Philodendron Micans (Philodendron hederaceum var. hederaceum ‘Micans’) is a popular indoor plant admired for its unique, velvety, heart-shaped leaves, displaying colors from deep green to bronze, purple, or reddish hues. Its trailing growth habit makes it an excellent choice for hanging baskets or cascading from shelves.
Caring for Your Philodendron Micans
Maintaining the health and vibrant appearance of your Philodendron Micans requires understanding its preferences for light, water, humidity, soil, and nutrients.
Light
Philodendron Micans prefers bright, indirect light for vibrant coloring and robust growth. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, causing discoloration and crispy edges. Too little light may result in leggy growth with widely spaced leaves. Increased light can intensify the red or maroon tones.
Watering
Water Philodendron Micans by allowing the top 1 to 2 inches of soil to dry out between waterings. This is typically about once a week, though frequency varies based on room temperature, humidity, and light exposure. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure proper drainage and avoid letting the plant sit in standing water. Signs of underwatering include drooping or curling leaves.
Humidity
Philodendron Micans thrives in high humidity conditions, ideally between 50% and 80%. While it can tolerate average household humidity, higher levels contribute to larger, healthier leaves and prevent browning tips. To increase humidity, place the plant near a humidifier, group it with other plants to create a microclimate, or use a pebble tray filled with water beneath the pot.
Soil
Philodendron Micans thrives in a well-draining, airy potting mix rich in organic matter. A recommended blend often includes components such as:
Potting soil
Orchid bark
Perlite
Peat moss
Coco coir
This mix ensures good aeration for the roots while retaining adequate moisture. Pots should always have drainage holes to prevent excess water accumulation.
Fertilizing
Philodendron Micans does not require extensive fertilization, especially if planted in a rich potting medium. During its active growing season in spring and summer, a balanced liquid fertilizer can be applied monthly. Dilute the fertilizer to half strength to prevent nutrient burn. Fertilizing should be reduced or stopped during the dormant fall and winter months.
Propagating Philodendron Micans
Propagate Philodendron Micans through stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem with leaves and at least one node. Make a clean cut just below the node with sharp, sterilized scissors. Remove bottom leaves to expose nodes, as roots emerge from these points.
Cuttings can be rooted in water or soil. For water propagation, place cuttings in a jar, ensuring only bare nodes are submerged. Position in bright, indirect light; change water every few days. Roots emerge within two to four weeks.
Once roots are a few inches long, transplant into a small pot with well-draining soil. When planting directly in soil, keep the medium moist until new growth appears and the plant establishes.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
Philodendron Micans can experience several common problems. Yellowing leaves can indicate overwatering, underwatering, or nutrient deficiency; check soil moisture. Browning leaf tips often indicate low humidity or insufficient watering; increase humidity.
Small leaves or leggy growth usually signal insufficient light. Move to brighter, indirect light for more compact growth and larger foliage. Pruning leggy vines can also promote bushier growth.
Pests like spider mites, mealybugs, aphids, and scale can infest Philodendron Micans. Signs include sticky residue, cottony specks, or visible insects. Manage with a damp cloth, insecticidal soap, or neem oil.
Repotting Philodendron Micans
Repotting Philodendron Micans is typically needed every one to two years, or when root-bound. Indicators include roots growing out of drainage holes, stunted growth, or quick drying. The best time to repot is during spring or early summer.
When repotting, select a new pot only one to two inches larger than the current one, ensuring drainage holes. A pot that is too large can lead to excess moisture and root rot.
Gently remove the plant, avoiding excessive root ball disturbance. Add fresh, well-draining potting mix to the new pot’s bottom, center the plant, and fill around the root ball, ensuring the top is level with the new soil surface. After repotting, water thoroughly until drainage occurs.