Philodendron Micans is known for its velvety foliage and trailing vines, traces its origins to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. Specifically found in regions like Brazil and Ecuador, this lush green beauty flourishes in the understory of dense forests, where it clambers up trees and rocks, reaching for filtered sunlight.
The natural habitat of Philodendron Micans provides valuable insights into its preferred conditions for growth. Understanding its native environment can guide care practices, helping indoor gardeners replicate the ideal conditions to foster a thriving Philodendron Micans within their own living spaces. With that in mind, let’s dive into this guide, covering light, watering, and more to ensure your Philodendron Micans thrives.
Philodendron Micans Care: Light Requirements
Philodendron Micans thrives in bright, indirect light but adapts to lower light conditions as well. Remember, low light doesn’t mean no light! While it can tolerate low light, providing a bit more brightness encourages more growth. Adjust the positioning based on your home’s natural light. Finding that sweet spot where your Philodendron Micans basks in just the right amount of light for a healthy and vibrant display.
The best spot for a Philodendron Micans is an east facing window. It will get some direct sun in the morning when the sun isn’t so intense, and bright indirect light for the rest of the day. It can also do well in an east facing window, although it will get direct sun in the late afternoon where the sun’s rays are harsher. I would watch for burning in an east facing window.
I keep mine pulled back about five feet from a south facing window, and it does great. If you do keep it in a room with a south facing window, I don’t recommend putting it directly in front of the window. It will get direct sun all day, and you will definitely end up with scorched leaves. If you want to keep it in a south facing window, try using a sheer curtain to filter the sunlight.
Philodendron Micans Care: Water
Philodendron Micans aren’t too picky when it comes to watering. Allow the few inches of the soil to dry out before watering, preventing overhydration. This plant is forgiving of occasional lapses in watering. So, if you’re a forgetful waterer, this plants is perfect for you! Most plants are likely to die from overwatering than underwatering, as overwatering can cause root rot.
The best way to tell if your Philodendron Micans needs water is to feel it. While you can go off a set schedule, watering needs often change throughout the year. A good indicator is to feel the leaves. The leaves will feel thin and papery if the plant needs water, and they feel thicker if they are happy. I also stick a finger down into the soil to check how dry it feels.
Adjust your watering frequency based on factors like room temperature, available light, and the changing seasons. These factors can affect how much water the plant uses, and how fast the water will evaporate from the soil itself.
Philodendron Micans Care: Soil & Potting
Soil
The soil your plants grow is extremely important to it’s overall health. If the soil is too dense, it will eventually cause root rot, which can kill plants. I recommend my chunky aroid mix for my Philodendron Micans. If you want the recipe for that I’ll link it here.
Most plants come from the store in a soil mix that isn’t ideal for their growth. So, I recommend repotting your Philodendron Micans, unless the soil looks chunky, airy, and well draining. However, If you just brought your Micans home, wait at least a week before repotting, as too much change can shock your plant.
Potting
When it comes to potting Philodendron Micans, choose a container with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. If you have a pot that you like that doesn’t have a drainage hole, you can always use it as a cover pot for your plant.
Repot your Micans every 1-2 years or when it outgrows its current container. The new pot size should only be slightly larger than the old one. Typically no more than a 2 inch increase is recommended.
Philodendron Micans Care: Humidity & Temperature
Philodendron Micans isn’t very picky when it comes to humidity. If you are growing it indoors, it should be fine with average indoor humidity levels. However, if you live somewhere especially arid, or you just want to give your plant a more tropical environment, there are a few ways to increase humidity.
The first way is to group it closely with other plants. Plants grouped together will increase the humidity around themselves, and create a microclimate. The second method it to use a humidifier. If you are using a humidifier, aim for humidity levels between 50% to 60%. Raising humidity high than that can cause issues for yourself, and your home. Additionally, maintaining consistent temperatures between 65°F to 80°F (18°C to 27°C) will support optimal growth.
How to Propagate Philodendron Micans
If you have read any of my other care guides, you may know that propagation is one of my favorite aspects of plant care. Propagating Philodendron Micans is an easy, and rewarding process. The plant can be propagated through stem cuttings.
Choose a healthy vine with a few nodes and trim it just below a node using clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears. Remove any leaves from the lower nodes to expose them. Place the cutting in water, and wait a few weeks for roots to develop. I prefer to wait until the roots are a few inches in length, and have secondary roots coming from the main roots.
Once roots are established, your new Philodendron Micans is ready to grow independently. Pot it up into an appropriately sized pot, and give it a thorough watering, and you’re all set!
Mastering Philodendron Micans care is about keeping it simple. From finding the right light and maintaining a balanced watering routine, to finding the right soil, you’ve covered the basics. This resilient plant adds a nice touch to any indoor setting. If you have any additional questions about how to care for your Philodendron Micans, feel free to leave a comment! I wish you the best of luck as you continue caring for plants, and happy growing!