Easy Tropical Toxic to pets

Velvet Leaf Philodendron Micans

Philodendron micans 'Micans'

A popular vining philodendron with iridescent, velvety, heart-shaped leaves that range from deep green to bronze.

The essentials at a glance

Watering

Every 7 days
Light

Bright indirect light
Humidity

50–60 %
Temperature

18–26 °C

How to care for your Velvet Leaf Philodendron Micans

Everything you need to keep your Velvet Leaf Philodendron Micans healthy: watering, light, humidity, feeding, repotting and pruning.

Philodendron hederaceum 'Micans', commonly known as the Velvet Leaf Philodendron Micans, is a beloved houseplant admired for its lush, velvety foliage. The heart-shaped leaves have a soft, suede-like texture and display a beautiful iridescent sheen, often appearing dark green with hints of bronze, purple, or red depending on the light. This fast-growing vining plant is perfect for hanging baskets where its trailing stems can cascade gracefully, or it can be trained to climb a small trellis. It is relatively easy to care for, making it suitable for beginners.

Watering your Velvet Leaf Philodendron Micans

Every 7 days

Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out between waterings.

How to know it needs water

Soil is dry to the touch
Leaves may curl slightly inwards

How much light a Velvet Leaf Philodendron Micans needs

Bright indirect light

Low to bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sun.

Direct sun tolerated: No direct sun
Orientations that suit it: North, North-east, East, South-east, North-west, West

Humidity and misting

50–60 %

Moderate (50-60%) Misting can help, but it's generally tolerant of average household humidity.

Feeding and fertiliser

Every 45 days

Fertilize sparingly during the growing season; reduce or stop in winter.

Recommended feed: Balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer · 2-1-2

Repotting your Velvet Leaf Philodendron Micans

Every 24 months

Repot into a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining potting mix.

When: Spring
Potting mix: All-purpose potting mix
Mix in: perlite, coco fibre, pine bark

The tell-tale signs

Roots growing out of drainage holes
Water running straight through

Pruning your Velvet Leaf Philodendron Micans

To maintain desired length and bushiness. Trim trailing stems just above a leaf node.

Through the year

Watering is not set once and for all: it follows the light and the growth. Allow 8 days between waterings in the depth of winter, against 6 in the growing season.

Active growth · Days between waterings

Toxicity

Contains calcium oxalate crystals; can cause oral irritation, swelling, and burning if ingested.

Good to know

Its leaves have a beautiful velvety texture and a shimmering iridescent quality, often appearing bronze or reddish-purple.
It is a vining plant, excellent for hanging baskets or climbing a small support.

Frequently asked questions about the Velvet Leaf Philodendron Micans

How do you care for a Velvet Leaf Philodendron Micans?

Water it every 7 days. Give it bright indirect light. Ideal humidity: 50–60 %. Ideal temperature: 18–26 °C. Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out between waterings.

How often should you water a Velvet Leaf Philodendron Micans?

Every 7 days Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out between waterings. How to know it needs water : Soil is dry to the touch ; Leaves may curl slightly inwards.

How much light does a Velvet Leaf Philodendron Micans need?

Bright indirect light Low to bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sun. No direct sun

Is the Velvet Leaf Philodendron Micans toxic to cats and dogs?

Yes. Contains calcium oxalate crystals; can cause oral irritation, swelling, and burning if ingested. Keep it out of reach of your pets and call a vet if any is swallowed.

Why are my Velvet Leaf Philodendron Micans leaves turning yellow?

Yellowing most often comes from too much water: the mix stays wet and the roots suffocate. Check that the pot drains, empty the saucer, and let the mix dry before watering again. Too little light or a cold draught cause the same symptom.

When should you repot a Velvet Leaf Philodendron Micans?

Repot every 24 months, ideally in spring. Repot into a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining potting mix.