Philodendron Micans - Velvet Luxury for Your Indoor Jungle
If you've ever wanted to stroke your houseplants, the Philodendron Micans is about to become your new favourite. Those heart-shaped leaves aren't just beautiful to look at, they're covered in a soft, velvety fuzz that gives them an almost suede-like texture. Combined with their iridescent quality that seems to shift colours depending on the light, this is one plant that truly needs to be seen (and touched) to be believed.
New leaves on the Micans emerge in shades of coppery bronze with hints of pink along the edges and bright emerald green veining. As they mature, they transform into deep, rich green with burgundy-purple undertones on the undersides. This colour-changing magic means your plant is constantly putting on a show, with multiple shades present at any given time. When the light catches those velvety leaves at just the right angle, they seem to shimmer with an almost metallic iridescence.
As a variety of Philodendron hederaceum (the classic Heart Leaf Philodendron), the Micans shares its easy-going nature with its more common relatives. If you can keep a Heart Leaf or Brasil alive, you'll have absolutely no trouble with this velvet beauty. The main difference? That incredible texture and those jewel-toned colours that make it feel so much more special.
Light Requirements
Philodendron Micans thrives in bright indirect light, which will keep those colours vibrant and encourage compact, bushy growth. An east-facing window is ideal, providing gentle morning light without the harsh afternoon sun that can scorch those delicate velvety leaves.
While Micans will tolerate lower light conditions, you'll notice the vines becoming leggy with more space between leaves as the plant reaches for light. The colours may also become less pronounced in lower light. If you notice your plant getting sparse and stretched, it's asking for a brighter spot.
Watering
Allow the top few centimetres of soil to dry out between waterings. Micans can be a bit more sensitive to overwatering than some Philodendrons, so when in doubt, wait another day or two. Soggy soil leads to root rot, which is the quickest way to lose this beauty.
When you do water, do so thoroughly until water runs from the drainage holes, then allow all excess to drain away completely. Your Micans will tell you when it's thirsty: the leaves will start to curl slightly. Just don't wait until they're completely wilted! Using filtered water or rainwater at room temperature will help keep those velvety leaves in top condition.
Humidity and Temperature
Coming from tropical rainforests, Philodendron Micans appreciates humidity levels around 50-60%. While it adapts well to average household humidity, you may notice brown leaf edges or tips if the air is particularly dry. Grouping plants together, using a humidifier, or occasional misting can help maintain those perfect conditions.
Keep temperatures between 18-29°C for optimal growth, with the ideal range around 20-24°C. Avoid cold draughts and temperatures below 12°C, and keep away from air conditioning vents and heaters. A consistent, warm environment will reward you with faster, lusher growth.
Potting Medium
A well-draining aroid mix is essential. Aim for roughly 50% organic matter (peat, coco coir, or quality potting mix) and 50% chunky drainage material (orchid bark, perlite, pumice). Our Ultimate Aroid Mix provides the perfect balance of moisture retention and drainage that Micans loves.
When repotting, go up only one pot size at a time. Overpotting can lead to the soil staying wet for too long, increasing the risk of root rot. Repot every 1-2 years or when you see roots emerging from drainage holes.
Trailing or Climbing
The beauty of Philodendron Micans is its versatility. Let those velvety vines cascade from a hanging basket or high shelf for an elegant trailing effect, or give them a Grow Vertical Propstick to climb for larger, more impressive leaves. When given support, the leaves can grow significantly bigger, and the plant will develop a more structured appearance.
Either way, regular pruning helps maintain a bushy, full appearance. Those cuttings root incredibly easily in water, making this an excellent plant for sharing with friends or propagating to fill out your own collection.
Feeding Your Philodendron Micans
Feed with Growth Technology Foliage Focus at 3-5ml per litre during the growing season from September through March, applying at every watering for optimum results. Add Growth Technology Rootzone at 1ml per litre every 2-4 weeks to encourage strong root development and healthy new growth. Reduce feeding during winter when growth naturally slows.
A Note on the Velvety Leaves
Those beautiful fuzzy leaves are best left alone rather than wiped down like other glossy-leaved Philodendrons. The tiny hairs that create that velvety texture can be damaged by aggressive cleaning. If your plant gets dusty, a gentle shower with room temperature water or very light misting should do the trick.
Perfect For
- Beginners wanting a forgiving but impressive plant
- Hanging baskets and high shelves where vines can trail
- Moss poles and climbing displays for larger leaf development
- Bathrooms and kitchens with good light (they love the humidity)
- Plant lovers who appreciate unique textures
- Anyone who wants a fast-growing, rewarding houseplant
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my Micans leaves turning yellow?
Yellow leaves are usually a sign of overwatering. Check your watering schedule and ensure the soil is drying out adequately between waterings. Also ensure your pot has good drainage and the plant isn't sitting in water.
Why is my plant getting leggy with lots of space between leaves?
This is a sign of insufficient light. Move your Micans to a brighter location with more indirect light. You can prune the leggy vines and propagate the cuttings, then plant them back in the pot for a fuller appearance.
Can I clean the velvety leaves?
It's best to avoid wiping these leaves as you might with glossy Philodendrons. The velvet texture comes from fine hairs that can be damaged. A gentle shower or light misting is the safest way to remove dust.
How do I make my Micans bushier?
