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The Micans is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful varieties of philodendron available. With their velvety texture and gorgeous trailing growth habit, it’s no surprise these plants fly off the shelves as soon as they land. Even better, their ease of care means they require very little maintenance to thrive.

Native to the jungle regions of the Caribbean and Mexico, the Philodendron Micans has heart-shaped leaves that develop from lustrous pinky-red to a deep, rich green as they mature. At full size, their leaves also retain a coppery underside that adds to their aesthetic appeal, especially if they’re growing from hanging baskets.

You won’t regret investing in a Micans if you’re looking for a perfectly whimsical addition to your houseplant collection. In this article, I’ll take you through everything there is to know about this stunning plant, from how fast it grows to identifying ailments. Ready? Let’s jump right in.

philodendron micans on a white pot
Source: Sol Evangelista (CC BY-SA 4.0)

How to care for a philodendron micans

The best way to care for a Philodendron Micans is to try and emulate its natural, tropical environment. This involves providing it with bright, indirect light, plenty of warmth and humidity, well-draining soil, good hydration, and seasonal feeding. Occasional pruning and cleaning also help your Philodendron Micans’ overall well-being.

Philodendron Micans make great houseplants, and if you have any hesitation about their care, worry no further. These gracious green beauties are low-maintenance and straightforward in terms of their needs, making them perfect for even beginner plant parents.

Bearing in mind that Philodendron Micans are tropical plants, the best environment you can offer them is one where they’ll have a sunny spot with lots of light, relative humidity, and plenty of moisture.

In good news, most homes are already set up for this with East and South-facing windows and a generalized humidity level of around 50%. To supplement the rest of their care needs, you just need to ensure your Philodendron Micans stays hydrated, is fed with both good soil and that you occasionally fertilize your philodendron.

In the following sections, we’ll look at Philodendron Micans care in greater detail to equip you with everything you need to help your houseplants thrive.

How much light does a philodendron micans need?

Philodendron Micans prefer at least six to eight hours of bright, indirect sunlight each day. As their leaves can be vulnerable if they receive too much light, keep an eye out for any signs of sunburn on your Philodendron Micans’ leaves, such as yellowing leaves or brown spots appearing.

Most (if not all) plants depend on sunlight energy to grow, and Philodendron Micans are no different. Native to tropical America, they’re accustomed to dappled light from the jungle canopies above them, which you can try to mimic in the home with clever positioning.

In the winter, when it starts to cool down, and there is less indoor sun available, a Philodendron Micans’ light needs can be augmented with a bit of time spent outdoors on a sheltered patio or balcony. The fresh air will do them good, too.

Find out more: Philodendron Light Needs: The Ultimate Guide

What is the right temperature for philodendron micans?

Your Philodendron Micans will thrive in temperatures between 75°F and 85°F (23°C to 29°C). While they can survive at lower temperatures than this, don’t let them stay for too long anywhere less than 65°F (18°C) as your plant may not survive.

Clearly some plants, like Philodendron Micans, like it hot. However, the real kicker is ensuring your Philodendron Micans are placed in an area with mid-to-high humidity.

What are the best humidity levels for a philodendron micans?

Philodendron Micans prefer humidity levels of around 65% to 80%. Given that they are native to tropical Central and South America, they thrive in humidity conditions similar to their natural habitat. However, most homes won’t reach these levels, so you may need to boost this for your Philodendron Micans to thrive.

Houseplants that receive adequate amounts of sunlight daily generally don’t require supplementary humidity, particularly if you consider most homes fall in the 40% to 50% range. However, with their tropical inclinations, Philodendron Micans can benefit from a little extra care in this regard.

philodendron micans with other plants
Source: Megan Phillips (CC BY-SA 4.0)

The easiest, in my opinion, is to invest in a small plug-in humidifier. Alternatively, you can rest your Philodendron Micans on a damp pebble tray, making sure not to let their roots touch the water. 

