Philodendron Micans is a popular vining houseplant, known for its velvety, heart-shaped leaves in shades of deep green, bronze, and burgundy. Native to tropical regions, it naturally trails or climbs. Trellising provides a supportive structure for these vining plants to grow vertically, guiding their growth instead of sprawling.
Why Trellis Philodendron Micans
Trellising Philodendron Micans offers several advantages for the plant’s health and appearance. As natural climbers in their native habitats, these plants scale trees to reach sunlight. Providing a trellis mimics this environment, encouraging larger, more mature leaves compared to trailing plants.
Supporting upward growth also prevents leggy vines. Trellising improves air circulation around the foliage, potentially reducing the risk of pests and diseases. Growing vertically conserves space and enhances the aesthetic appeal of your indoor garden.
Choosing a Trellis
Selecting the appropriate trellis for your Philodendron Micans involves considering material, height, and stability. Options include:
Moss poles
Coir poles
Wooden trellises
Metal trellises
Bamboo stakes
Moss and coir poles are beneficial as aerial roots attach to their moist, porous surface. Wooden trellises offer a natural aesthetic, while metal trellises provide durability. The trellis height should accommodate the plant’s potential growth, ensuring stability as the Micans matures. A sturdy base prevents tipping once it gains height and weight.
Trellising Your Philodendron Micans
To trellis your Philodendron Micans, gather your chosen trellis, soft plant ties or clips, and pruning shears. Soft ties, such as Velcro plant ties or garden twine, are preferable to avoid damaging the delicate stems.
When installing the trellis, carefully insert it into the pot, ensuring it goes deep enough to provide stability without damaging the plant’s root system. It is often beneficial to do this during a repotting to minimize root disturbance. Once the trellis is securely in place, gently guide the vines towards the support. Attach main vines to the trellis, ensuring any aerial roots are in contact with the pole if using a moss or coir pole.
Secure the vines loosely with soft ties, allowing room for stems to expand as they grow. Avoid tying them too tightly, as this can constrict growth and cause damage. As new growth emerges, continue to guide and secure young vines upward. Light pruning can shape the plant or remove unruly trailing vines, directing energy to vertical growth.
Ongoing Care for Trellised Micans
Maintaining a trellised Philodendron Micans involves adapting some routine care practices to support its vertical growth. Watering needs may change, particularly if using a moss pole, which benefits from being kept consistently moist to encourage aerial root attachment. Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot.
Adequate lighting is important for trellised plants, as increased light can promote larger leaf size and maintain the plant’s vibrant foliage colors. Provide bright, indirect light, avoiding prolonged direct sunlight which can scorch the delicate leaves. Maintaining higher humidity levels, ideally between 50% and 60%, is also beneficial, especially for aerial roots on moss poles. Occasional misting or using a humidity tray can help in drier indoor environments.
Regular pruning helps manage the plant’s shape and encourages bushier growth by redirecting energy. Periodically re-secure new vines to the trellis as they extend, and check existing ties to ensure they are not too tight. Fertilize the plant during its growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer, typically once a month, to support its active growth.
Troubleshooting and Advanced Tips
Occasionally, a trellised Philodendron Micans may exhibit issues such as vines not readily attaching to the support or new leaves appearing smaller than expected. If vines are not attaching, it often indicates a lack of humidity or insufficient contact with the support, especially for aerial roots seeking moisture. Increasing ambient humidity or routinely misting the moss pole can help encourage attachment. Smaller leaves on climbing plants can signal inadequate support or insufficient light, as the plant needs energy and a stable structure to produce larger foliage.
If the plant becomes too top-heavy, it may be a sign that the trellis is too short or not stable enough for the plant’s size. Consider upgrading to a taller, sturdier support or adding additional anchoring points. Propagating cuttings from your trellised Micans is a straightforward way to create new plants or to achieve a fuller look by planting them back into the same pot. Cuttings with nodes can be rooted in water or moist sphagnum moss. Rotating the plant occasionally ensures even light exposure on all sides, promoting balanced growth and preventing the plant from leaning excessively towards the light source.