Philodendron Micans are beautiful tropical houseplants with velvety heart-shaped leaves that have red undersides. This compact Philodendron variety is perfect for smaller homes and offices.
Philodendron Micans can be grown in hanging baskets as they have trailing vines. Alternatively, you can allow the vines to climb a moss pole or let them spread from the pot. Let’s look at how to care for a Philodendron Mican plant successfully.
What are philodendron micans?
Philodendron Micans are part of the Araceae family, a large genus of plants that are native to South America. They originate from the islands of the Caribbean and are most commonly found on Dominica and Tobago’s islands. These plants have the botanical name Philodendron Hederaceum and are great air purifiers. They are easy to grow and care for and can reach a height of 8 to 10 inches in height. Philodendron Micans have trailing vines that can grow up to 24 inches.
In their native environment, Philodendron Micans grow as epiphytic plants, which means they can live as air plants and attach themselves to other plants or even rocks. When kept as a houseplant, Philodendron micans can be planted in a hanging basket or grown against a moss pole.
Philodendron Micans have foliage that’s soft to the touch and feels velvety. Their heart-shaped leaves are beautiful, and the foliage is a dark green color with rusty undersides. Unlike other species of Philodendron, the Micans leaves stay relatively small. They grow to 3 inches in width at maturity.
Philodendron Micans can flower once they reach maturity, which will take about fifteen years. White blooms can grow in any season, but your plant is most likely to flower from May to July.
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Caring for a philodendron
Philodendron Micans are an excellent plant for beginners as they are very easy to look after and can cope with various conditions. They are also able to put up with some neglect. However, if you want to grow a thriving, healthy plant that’s able to reach its full potential and flower, you’ll need to provide adequate care. Getting the basics of water and light is essential. Here are some tips for caring for a Philodendron Mican plant:
Sunlight and Temperature
Philodendron Micans require bright, indirect sunlight. These plants have delicate leaves and can burn easily if left in the full sun, so finding the right spot for your plant is a must. These plants also grow well in partial shade, but their growth will be slowed down considerably. Philodendron Micans grow best when placed on an east or north-facing windowsill or up to ten feet away from the window. The ideal temperature range for any type of Philodendrons is a daytime temperature of between 65- and 75-degrees Fahrenheit. Your plant will cope with cooler nights as long as the temperature doesn’t drop below 55 degrees.
Watering Requirements
Philodendron Micans can be watered using the ‘soak and dry method. You can give your plant a good soak and then wait until the top two inches of soil is dry. It’s a good idea to check the earth with your fingers before watering.
How often your plant needs to be watered will depend on what type of soil it’s planted in, the climate where you live, and the season. Humidity and light levels will also affect how much water your plants need. Most people find that their plant needs to be watered once a week throughout the growing season.
Over or underwatering can cause your plant to wilt, and the leaves may start to turn yellow. Your plant will likely recover quickly if you follow the correct watering schedule.
Humidity
Philodendron Micans like high humidity but can cope with slightly lower humidity. You can mist your plant using warm water to help increase humidity. This is particularly important in dry climates and during the winter. All Philodendrons like humidity.
Fertilization
It’s best to grow a Philodendron Mican plant in soil that’s loose and well-draining. You can add some organic matter, such as peat moss, to your plant’s soil. As these plants are fast-growing, they should be fertilized monthly during the growing season. In winter, you can reduce fertilization to every second month. You can use a standard houseplant fertilizer for Philodendron Micans.
Pruning
Philodendron Micans don’t need much pruning. You can trim the vines to keep them the desired length. Pruning a Philodendron will also help improve it’s growth and appearance as it will encourage new leaves to form. Ensure you use a clean knife or pair of scissors when pruning your plant. You can cut just above the plant’s nodes. Also, cut off any leaves that are dying or have started to turn yellow.
Pests
Philodendron Mican plants are pretty pest resistant, but they are affected by scales, spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs. One of the main signs that your plant has an infestation is a sticky residue on the foliage. This is caused by insects sucking the plant’s sap. If you look underneath the plant’s leaves, you may see insects.
You can shower your plant to get rid of any insects. Misting or increasing the humidity for your plant by placing it in the bathroom can help get rid of spider mites. Alternatively, you can use an insecticidal spray that will kill the insects.
Conclusion
Philodendron Micans (Hederaceum) are beautiful tropical plants that are easy to care for and don’t need much attention. They make a great addition to any home and have eye-catching rusty red leaves.
This plant is one of many beautiful varieties of philodendron. You should also consider Philodendron Birkin, Philodendron Oxapapense, or Philodendron Lemon-Lime if you are looking for great indoor varieties.
To provide a healthy environment for your plant, you’ll need to get the sunlight, watering, and humidity right. Water your Philodendron Micans correctly, and don’t leave them in direct sunlight. You can also mist your plant to increase humidity and provide fertilization once a month in the growing season. The Philodendron Mican is an excellent plant for beginners and for anyone who’s searching for an eye-catching tropical plant.
Last update on 2024-04-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API