Alternatively, if you have a whole collection of houseplants, cluster them together so they can benefit from each other’s transpiration processes. It has the added benefit of looking great too!

What soil is best for philodendron micans?

A Philodendron Micans’ soil mix should be loosely clustered, nutrient-rich, and well-draining. The high nutrient level emulates its natural habitat, where plant material in the rainforest falls onto Philodendron Micans and nourishes them. Having light and airy potting mix helps to avoid the soil staying too soggy, which can lead to root rot.

While many Philodendron Micans varieties have aerial roots as well as ground-dwelling (terrestrial) roots, they receive the bulk of their vitamins and minerals from their soil, making it an essential part of their fundamental care.

Top pick: My preferred soil for Philodendron Micans is the Miracle-Gro Tropical Potting Mix (check the latest price here)

It’s very well draining and will feed nutrients to your Philodendron Micans for up to six months. For a tropical plant like the Philodendron Micans, it’s got everything you need.

Buying pre-blended Philodendron Micans soil from most garden centers is a simple option. Alternatively, you can easily mix your own by combining potting soil with chunky bits of bark (grab some here) and moisture-retentive perlite (get it here). 

If you’re buying your Philodendron Micans pre-potted, they’ll likely arrive in appropriate soil from the get-go. Even so, you’ll need to replace their soil every 18 to 24 months to prevent a build-up of salts or eliminate any beasties and creatures like pests, fungi, or bacteria, so make sure you’re replanting them in the best soil for philodendrons so they continue to thrive. 

Indeed, this is a good maintenance practice for all houseplants, not just Philodendron Micans!

How often should you water philodendron micans?

You should water your Philodendron Micans when the top two inches of its soil has dried out, which you can test by sticking your finger into your plant’s potting mix. In summer, this will be around once per week, but may be less frequent in the cooler months.

It’s always good to have a watering schedule for your plants, but with so many factors (like season and sunlight) at play, I prefer to meet my Philodendron Micans’ watering needs as required – by waiting for their top inch of soil to dry out before hydrating.

philodendron micans on a brown pot
Source: Emilio Youmans (CC BY-SA 4.0)

The reason for this is that the leading cause of fatality in Philodendron Micans is root rot, which they tend to contract from overly soggy soil or from standing in pooled water. As they’re pretty drought-tolerant, it’s best to err on the side of caution and only water philodendrons as they need it rather than strictly once-per-week.

That said, when you do water them, a hearty dose of moisture is great, provided it doesn’t make their soil soggy and heavy, which weighs down on their root systems.

When should I fertilize my philodendron micans?

Philodendron Micans likes some fertilizer every now and again. In fact, they do their best when they are fed twice a month during their active growing season, which is the spring and summer. However, you shouldn’t fertilize your Philodendron Micans during its dormant period in the cooler months.

This is because feeding the plant during this time can interfere with its natural growing cycle.

Overall, though, occasional feeding with a balanced fertilizer is greatly beneficial for Philodendron Micans, especially at the start of their growing seasons in the spring and summer months.

If you think about it, these jungle-dwellers are used to all the rich, dense nutrients they have access to from the forest floor, which can’t be substituted by typical potting soil. An all-purpose liquid fertilizer at half strength is a good way to replace their natural feeding schedule, providing them with an extra dose of energy for new growth.

My top pick: My recommendation for the best fertilizer for your Philodendron Micans is EZ-Gro 20-20-20 All Purpose Liquid Fertilizer

It’s extremely easy to use and has the perfect balance of nutrients for Philodendron Micans. You can check the latest price here.

Should I prune my philodendron micans?

You should prune your Philodendron Micans from time to time as part of their regular maintenance, with spring being the best time of the year to do this. Removing dead foliage or browning stems will allow robust leaves and vines to draw in more sunlight and stop your plant from wasting energy. 

