How to care for Philodendron micans

Philodendron Micans

Philodendron micans, velvet-leaf philodendron, velvet philodendron, heartleaf philodendron

Philodendron vicans is native to Central and South America (distribution map) and is also known as velvet-leaf philodendron. It grows climbing and clings up trees or shrubs, its shoots can reach several meters in length. I explain at the end of the article why this member of the aroid family bears the unwieldy botanical name Philodendron hederaceum var. hederaceum.

In good light and in a large pot, the leaves of this philo can reach 30 centimeters in length. In locations with less good conditions, they remain much smaller, but this does not do any harm to him.

Philodendron hederaceum var. hederaceum

Philodendron hederaceum var. hederaceum care

Lighting & temperature

Philodendron Micans does well in bright to partial sun locations with morning sun, late evening sun and winter sun. It should not be exposed to the hot summer sun, especially if grown in a small pot where the root ball can dry out quickly.

It will also do well in partial shade.

leaf nodes Epipremnum
If the shoots of Philodendron Micans look like this and there are no leaves at the leaf nodes (circle) but only dormant eyes, then there is a lack of light. Because of this lack of light, the leaves are useless for photosynthesis, they would have to be supplied with water and nutrients without any benefit to the plant. Other arum plants also behave in this way, the picture shows an ivy (Epipremnum pinnatum). This adaptation allows them to survive even in the dark places and to grow from the shady ground of the jungle up to the sunny tops of the trees.

According to its tropical and subtropical origin, Philodendron hederaceum var. hederaceum likes it warm and can be cultivated at room temperature all year round.

It is good if it is not exposed to temperatures below 59 °F (15 °C) for a long time in winter.

Philodendron hederaceum Micans

Soil & watering

Philodendron Micans does not require a special substrate and grows well in standard potting soil, i.e. mixtures for houseplants or container plants. However, substrates for herbs or vegetables are also suitable. This is what I use for almost all my houseplants in the peat-free varieties.

The root ball of the pot must always be kept slightly moist and should not dry out or stand under water for days. However, it can dry out on the surface between waterings.

Micans Philodendron

Fertilization

Slow release fertilizers such as sticks, granules or pellets can be applied in spring and summer. Liquid fertilizers for foliage, flowering plants or vegetables can be added to the water every fourth to eighth week from Spring to fall.

Philodendron Micans does not need any fertilizer during the first year after purchase or repotting.

velvet leaf philodendron

Botany

Velvet-leaf philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum var. hederaceum) is a variety of heart-leaf philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum) that differs from the type specimen in having velvety reddish leaves.

velvet philodendron