Are you not very good at indoor plants? If so, you will surely like to know the philodendron micans, because it is a very resistant and easy-care varietyr. And if it turns out that indoor plants are precisely your thing, this one cannot be missing from your home.
Surely you have seen it on more than one occasion, decorating homes and offices, but it is possible that you did not know the name of this beautiful plant. Now that you know, It is time to get to know it a little more thoroughly and be aware of how to take care of it.
Characteristics of the philodendron micans
This ornamental indoor plant is said to be ideal for “beginners” because its care is very simple. Just give it a little attention to make it grow strong and healthy, and look spectacular.
This variety is native to Central America and South America. As you can imagine from its name, it is a species within the Philodendron family. But It has some characteristics that make it very special:
- velvety leavess. The first thing that catches your attention about this plant is the velvety texture of its leaves. They look so soft that you want to touch them. Although, as with all plants, it is best not to manipulate the leaves too much. As for these, they are dark green in color, and in certain conditions they can acquire bronze and copper shades.
- Hanging stem. The philodendron micans is a climbing plant, or hanging if we do not offer it a support. In both cases, their stems are very long, and In their natural habitat they can reach several meters in length.
- Leaf shape. In addition to its color and texture, the leaves of this plant stand out especially for their shape, which reminds us of a heart. As the plant matures, the size of the leaves can be much larger than what we are used to seeing in indoor hanging plants.
- Flowering. The truly important thing about this species is its leaves. Flowering is very infrequent and, when it does not occur, it does not attract much attention.. Because it has relatively small flowers (compared to the size of the leaves) and with little ornamental interest.
- fast growth A point in its favor is that its growth is faster than other Philodendron varieties.
- Adaptability. By staking your philodendron micans, you can guide its growth and turn it into a vine. If you don't, just let the stems grow and you will have a stunning hanging plant.
What care does philodendron micans need?
With everything we have seen about this variety, it has surely piqued your interest. Therefore, if you want to have it at home, Here are some tips to keep it well cared for. and offers you all its beauty:
Lighting conditions
This plant thrives best in indirect light conditions. In its natural habitat it usually develop in semi-shaded places, so try not to expose it directly to the sun so that its leaves do not burn.
Place the pot near a window, but make sure the light is filtered through a curtain, so that the sun's rays do not cause damage. If you see that the leaves begin to yellow, Move the pot to another location, because this symptom indicates that they are receiving too much light.
temperature and environment
A good temperature to promote its growth is one that is maintained between 18º and 24º C. Due to its origin, it prefers warm environments, so we are going to Avoid placing it in a place where it receives drafts of cold air.
Humidity for philodendron micans
Also due to its tropical origin, this is a variety that requires moderately high humidity levels. To provide them, you can place the pot on a tray or plate Let it have some pebbles, and add a little water.
Another alternative is to spray the leaves from time to time. It would be advisable to do it once a week, because The perfect humidity level for this plant is around 80%.
Watering conditions for this houseplant
Getting the watering of indoor plants right is not always easy. In the case of philodendron micans, moderation must be applied.
Let the top layer of substrate dry completely before adding water again. If you overwater, The only thing you are going to achieve is that too much water accumulates in the roots. and these end up rotting.
But don't be too gentle with the water either, or the plant will notice it too. If you see that the leaves begin to lose their velvety appearance, It is a sign that it needs watering.
Substrate and pot
The best growing medium for this variety is one that offers good drainage and is rich in organic matter. You can buy a normal substrate at your trusted garden supply store, and then add some coconut bark and wood, as well as some worm humus that provides nutrients.
For the pot, it is better to choose a clay container, which evaporates moisture from the roots. Always making sure that it has drainage holes at the bottom.
When you see that the roots occupy all the available surface in the pot, it is time to transplant, Otherwise your plant will not continue to grow. because you won't have space for it.
Pruning the philodendron micans
If you take good care of it, this plant can grow a lot very quickly. To keep it under control and give it a more compact appearance, carry out pruning when necessary.
You can take advantage of pruning to save some stem cuttings and reproduce your plant. Of course, make sure they have at least one node with a leaf. All you have to do is put the piece of stem in moist substrate and wait for it to take hold.
If you follow these care, your philodendron micans will develop velvety and lush foliage that will become a great attraction in your home decoration. Do you dare to put this plant in your house?