Just like humans shower, cut their hair, and clip their nails, Philodendron Micans can do with occasional grooming, especially when it comes to eradicating old or dying growth. Fortunately, trimming your philodendron really isn’t hard to do.

When it comes to cleaning, remember that each large leaf of your Philodendron Micans is full of sunlight receptors that are easily blocked by dust or grime. Wiping down your leaves with a damp cloth keeps them clean and free to function at their best.

When should I repot my philodendron micans

The Philodendron Micans is not a plant that needs to be repotted regularly, with it often only needing to be transplanted every two to three years. With that said, however, you should repot your Philodendron Micans if you see roots growing out of the drainage holes.

In fact, this plant does well when it is rootbound. That said, when you do transplant a Philodendron Micans, do so in spring before the plant starts to produce new growth, and select a pot that is about 3 sizes larger than the current pot. 

Alternatively, you can wait until fall to perform the transplant.

Find out more: 7 Simple Steps to Repot Philodendrons (+ When To Do It)

How to propagate a philodendron micans

The easiest way to propagate your Philodendron Micans is to root it in water. Simply place your cutting into a jar with water in it and place it in a warm sunny spot, and wait. Refresh the water once a week to keep it oxygenated and, in six to eight weeks, new roots will appear. 

At that point, your Philodendron Micans cutting will be ready for transplantation!

Philodendron Micans can be propagated from stem cuttings, provided they have a visible node and a leaf or two to draw in moisture from the air. You can either root your cuttings in water first or plant them directly into soil. 

Alternatively, if you only have a small piece of stem, you can try to root them in a nutrient-rich growing medium with concentrated humidity.

That is, a second option is to place your cutting directly into a planter with soil. This is slightly riskier as they require a lot of humidity to make up for the moisture they’d usually draw via roots, but it can be equally effective with proper care. 

If your cutting has no leaves, try laying it on a bed of peat moss and covering the tray or container with plastic to retain humidity. While this method isn’t always effective, it’s worth a try to avoid throwing away any pieces of your precious plants.

Find out more: 10 Easy Steps to Propagate Philodendron Cuttings

Where to find a philodendron micans for sale

As a commonly known and well-loved houseplant, Philodendron Micans are easy to find and can be purchased from most nurseries or garden centers. To buy them online, Etsy is always a good option. Rarer varieties can be bought from online merchants or specialized breeders or traded among collectors.

In the mood for a Philodendron Micans? You’re in luck. These beauties are freely available on the market and are considered one of the most popular houseplants around. 

Of course, if you’re after rare collector’s items, you may need to double down on your search and rely on specialists. But if you’re simply looking for some of these beauties to adorn your home (which is definitely a good idea!), you can pop out and get one from your local nursery today.

What’s a standard philodendron micans price?

Philodendron Micans can be found in most nurseries and garden centers for as little as $15 and up to $50, depending on the size and age of the plant. You can also purchase stem cuttings for a slightly lower cost, which you can propagate at home.

That said, the price of a Philodendron Micans can vary depending on where in the globe you are situated. They may be more costly in harder-to-reach places or those with inclement weather, in which case your best bet may be to purchase a cutting or juvenile plant from an online specialist supplier.

philodendron micans hanging
Source: Alicia Kendell (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Do philodendron micans like to climb or hang?

Given its trailing growth, the Micans is perfect for both climbing and hanging. As with many philodendrons, it has plenty of aerial roots, which means it can be trained to climb trellises or moss poles. However, it also thrives when left to trail from a basket or hanging planter.

No matter how you look at it, the Micans is a good-looking plant. While largely thanks to its beautiful coloring, much of this also has to do with the beautiful way it vines – with velvety, heart-shaped leaves adorning delicate, slender stems.

Indeed, this means that the Micans is also suitable for both trailing and climbing, depending on which look you prefer. With abundant aerial roots, you’ll have no problem attaching your Philodendron Micans to a moss pole or trellis, where it will learn to grow upward toward your source of sunlight over time (occasional turning ensures a full-bodied appearance).

