Philodendron Micans: Grow And Care Tips
Philodendron Micans look stunning with striking dark green to purple velvet heart-shaped leaves. Usually, this tropical vine belongs to the genus of the Araceae family and is native to Mexico and the Caribbean islands of Dominica and Tobago. The best part of it, it is easy to maintain and has a fast-growing habit. As bright indirect sunlight is perfect for them, you can easily have them as an excellent addition to your indoor plant collection. Micans can also grow outside. They can adopt the support of tree trunks to climb up.
Warning: This is toxic to both cats and dogs.
At A Glance:
How To Care Philodendron Micans:
Though you can not expect bloom from them indoors, Philodendrons can easily thrive in bright partial shades with well-drained, moist soil. In this case, it is an ideal houseplant. Philodendron Micans have some requirements, without which you can’t have the perfect color and velvet texture of micans.
Light:
Philodendron Micans leaves are very light-sensitive. They require proper lighting. Usually, these plants do well in bright partial shades. Direct sun can burn the foliage and make the leaves crispy and make the color red. Low light can change the leaves’ color into dark green, and the size of the leaves can be smaller.
Soil:
Philodendron Micans require moist, aerial, and well-drained soil. You can use a standard potting mix or make your custom soil mix. Add an equal quantity of potting soil, orchid bark, perlite, peat moss, or coco coir to create a proper soil mix for micans.
Water:
Generally, Philodendron Micans grow faster in summer and spring. At that time, they require more water and moist soil but not soggy, so ensure drainage hole. During winter, pure less water, as they grow slower in this season. Allow the top layer of ground becomes dry before watering. Overwater can rot the root.
Some signs:
Yellow leaf- Overwatering
Brown leaf- Lack of water
slightly set on and crispy leaf- Need water
Temperature And Humidity:
Philodendron micans love humidity. Though The room temperature is perfect for them. But if there is lacking humidity, then your beautiful velvety leaves will turn brown. Don’t worry. Here are some tips to avoid it-
Avoid the place of the air outlet.
Give your plant some mist in the early morning and afternoon.
Using a humidifier is the best option.
Placing a gravel water tray under the plant can also help.
Proper light available bathroom can be an ideal place to keep this plant.
Fertilizer:
Indoor plants do not require fertilizer. Philodendron Micans do not need to fertilize if the soil contains organic substances. But it is ok to add light all-purpose fertilization in the growing period.
Tip: Avoid winter fertilization.
Pruning:
Pruning is essential to get bushy Philodendron Micans. When you trim a single stem end, it can grow branches, which makes the plant fuller. You can use the stem to propagate micans.
Decorating:
Philodendron Micans is a vine. So it will look good in a hanging vase. You can use a clay pot and hang it with the help of a rope. Or it will look good in any white or pink vase.
How To Propagate Philodendron Micans:
You can propagate the Philodendron Micans by taking cuttings. Here are some steps you should follow:
Take sterilized sharp scissors or pruning shears.
Cut a healthy stem with at least 4-5 leaves.
Remove the leaves from the bottom.
Take a glass of water.
Put the stem into the water and be aware the leaves should not touch the water.
The root will germinate in several weeks.
After germinating of root 1 inch tall, you can bury the stem in moist soil. Keep the soil moist for 7-10 days but not soggy. When the plant builds its root strongly, you can reduce the water.
Pest:
Though Philodendron Micans is easy to grow, many insects can invasion in this plant. Such as scales, aphids, fungus gnats, and mealybugs. Always check the plants so that you can protect them.
Here are some tips you can apply:
Scales:
Prun the affected stem.
Apply neem oil.
You can wash the larvae with insecticidal soap.
Use horticultural oil spray. Petroleum-based mineral oil or vegetable oil like soybean can be a horticultural oil.
Aphids:
Wipe or wash them with water.
Cut the infected area.
Use neem oil.
You can also use insecticidal soap.
Sticky sheets can also help you.
Fungus gnats:
First of all, separate the infested pot.
Drying out the soil can kill the fungus gnats.
Take apple cider vinegar and dish soap in a bowl. Keep it near the plant. Gnats will attract and fall into the trap.
Place some fresh potato slices in the soil. Keep an eye on it. When insects start to eat the slices, replace them with fresh potatoes.
You can also use insecticidal soap.
Mealybugs:
Wash them with water.
Use neem oil and insecticidal soap.
Philodendron Micans Common Problems:
Usually, Philodendron Micans is an easy-maintaining and problem-free plant. Problems occur when you do not fulfill its requirements of light, water, and humidity.
Here are some tips on why the problem is happening and what you should do:
Curl leaves:
Generally, it can occur from a lack of watering. Immediate water can solve this problem. But if the problem is still there, it is the root issue. Check the roots; they might be severely dried out or become rotten. Remove the plant from the soil and submerge it in water if there are any root problems, as we describe in our propagation method. It will help the roots regrowth.
Falling leaves:
Leaves falling is a natural process of a tree. When older leaves fall, new leaves can grow. But it will be a matter of concern when the younger leaves are falling. Such problems may be due to insufficient watering or drying of the plant roots.
Limp stem:
It is a reason for overwatering. The pot should have a drainage hole. And let the top layer of soil get dry between the ground.