming from the regions of Central America like Venezuela, Colombia, and the Caribbean. In nature, they grow under the canopy of trees in tropical rainforests and use the trees to clamber upwards toward the light.

Characteristics

The leaves of Philodendron micans are heart-shaped, which is desirable in indoor plants. The velvety texture of the leaves adds another dimension, making this variety special. The leaves form on long, sturdy stems that are tinged with peachy salmon, depending on the time of the year. The leaf colors range from dark and moody to shades of green all in one leaf. They also have a burgundy-purple underside. New leaves emerge lighter and mature into dark forest green in the right conditions.

The leaves vary from one to three inches in width to three to six inches long.

The length of the vines varies, but they will generally be around 8 feet long. They can reach as long as 20 feet if they are very happy.

The flowers of this plant will only appear after about 15 years of growth. The brighter the light and the more light, the better the flowering. 12-15 hours of bright indirect light a day will give more of a chance of flowering. The white flowers will appear in spring. They form the iconic spathe and spadix that hold the tiny flowers. The spathe is creamy white on the inside and light green on the outside, keeping the spadix encased and safe.

The fleshy stems of Philodendron micans form in jagged sections from one node to another, forming leaves and rootlets as they continue to creep along.

How to Grow

Very easy to grow, Philodendron micans will be a rewarding plant to grow and maintain, and if it looks a bit scraggly, it is easy enough to propagate more plants.

Light

For these vine-type plants, you want lots of leaves; otherwise, they can look a bit scraggly. The best way to achieve this is to give them lots of bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which may scorch the leaves on the edges and make them less desirable.

Water

This philodendron likes moderate water but not waterlogged soil. Make sure there is plenty of drainage. When the top two inches of soil are dry, it’s time to water. That will generally mean once a week during the main growing seasons.

For watering in general, remember that the more light it gets, the more water it needs, and adjust the watering schedule as necessary.

Water less frequently in winter, reducing the watering to every two weeks, but always check the soil first. Too much water will cause root rot.

Soil

The soil for this tropical houseplant reflects the way it grows in the wild. Plenty of organic matter in a well-draining mix. To improve the drainage of the soil mix, include perlite, vermiculite, coconut coir, or even a little rough sand into regular potting soil. The finished mix should be light and airy.

Temperature

This plant does better in a stable environment, so avoid temperature fluctuations. The ideal temperature for this philodendron is between 65-78°F (20-24°C).

Humidity

A humidity of 60% is ideal for this philodendron. To increase the humidity around the plants, use a water bottle, mist the plants often, and place the planters of trays of pebbles and water in very dry conditions.

If your houseplant collection includes many tropical plants that enjoy high humidity, then investing in a humidifier might be a better solution.

Fertilizing

Use a balanced organic fertilizer or plant food for tropical plants based on fish emulsion. Feed your plants when they are actively growing new shoots and leaves.

Avoid feeding when relocating the plant or treating yellowing or drooping leaves.

Maintenance

Pruning

The vine will continue growing in long trails and may need to be gathered and twirled around itself or up a moss pole if it gets too long. Pruning is not necessarily an annual task for this plant. However, if you want a bushier plant, you can prune it. Once cut, it will send out shoots from lower down the stem.

Dust

Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth when they get dusty. Dust can cover the leaf surfaces and reduce the ability for the plant to photosynthesize.

Repotting

When a philodendron outgrows its container, it needs repotting and will benefit from fresh potting soil. Check your containers every year to see if they need repotting. Often, they will let you know by becoming pot-bound or if the soil or plant looks sad.

Prepare new pots, one to two sizes up, with a mix of one part potting soil, one part commercial compost, and one part drainage material like perlite, vermiculite, or rehydrated coco coir.

Cover any drainage holes with a layer of stones or crocks, and half-fill the pot with soil. Remove the plant from its old container carefully so as not to disturb the roots too much, and gently take off any of the soil. You can wash the roots under a stream of water as well. Cut any dead or damaged roots off and then plant them in the new pot, filling it with the potting soil mix and pressing it down to secure the plants.

Water well and reposition the plants.

Propagation

Cuttings in Water

One of the easiest methods to propagate this plant is by cuttings placed in water.

Air layering

Air layering is another way to propagate this plant, especially if the cuttings in water are not working well.

Varieties

There are a few extra varieties to choose from in this group of plants, but they might be hard to find:

‘Aurea’

This version of Philodendeon micans has leaves that are variegated green and gold to bright yellow, changing to salmon and orange, and then cream.

‘Lemon Lime’

From neon yellow to neon green in one plant. This philodendron with traditional heart-shaped leaves will also take less light.

Common Problems

Over or Underwatering

If the leaves droop, it may be a sign the plant is underwatered or that the soil is soggy. It’s an easy fix to check the soil and adjust as needed.

Brown or yellow leaves

An overexposure to sunlight may cause the leaves to crisp on the edges or turn yellow.

Leggy plant with few leaves

This means the plant lacks light. Move to a better position. You may want to take this opportunity to propagate more plants with these leggy stems. Pruning will encourage bushy growth.

Pests

Philodendron micans have few pest problems, but look out for the usual suspects that will attack stressed plants like mealy bugs, red spider mites, scale, and thrips. Many of these will fly in from the outside or jump from plant to plant. Just make it common practice to look at any of your plants and check them regularly for these sucking insects.

Treat with insecticidal soaps and neem oil.

Frequently Asked Questions