The Philodendron micans plant, known as the Velvet-leaf philodendron, is native to Mexico and the Caribbean.
This fast-growing tropical plant is known for its beautiful velvet-like leaves.
The Velvet-leaf philodendron is one of almost 4,000 species in the Araceae family. The Araceae family includes flowering plants where the flowers bloom on a spadix or spike.
While the philodendron micans produce flowers in the wild, it is highly unusual for the plant to flower indoors.
If they flower indoors, the blooms are minor compared to the plant’s beautiful leaves.
The Velvet-leaf philodendron is known for its trailing growth and is very popular as a houseplant.
It’s effortless to grow and low maintenance, so it’s a perfect plant for beginners.
Most owners like to put their velvet-leaf plants in a hanging basket or a trellis.
If you live in a temperate climate such as zones 10a, 10b, 11a, or 11b, you can keep your Velvet-leaf plant outdoors year-round.
However, the plant does not do well in temperatures below 50° degrees Fahrenheit.
Therefore, if your area is prone to cold winters, it’s best to bring it indoors during the winter or plant it as an annual
One important thing to note, if you have curious cats or puppies, the Velvet-leaf plant is toxic to them.
Philodendron micans go by several common names, including:
- Heart-Leaf Philodendron
- Sweetheart Plant
- Sweetheart Vine
- Velvet-leaf Philodendron
Quick Facts On Philodendron Micans
- Family: Araceae
- Light: Bright indirect sun
- Temperature: 65° to 85° degrees Fahrenheit
- Water: Moderate Watering
- Fertilizer: Diluted fertilizer in the growing season
- Propagation: Stem cuttings, layering
- Common Problems: Bacterial infection, overwatering
Philodendron Micans Care
What Does The Heart-Leaf Philodendron Look Like and How Big Does It Grow?
The Philodendron micans plants are known for their velvety green leaves and golden stems, hence the Velvet-leaf philodendron’s common name.
As a houseplant, it grows relatively quickly. While its height only gets to about 8″ inches, its climbing vines can reach 2′ feet.
When Does Heart-Leaf Philodendron Flower? Are The Flowers Fragrant?
When kept indoors, the plant very rarely flowers. However, if the Philodendron micans plant is kept outdoors, small green and white flowers emerge in the spring and summer.
Like all other plants in the Araceae family, the flowers bloom at the top of the plant’s spikes.
However, the plant’s beautiful foliage makes up for the lack of flowers indoors. Even if the plant flowers, the blooms are insignificant and non-fragrant.
What Are The Lighting Needs And Temperature Requirements?
The Velvet-leaf philodendron thrives in medium to bright indirect light.
Lower light causes the leaves to be darker green, while more light gives the leaves a reddish appearance.
Direct light can burn the leaves, which you’ll notice because the edges of the leaves will appear crispy.
Because the plant is from the tropical regions of Mexico and the Caribbean, the Velvet-leaf philodendron thrives in warm and humid temperatures.
Room temperature is a perfect climate for your plant if there are no drafts from vents or air conditioning units.
Still, the ideal temperature ranges from 65° to 85° degrees Fahrenheit.
The humidity levels should be enough for your plant’s needs unless you have dry air in your home.
However, you can occasionally mist the leaves with water to increase humidity.
If you want to keep your Velvet-leaf philodendron outdoors, it is cold and hardy from zones 10a to 11b.
If you live in a colder climate, you can keep your philodendron as an annual (instead of a perennial) or bring it inside when temperatures fall below 50° degrees Fahrenheit.
How And When To Water And Fertilize Heart-Leaf Philodendron?
Like many other plants, it’s important not to overwater the Velvet-leaf philodendron.
Instead, you’ll know it’s time to water the plant when the top inch or two of soil is dry or if its leaves start to droop.
Again, it’s best to underwater this plant than overwater to avoid root rot.
While the Velvet-leaf philodendron doesn’t require fertilizer, light fertilizing during the spring and summer will keep it strong and healthy.
What Is The Best Soil For Philodendron Micans, And When Should You Transplant?
The Philodendron micans prefer moist, well-draining soil similar to its tropical habitat.
Start with regular potting soil and add peat moss and perlite for the perfect mix.
This particular mixture will give your plant the nutrients it needs and allow it to drain effectively.
Because the plant grows relatively quickly, you’ll likely want to repot it before it becomes rootbound.
It’s best to repot it in a container that’s maybe two inches larger than its current one.
Does Philodendron Micans Need Special Grooming Or Maintenance?
Philodendron plants are easy to care for, and the Philodendron micans is no different.
Pruning is only necessary to ensure that your plant doesn’t become leggy.
In the spring or summer, prune any particularly long stems of your Philodendron micans.
If you wish to propagate your plant, save these stem cuttings.
How To Propagate Velvet-Leaf Philodendron?
Even though these plants are sometimes hard to find because of their popularity, they are easy to propagate once you have one!
Velvet-leaf philodendron propagates by stem cuttings. Therefore, it’s easiest to propagate right after pruning in the spring or summer.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Use pruning shears or sharp scissors to cut off a long healthy stem from your plant.
- Each stem needs at least 4 or 5 nodes (or leaves).
- Take the bottom leaves off the stem.
- Place the stem in a cup of water with only the bare stem covered.
- Place in a location with low to medium indirect light.
You should see some roots form on your new plant within a few weeks.
Upon seeing roots, do the following steps:
- Prepare a small pot with soil and moisten the soil.
- Move the cuttings to the moistened soil once your roots are long enough (roughly an inch long).
- Bury the roots in the soil.
- Keep the soil consistently moist for a couple of weeks as your new cuttings get stronger.
Sweetheart Plant Pests And Diseases
While the Sweetheart plant isn’t usually susceptible to many pests, it is vulnerable to certain bacterial infections.
So if you notice that your plant has yellow, greasy-looking patches on the leaves, remove those leaves immediately.
Other issues that may arise are usually overwatering and improper soil usage.
However, well-draining soil with moderate watering usually prevents stem and root rot issues.
Suggested Sweetheart Vine Uses
The Sweetheart Vine is a climbing plant that thrives indoors. It works beautifully in a hanging basket or a planter with a climbing trellis.
While you can keep it outdoors, the temperature must not go below 50 degrees, or you’ll need to bring it inside during the cooler months.