Or, if you prefer the hanging look, simply raise your plant in a spot where it has the opportunity to let its new growth dangle and trail. This way, you can make the most of its beautiful underleaf shades of pink and red.

Are philodendron micans rare?

The Philodendron Micans, also known as the Velvet Leaf Philodendron, is not considered rare. It can be purchased from most garden centers or from online merchants and is also easily propagated. Therefore, if you’re in the market for a Micans, you shouldn’t have to look very far. 

This is definitely good news if you’re hoping to purchase a Philodendron Micans for your home. The undisputed sweetheart of the philodendron family is no longer thought of as rare, particularly since it has experienced an upswing in popularity on social media platforms like Instagram.

They’re also easy to distinguish by sight, given their unique appearance, so you should be easily able to spot one on the shelves of your local garden center.

Although Philodendron Micans in the wild are a reasonably common sight if you’re cruising the jungles of the Caribbean Islands, most of us aren’t – hence the need for this beauty to become commercially available. Today, Micans are grown all over the world in greenhouses and on farms, making them a staple for most nurseries and garden centers.

philodendron micans on a brown spots
Source: sanne sanne (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Best of all, they won’t set you back financially, as they’re also pretty affordable. Indeed, if you have a friend or fellow collector in possession of a mature Philodendron Micans, I would even go so far as to suggest you ask them for a cutting from which you can propagate your own juvenile plant in as little as 4 to 6 weeks.

On a side note, and as plants in nurseries are often mismarked, be sure to check that you’re getting what you paid for. 

Young philodendron cultivars are often mistaken for one another as they only really grow into their looks once they start to mature. The clearest indicator is the velvety texture of the Micans leaves, as well as the dusky hue of its underleaves.

Are philodendron micans hard to grow?

As with many varieties of philodendron, Micans are one of the easiest houseplants to grow and care for. Their care requirements are basic, provided you ensure sufficient light, water, and humidity and plant them in well-draining soil. Together with this, they are hardy and disease-resistant.

I find it such a treat when a whimsical, aesthetic houseplant is also unfussy. This takes the pressure off beginners while allowing them all the joy that a beauty like the Micans can bring. In this regard, it doesn’t get better than the low-maintenance Velvet Leaf, which can get by with minimal attention.

hanging philodendron micans
Source: Laura Gonzalez (CC BY-SA 4.0)

To start, a purchased Micans will usually come complete with nutrient-rich, well-draining soil blended to its particular requirements. A quality soil is generally a mixture of potting soil and perlite, with orchid bark or moss for air circulation and nutrients. You can also make this blend at home if you’re growing your Micans from a cutting.

In terms of light, the Micans (like its cousins) loves bright indirect light for as many hours of the day as possible. I suggest positioning your philodendron close to a window but not in direct line of the sun’s rays, or it may burn or wilt. Humidity is vital, so make sure its growing environment is reasonably warm.

Finally, to keep your Micans hydrated, you can water it weekly, tempering this off to every ten or so days in the cooler months of the year. While not prone to diseases, root rot can pose a risk, so never let your Philodendron Micans stand in pooled water.

Are micans slow growers?

Philodendron Micans are not slow-growing. In fact, they’re among the fastest growers in the philodendron family. Of course, their growth rate is largely dependent on their living environment, and they will require plenty of light, humidity, and water to thrive.

Should you notice that your Micans is not growing quickly, it may be a sign that something is off-balance in its maintenance. Check to ensure that its needs are being met or whether it requires some adaptation to its environment, like more light or warmth.

Becoming rootbound can also cause delayed growth, in which case you may need to transplant your Micans to a larger pot.

How long does it take a micans to grow?

If you’re growing your Philodendron Micans from a cutting, it can take up to two months for it to develop a new root system suitable for planting into soil. However, once established, a Philodendron Micans grows extremely fast and can put on up to 3 feet (90 centimeters) of length per year.

