Product Description:
Philodendron Micans, also called Velvet Leaf Philodendron, is a member of the araceae family of plant Just like all the other plants. Although the leaf shape and growing pattern closely resembles that of the heart leaves Philodendron of , it does not have the same glossy, green leaves. The lovely looking philodendron micans has velvet-textured, heart-shaped leaves that are greenish bronze with reddish- brown undersides. The leaves grow on long, graceful, vining stems. When young, a philodendron micans closely resembles the philodendron melanochrysum, but there are some major differences. A philodendron micans is a vining plant and the philodendron melanochrysum is a climbing plant, growing upwards rather than downwards, and needs a pole for support.If you’re looking for an inexpensive but gorgeous indoor plant to add to your collection, a Philodendron Micans is a fantastic plant to consider.
Light:
The philodendron micans enjoys bright to medium indirect light. Avoid prolonged periods of direct sunlight as it can burn the delicate leaves, causing discoloration and crispy edges.
Soil:
This tropical aroid requires an airy, moist, well-draining soil mixture that is rich in organic matter.
Water:
Water your philodendron micans once the top 2-3 inches of the soil have dried out.
Temperature and Humidity:
Native to tropical environments, the philodendron micans thrives in warm temperatures and humid conditions. Typical household temperature levels are more than adequate for the philodendron micans, just ensure that you keep your plant away from any cold, drafty windows or air vents. For the most part, average household humidity levels are also sufficient for a philodendron micans, although providing extra humidity for your plant can help to boost its growth.
As long as your philodendron micans is planted in a potting medium that is rich in organic matter, it will not require any heavy fertilization. That being said, it can benefit from some light fertilization with a balanced all-purpose fertilizer throughout the spring and summer to help boost growth.
Pruning:
Regular pruning will help to ensure that your philodendron micans does not become leggy as pruning encourages the stems to branch. The spring and summer are the best times to prune your philodendron micans as it is in its active growing period. Using a pair of sterilized pruning shears, prune any stems that are particularly long. Save any stem trimmings as they can be used for propagation.
Propagating Philodendron Micans:
These gorgeous plants may be difficult to come by, but once you have one in your possession they are easy to propagate.
- Using a pair of sharp scissors or pruning shears, take stem cuttings from a healthy philodendron micans, ensuring that each cutting has approximately 4-5 leaves/nodes (a node is where a leaf attaches, though sometimes there are nodes with no leaf on them).
- On each stem cutting, remove the bottom two leaves to expose the nodes along the stem.
- Put the stem cuttings in water, ensuring just the bare stem is submerged, and then place the cuttings in a location that receives medium to bright indirect light.
- Roots should begin to develop within a few weeks. Regularly check water levels to ensure that the nodes on the bare stem are submerged at all times.
- Once the roots are at least an inch long, the cuttings can be planted back in soil.
- Before planting the cuttings, pre-moisten the soil and then bury the roots.
- For the first 1-2 weeks keep the soil consistently moist (but never soaking) to help the cuttings acclimate. Then, slowly reduce your watering until you have resumed a normal watering schedule.
Growth:
If you give your Philodendron Micas care, it will grow to an average size of 8 to 12 inches tall and 24 inches wide at its mature stage. They are considered a fast growth rate plant.
Potting and repotting:
Repot Philodendron micans once it gets pot or root-bound and use a pot 2-3” (5-17.5cm) larger than the old one.