Regular pruning encourages the plant to branch out. Pinch or cut just after a leaf node to promote new growth points. The cuttings root easily in water, so you can pop them back in the pot once rooted for an even fuller plant.
Please Keep in Mind
Every Philodendron Micans is unique. Leaf colour can vary depending on light conditions and maturity, ranging from bronze-pink through to deep green with purple undersides. This is part of their charm! Philodendron Micans contains calcium oxalate crystals and should be kept out of reach of curious pets and children. Wash hands after handling if you come into contact with the sap.
If you are from a quarantine restricted state and would like to purchase this plant, we recommend using Paradise Distributors concierge service. Make sure to contact them prior to purchasing: info@rareplants.net.au
Shipping & Greenhouse Collection
Let's Talk About How Your Plants Get to You!
Alright, so here's the deal with shipping - we try our best to send all our plants potted and ready to go, but sometimes due to larger orders or when we're moving through some big changes, we'll send some plants semi-bare rooted. If you haven't come across this before, it basically means we carefully remove a bunch of the soil before packing them up. I know that might sound a bit scary if you've never ordered plants online before, but trust me, this is actually a really smart way to do it! The main reason we do this is because it creates so much more room in the box, which means we can fit way more plants in one shipment for you. More plants in one box = more green goodness arriving at your door at once! The plants honestly handle the journey better without all that heavy, wet soil sloshing around too. Just make sure you've got some fresh potting mix ready to go when your green babies arrive, because they'll want to get tucked into their new home pretty quickly!
Now, let's chat about what actually fits in our boxes. We can safely fit about 4-6 plants in one box, or if you're stocking up on supplies, one box can hold 3 bags of medium plus 1L of Growth Technology. We really don't recommend adding heavy items with your plants though - it just puts extra stress on your precious plants during transit and limits how many we can fit. If your order ends up being heavier than our standard box can handle, we'll reach out to you about additional postage fees. We're always transparent about costs, no sneaky surprises!
When Does Everything Ship Out?
Here's how our timeline works - we process and ship orders the week after you place them. So if you order on a Tuesday, your plants will get packed and sent out sometime the following week. We ship Monday through Friday (because let's be real, we all need weekends to recharge!), and we're aiming to get your order out within 4-6 business days of processing. Sometimes things take a tiny bit longer because we're a small but mighty team, and we take absolute care in making sure every single plant is packed perfectly. Like, we're talking individual attention for each plant here. We don't rush this stuff!
Once your order ships, you'll get an email with your tracking number. If you haven't received that tracking email, it just means we're still working on your order - it hasn't left us yet. Please be patient with us! We promise we're working as fast as we can while still making sure everything is done right. We pack orders in chronological order to keep things fair for everyone, so no one's getting special treatment or jumping the queue. First come, first served, that's how we roll!
The Journey to Your Doorstep
All our orders ship with Australia Post, and here's something cool - they operate 24/7! That means even if your order gets sent out on a Friday afternoon, it's still making its way to you over the weekend. The postal system doesn't sleep, and honestly, that's pretty amazing for getting plants to you quickly. You can generally expect your plants to arrive within 2-7 days after we ship them, depending on where you are in Australia. Metro areas tend to be quicker, regional spots might take the full week, but either way, your tracking number will keep you in the loop the whole time.
And here's the thing that always blows people's minds - our plants are absolute troopers. We've tested this extensively, and they can genuinely survive in their boxes for up to three weeks if needed. Obviously we don't want them sitting around that long, but life happens, mail gets delayed sometimes, and we want you to know that your plants are prepped and ready to handle whatever the postal system throws at them. While we do our best to avoid delays, occasional unforeseen circumstances may slightly impact delivery times, but rest assured, your plants are packed with extra care and are tougher than you think!
Quarantine States (WA, NT, TAS)
We currently only ship directly to non-quarantine states. Unfortunately, biosecurity restrictions make it pretty complicated to send plants to Western Australia, Northern Territory, and Tasmania. But don't worry, we've got a solution for you! If you're from a quarantine restricted state and would like to purchase plants from us, we recommend using Paradise Distributors' concierge service. They're absolute legends and can handle all the biosecurity paperwork and requirements for you. Make sure to contact them prior to purchasing so they can give you all the details and help you out: info@rareplants.net.au
Come Visit the Greenhouse! (Rockdale)
If you're local or just love the idea of picking up your order in person, we've got you covered! Greenhouse collection from our Rockdale location is available the same week you make your purchase. Our opening hours are always changing, so make sure to check booking availability on our 'Visit the Greenhouse' page before purchasing. After you've paid for your order, just head over and book a time slot that works for you. You'll get to pick up your plants AND have a wander through the greenhouse while you're here, which honestly is such a vibe. Just please wear a mask if you're feeling unwell - it's a small space and we want to keep everyone safe and healthy!
Catch Us at Markets!
We do regular markets around Sydney and would love to meet you in person! If you'd prefer to skip shipping altogether and grab your order at one of our market stalls, just email us at info@growinggroundsaustralia.com and we can arrange collection at an upcoming market. It's a great way to chat plants face-to-face, see what else we've got on the day, and save on postage!
Questions? We're Here for You!
If you've got any questions about shipping, tracking, or literally anything else, please don't hesitate to contact us at info@growinggroundsaustralia.com. We love chatting with you guys and we're always happy to help troubleshoot, answer questions, or just talk plants!
Much love from the GG's Team 🌱