How do you make a philodendron micans bushy?

While Philodendron Micans have a naturally clustered growth pattern, they can become leggy as they mature and start to vine. To avoid this, you can either plant multiple cuttings in one pot, which will develop into bushy, entwined plants over time, or regularly prune your Micans to encourage new development.

Considering its gorgeous foliage, it makes sense that we want our Philodendron Micans to be as bushy and clustered as possible. For this purpose, you can either put measures in place from the get-go – i.e., plant many cuttings in one pot. Or alternatively, you can carefully maintain its aesthetic with clever pruning.

philodendron micans on a table
Source: klas karen (CC BY-SA 4.0)

For the former method, you will need several stem cuttings to propagate at roughly the same time. This is easy enough to achieve if you’re taking snippets from a mature Philodendron Micans. Just pop them into a jar of water and allow them to develop new roots before transplanting them into a pot together. Over time, their root systems will naturally tangle up, and you’ll end up with a bushy Micans.

If your Micans is already established, you can encourage bushier growth by regularly pruning it during spring and summer. Taking off leggy stems will inspire your Micans to develop new vines, aided by fertilization and plenty of sun. I also recommend turning it once per week so that it grows evenly.

Do philodendron micans flower?

Philodendron Micans are biologically capable of flowering but generally only do so in the wild. They almost never produce blooms in a home environment, so don’t expect one on your houseplant. That said, most avid collectors and enthusiasts don’t mind, as their flowers are not particularly aesthetic.

As strange as it is to admit, the Micans’ flower is probably the least exciting thing about it. At full bloom, they present as green and white spathes that are frankly dull in comparison to the Micans’ brilliant foliage. 

Indeed, your Velvet Leaf will likely never bloom indoors, as the home cannot quite emulate the rich nutrients and perfect growing conditions (nor space) of the Caribbean jungles.

Conversely, Philodendron Micans in the wild tend to bloom in spring and summer, especially after a rainy winter. This is when conditions are beautifully humid, and the soil is rich with decayed plant and animal matter, creating the perfect situation for Micans to thrive.

Can micans live in water?

Yes, Micans can live in water. In fact, water is hugely important to the health of a Micans, as it serves as the transport medium for nutrients and oxygen to reach the plant’s root system. Of course, it’s beneficial if the roots are surrounded by mineral- and vitamin-rich soil.

When propagating a Philodendron Micans stem cutting, you may opt to root it first in water until it has roots of around 2 inches long before transplanting it. 

But if you love how it looks in its water jar, you’re in luck – it can survive for weeks or even months in water, provided you regularly refresh it to keep it oxygenated.

How do you identify a micans?

A Philodendron Micans looks similar to a Heart Leaf Philodendron, but its distinguishing characteristic is the velvety texture of its foliage, which is quite unique to this variety. Together with this, Micans also have distinctive leaf coloring that is a combination of solid dark, iridescent green with purplish-red undertones.

One of the primary reasons Micans are so popular is because of their breathtaking good looks, which set them apart from other members of the philodendron family. Much of their appeal lies in the velvet texture that adorns their foliage, which, at the right angle, glimmers in the light.

philodendron micans on a black hanging pot
Source: Rocha Fabricio (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Leaves aside, the philodendron has long, slender vines that trail with a clustered growth habit. It can reach a height of 8 to 10 inches (20 to 30 centimeters) indoors with a spread of around 24 inches (60 centimeters), but this size becomes much larger in the wild or in greenhouse environments.

Its leaves are relatively small, at only 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimeters) in length but have been known to grow as long as 20 inches (50 centimeters) in the wild.

What’s the difference between micans and melanochrysum?

The main differences between the Micans and Melanochrysum are in their leaf shape, coloring, and stems. Specifically, the leaves of the Melanochrysum are darker and have more noticeable leaf veins. Their underleaves also tend to be a lighter green while the Micans’ leaves have a coppery or rusty sheen.

