The Philodendron micans is a botanical house plant native to Central and South America, featuring small, fine leaves with a velvet-like glow. Its versatility allows it to be used as a climber and a hanging plant, adding character to any interior space with its voluminous presence. On the other hand, P. scandens, also known as “Velvet-leaf Philodendron”, is a vine-type plant with silky bronze, heart-shaped leaves that exhibit a reddish hue on the underside.
Read: White Princess Philodendron – Propagation, Care, and Benefits
Philodendron Plant Overview
The micans are an adaptable and easy-to-care-for plant that can be added to your collection, serving as both a climber and a hanging plant. Here’s the botanical overview of the Philodendron Plant:
| Characteristic | Details |
| Scientific Name | Philodendron hederaceum var. hederaceum ‘Micans’ |
| Origin | Central and South America |
| Leaves Colour | Deep burgundy to bronze |
| Growth Behaviour | Climbing |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Native Habitat | South America |
| Sunlight | Medium to bright indirect light |
| Water Requirements | Moderate |
Philodendron Plant Care Guide
The Philodendron is a low-maintenance indoor plant that flourishes in well-lit settings but should avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf discoloration. Check your topsoil every few centimeters. If the soil is dry, water once weekly (less in the colder months). Occasionally misting the leaves helps maintain the humidity this plant prefers[1]Philodendron micans Care Guide. Read.
| Philodendron micans Plant Care Attributes | Guide |
| Suitable Place | Indoor |
| Light | No direct sun, semi-sun |
| Artificial Light Height | 20-40 cm |
| On-day Air Humidity | 20-40% |
| At Night Air Humidity | 80-100% |
| Temperature | On Day: 10-30 °C , At Night: 12-18 °C |
| Soil Type | Peat |
Read: Lemon Lime Philodendron – Propagation, Care, and Benefits
Conditions Require For Philodendron to Thrive Well.
The Philodendron micans is an indoor plant that survives under normal care conditions. It should be placed away from direct sunlight but benefits from semi-sun exposure[2]Light Requirement For Philodendron micans. Read. If artificial lighting is provided, keeping it 20-40 cm above the plant is ideal. Regarding temperature, the micans prefer a range of 50-80 °F.
In terms of humidity, maintaining a level of 20-40% during the day and a higher range of 80-100% at night is adaptable for the micans well. This mimics its natural habitat conditions in tropical regions. Additionally, the plant prefers a peat-based soil type.
For irrigation, it’s recommended to water the P. micans when the topsoil feels dry, typically around once a week. During colder months, watering can be reduced to once every two weeks.
Philodendron melanochrysum Vs. philodendron micans
Philodendron melanochrysum is a tropical houseplant that thrives in low-light conditions. It’s toxic to household animal companions having larger heart-shaped leaves.
P. micans, a tropical plant with trailing nature, enriches indoor spaces with its small, heart-shaped leaves transitioning from deep burgundy to bronze. This plant is visually featuring velvety foliage adorned with fine hairs. Its fast growth effortlessly fills spaces, creating an attractive view.
Philodendron melanochrysum has big, dark, heart-shaped leaves when they are mature. In contrast, Philodendron micans maintains a similar look as it grows, without the dramatic changes in leaf appearance.
Leaf Appearance of Philodendron micans
Philodendron micans feature velvety, heart-shaped leaves with a striking sun-iridescent quality. A rich green color is typical of the leaves, and as the plant matures, the structure of the leaves remains consistent. Plants with P. micans have medium-thick leaves that can alter in size depending on their growth generation period and growing conditions. They usually range from a few inches to around six inches.
Philodendron micans Toxicity
Like most of its similar species, the P. micans plant has crystals that can be harmful. It’s toxic to mice and rats, but there’s uncertainty about its impact on cats[3]Toxic Nature of Philodendron Plant. Read.
Read: Philodendron erubescens – Characteristics, Toxicity, and Benefits
Philodendron micans Propagation
To propagate P. micans, choose a stem with 4-5 nodes. Place it in a glass of water in bright, indirect light for water propagation. Transfer to soil when roots are 2-3 inches long. Place the cutting in moist soil for propagation, ensuring it stays wet for root development.
Conclusion
Philodendron micans is a tropical, low-light indoor plant. Requires indirect light, warm temperatures, and high humidity. Fertilize monthly for optimal growth of P.micans. This blog has demonstrated the Philodendron micans plant, care, and botanical overview.
