Meet the 'Dark Velvet' Philodendron
The plant you’re likely picturing is the Philodendron micans. Its heart-shaped leaves have a mesmerising, iridescent quality, shimmering from deep green to rich bronze depending on the light. The texture is what truly sets it apart—a soft, velvety feel
that invites a gentle touch. While once considered a rare find in the Indian market, its growing popularity has made it more accessible, though it still feels like a special, boutique addition to a plant collection. Its vining nature makes it a perfect candidate for cascading elegantly from shelves or, in this case, being beautifully contained within glass.
Why Glass Jars Are a Perfect Match
Using a glass jar isn't just a style choice; it’s a functional one that can create a perfect micro-environment for your Philodendron micans. A closed or semi-closed glass terrarium traps humidity, which these tropical plants absolutely love. This mimics their native environment, encouraging lush, healthy growth with minimal intervention. For city dwellers in drier apartments, a glass enclosure is an effortless way to provide the moisture these plants crave. Furthermore, a glass vessel offers a 360-degree view of the plant, from its dark leaves to its intricate root system, turning a simple houseplant into a living piece of art.
Method 1: The Classic Terrarium
Creating a terrarium is like building a miniature world. This method is ideal for long-term growth and a low-maintenance setup. Start with a clean, wide-mouthed glass jar for easy access. First, create a drainage layer at the bottom using small pebbles or Leca (lightweight expanded clay aggregate). This prevents water from sitting at the roots and causing rot. On top of this, add a thin layer of activated charcoal to keep the environment fresh and prevent mould. Finally, add a well-draining potting mix formulated for aroids. A mix of coco peat, perlite, and orchid bark works wonderfully. Gently place your Philodendron micans inside, securing its roots in the soil. Water it lightly, just enough to moisten the soil, and place it in a spot with bright, indirect light.
Method 2: The Minimalist Water Culture
If you love a clean, modern aesthetic, growing your Philodendron micans in water is an excellent option. This method showcases the beauty of the plant’s developing root system. To start, take a healthy cutting from a mother plant, ensuring it has at least two or three nodes (the small bumps on the stem where leaves and roots emerge). Place the cutting in a glass jar or vase filled with room-temperature, non-chlorinated water. Ensure the nodes are submerged but the leaves are not. Within a few weeks, you will see delicate white roots begin to sprout. To keep the plant healthy, change the water every week to prevent bacterial growth and replenish oxygen. For long-term growth in water, you will need to add a few drops of a balanced liquid fertilizer every month to provide essential nutrients.
Long-Term Care and Styling
Whether in soil or water, your Dark Velvet Philodendron has simple needs. It thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. A spot near an east-facing window or a few feet back from a west-facing one is perfect. Direct sun will scorch its delicate leaves. Keep the terrarium soil lightly moist but never soggy. For water culture, ensure the water level stays consistent. These plants are climbers and trailers. Inside a jar, you can let the vines circle around the inner walls for a lush, full look. Alternatively, let them spill over the top for a dramatic cascading effect. As the plant grows, you can prune it to encourage bushier growth and use the cuttings to propagate new plants for friends or other parts of your home.