Melanochrysum leaves are also flatter and larger than the leaves of the Micans.

The Melanochrysum is another popular and beautiful type of philodendron, which is very similar in appearance to the Micans. This is why you wouldn’t be blamed for confusing the two until closer inspection.

Concerning their stems, this is another dead giveaway. The stems of the Micans are slender and flexible, whereas the Melanochrysum is more inclined to thicker, woodier stems.

Why is my micans so red?

Philodendron Micans carry a natural red pigment that accounts for their bronze or purple undertones. That said, their red coloring can become exaggerated if they experience a deficiency of light (linked to a lack of phosphorus) or water. In both cases, adaptations to their growing environment can fix this.

When plants draw in sunlight, they undergo a process of photosynthesis that converts nutrients into the energy they need to create new growth. Phosphorus, a mineral found in soil, is a vital part of this process and is responsible for cell division and shoot growth. 

Of course, this all works in tandem with water, which serves as a carrier between the root system and the rest of the plant.

With that said, if any of these functions aren’t working, you may find that your Micans starts to turn a purple-red color. The reason for this is that it is not converting the energy it needs for new cells, and the darkening you see is actually an early sign of a health crisis.

If your Micans start to darken and turn red, investigate to ensure they receive sufficient light and water. If that is not the issue, consider repotting your Micans into fresh soil or fertilizing it for an extra kick of nutrients.

Why is my micans pink?

The primary reason a Philodendron Micans turns pink is if it is receiving too much light. Direct sun can cause scorching or burning, which will eradicate some of its cells and start to decay its leaves. To prevent this, keep your Micans away from harsh sunlight.

Alternatively, it may be that you are overfertilizing your Micans, causing a condition called chemical burn. Should this be the case, withhold feeding until such a time as your Micans has healed, and then go forward with lower doses in the future.

philodendron micans turns pink
Source: Martin Huisman (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Do micans like to be rootbound?

No, the Micans does not like to be rootbound. Tangled, dense roots can cause stunted growth and constrict your plants’ processes in terms of transporting water and nutrients. If your Philodendron Micans’ roots are visible through its planter’s drainage holes, it’s time to repot it.

Given its speedy growth habit, becoming rootbound is something you need to watch out for with your Micans. If left too long, this can have a devastating impact on your plant, causing delayed growth and eventual root death. 

As a rule of thumb, a Micans should be repotted every 1 to 2 years or as soon as its roots are visible.

Are philodendron micans toxic?

Philodendron Micans are toxic to humans and animals, as they contain sharp calcium oxalate crystals that cause skin irritation through direct contact, or gastrointestinal distress and other potentially dangerous symptoms when ingested. All parts of the plant contain these crystals, which are most prevalent in its sap.

While Philodendron Micans are indisputably beautiful in the home, it is best to keep them away from curious kids and pets, as skin contact and ingestion can be highly irritating at best and have real health consequences at worst.

These plants’ sticky white sap is full of needle-like calcium crystals. When they make contact with bare skin, they can cause welts or irritating rashes, which, fortunately, can usually be treated with a topical skin ointment.

Be aware: Ingestion of any part of a Philodendron Micans can cause swelling of the throat tissue, nausea, dizziness, diarrhea, and other symptoms of gastrointestinal distress. In a worst-case scenario, ingestion can cause difficulty breathing, in which case, medical treatment should be sought as a matter of urgency.

While this all sounds very daunting, the good news is that these plants don’t taste good, so there is no real reason (other than curiosity or carelessness) why rogue children or pets would eat them. Even so, prevention is better than cure, so place your plants out of reach if you’re concerned they may get chomped.

Why are my philodendron micans’ leaves turning yellow?

There are a few reasons why Philodendron Micans leaves turn yellow, but the primary cause is overwatering, with yellowing leaves being an early sign of root rot. Damaged roots cannot transport nutrients, oxygen, and water to a plant’s leaves, which causes cell death, and by default, turns them yellow.

