Velvet philodendron guide
Philodendron hederaceum var. hederaceum 'Micans', also called Philodendron micans, micans, velvet leaf philodendron
Published 2026-11-08
Quick care
- Light
- Bright indirect
- Water
- When the top 2 to 5 cm (1 to 2 in) of soil is dry
- Humidity
- Average room air is fine. More helps big leaves.
- Temperature
- 16 to 27°C (60 to 80°F). Keep above 13°C (55°F).
- Soil
- Chunky houseplant mix with bark and perlite
- Feeding
- Balanced liquid fertilizer, monthly in spring and summer
- Pets
- Toxic to cats and dogs. Chewing causes mouth pain and drooling.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Mature size
- Vines trail 1 to 3 m (3 to 10 ft). Upright types reach 60 to 150 cm (2 to 5 ft).
- Propagation
- Stem cuttings with a node, rooted in water or soil
- Where to buy
- Common
This page covers what makes velvet philodendron different. For light, water, soil, pests, and the rest, read the philodendron care guide.
What it is
‘Micans’ is a heartleaf philodendron with soft, velvety leaves. They are bronze-green with a purple and pink sheen that shifts as you move. New leaves come in pinkish bronze and darken with age. It trails and climbs like any heartleaf.
How to tell it apart
| Plant | Leaves | The tell |
|---|---|---|
| ‘Micans’ | Small velvet hearts, bronze-green | Velvet texture with a purple sheen |
| Heartleaf philodendron | Glossy, solid green | Shiny, not velvet |
| Philodendron melanochrysum | Long, velvet, black-green with pale veins | Much longer leaves and gold sparkle |
Care differences
Velvet leaves lose water faster than glossy ones. Water when the top 2 to 3 cm (1 in) of soil is dry. Crispy edges show up fast in dry winter air.
Do not wipe or spray the leaves. Dust and water spots stick in the velvet. Use a soft dry brush to dust it.
Grow it from a cutting
Cut below a node and root it in water or moist soil. Roots show in one to two weeks.
Buying it
‘Micans’ is common at garden centers and big box stores. Look for full pots with that purple sheen. Pale, thin, stretched vines mean it sat in low light.