I find watering my plants to be the most cathartic exercise on earth. However, with some trial and error, I’ve learned that my Philodendron Micans, in particular, doesn’t do well with being over-loved. 

While they’re super hardy, too much hydration can quickly cause root rot in philodendrons – a fungal or bacterial infection that destroys your plant’s root system.

Therefore, if you notice yellowing leaves on your philodendron, run a diagnostic immediately. Is your soil damp or soggy? Allow it to dry out, which may reverse some of the damage. Lots of sun helps. Or if the damage is progressed, try repotting your Philodendron Micans, removing damaging roots in the process.

A secondary cause of yellowing leaves is chemical burn, which your Philodendron Micans may contract from over-fertilization. In this case, transplantation is also recommended, followed by a restriction of your feeding practices.

Why is my philodendron micans drooping?

Drooping and wilting in Philodendron Micans is more often than not related to watering practices. Too little water can cause fatigue which will make your plant look droopy, while too much water (or root rot) can also cause ill health. Generally, when a plant wilts, it is trying to communicate that it’s unwell.

While a drooping Philodendron Micans is distressing, it’s not usually terribly serious and most likely due to dehydration. This can be solved with a dose of water and sunlight and, of course, more consistent care going forward. In no time, your plant should be back to its old self.

Conversely, if this doesn’t do the trick, your philodendron leaves curling may indicate an underlying issue like root rot, which, ironically, is caused by overwatering. If you suspect this is the case, you may be best off transplanting your Philodendron Micans into fresh soil and readjusting your watering schedule.

A third cause of drooping is related to light. If a Philodendron Micans isn’t receiving enough sun, it will tell you by dropping its leaves and wilting. Remember, six to eight hours a day is critical, and if you can’t provide this, mitigate potential drooping with supplementary grow lights.

Related: 10 Causes Of Your Philodendron Not Growing (+ How to Fix It)

Why are there brown spots on my philodendron micans?

Like yellowing and drooping, brown spots on a Philodendron Micans are a sign of a health ailment. Browning, in particular, is mainly caused by pest infestations or bacterial and fungal infections. The best way to get rid of brown spots is to identify the cause and then treat your plant accordingly.

None of us want to see our Philodendron Micans suffer, and brown spots usually aren’t a very good sign. If you notice your philodendron leaves turning brown, the first thing you want to do is identify the cause, whether it be pests or soil-related.

a hanging philodendron micans
Source: Bia Moreira (CC BY-SA 4.0)

In the case of creepy crawlies, you can treat your Philodendron Micans by washing it down with a horticultural soap, followed by a wipe with neem oil. Remove damaged growth, and give your plant lots of love, water, and light.

On the other hand, bacterial and fungal infections are best treated by getting rid of old soil. I highly recommend transplanting your Philodendron Micans (preferably in spring or summer), and cutting away any visible root and leaf damage, provided it’s not more than 30% of your plant’s total volume.

Brown spots on philodendrons can also be caused by sunburn, but in this case, they’ll look more like a sheen than a spot, per se. Sunburn can be prevented by keeping your Philodendron Micans out of direct light.

Why are my philodendron micans’ leaves falling off?

When a Philodendron Micans’ leaves start to drop, it is more often than not a sign of either overwatering or underwatering. Root rot, a consequence of too much water, can cause leaves to wilt, curl, and fall. Underwatering, conversely, sees them dry and turn crisp before dropping.

Micans are great communicators and will tell you when there is something in their environment they don’t enjoy. As hardy plants, they don’t have many health issues, so any sudden onset of leaf drop is a cause for immediate concern.

As mentioned, this is usually related to watering practices, with the first sign of an issue being wilting, curling, or dried leaves. You should adapt your hydration timeframes accordingly.

If watering is not the problem, it may be that your Micans is scorching (you’ll note its leaves start turning pink), in which case you should move it to a shadier spot as soon as possible.