How to Grow and Care for Philodendron Mia (Green Princess)

Philodendron Mia is a new hybrid Philodendron that was just introduced at the end of 2020. It has a self-heading growth habit and solid, emerald-green leaves. Many have commented that it is similar in appearance and structure to the popular Philodendron Birkin but without the signature white variegation. It is also commonly referred to as Philodendron green princess and is a popular houseplant thanks to its low-maintenance nature. Since this plant is relatively new, it can be hard to come by in most nurseries and garden centers and you may need to find a specialty plant shop if you are hoping to get your hands on one! If you do manage to score one of these green beauties, keep in mind that, like all Philodendrons, the Philodendron Mia is considered toxic to pets if ingested.

Philodendron Mia Care

The Philodendron Mia is a relatively small, compact houseplant that is easy to grow and care for indoors. Like many Philodendrons, it enjoys bright light, warm temperature, average to high humidity, and regular watering and is generally well-suited to plant beginners and experts alike. Here’s what you need to know about keeping this adorable houseplant happy.

Light

The Philodendron Mia appreciates several hours of bright, indirect light every day. Choose a location that is within a couple of feet of a bright window but avoid prolonged periods of direct sunlight if possible as this plant is susceptible to leaf burn. 

While this plant will do best with indirect light, it can survive in low light conditions if necessary although it may begin to develop leggy growth. If you are concerned that you don’t have enough natural light for your plant, try adding a grow light to your plant’s setup. A full-spectrum LED grow light is best and there are lots of affordable options available!

Soil

Philodendrons are semi-epiphytes that require light, airy soil mixes that are well-draining and rich in organic matter. A combination of equal parts potting soil, perlite, and orchid bark mix is a simple mixture that will provide the perfect amount of drainage and nutrients for this plant. 

Water

These houseplants like to dry out in between waterings and are sensitive to overwatering. Check the soil using your finger or a moisture meter to ensure that it is nearly dry and then water it thoroughly. Remember that you will likely need to water your plant more frequently in spring and summer when it is actively growing (and using more water) than in fall and winter when it has gone dormant. 

Temperature and Humidity

As a tropical houseplant, the Philodendron Mia enjoys warm temperatures and average to high humidity. Standard household temperature and humidity levels are fine for this Philodendron, although it will thrive if provided with some extra humidity. Try placing a humidifier nearby or growing your Philodendron Mia in a naturally humid room in the house such as a bathroom, laundry room, or kitchen. 

Fertilizer

During spring and summer, the Philodendron Mia will benefit from a monthly application of a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer. Dilute the fertilizer to half strength to prevent fertilizer burn and apply it during regular waterings.

Propagating Philodendron Mia

Propagating your Philodendron Mia is a fun and easy way to grow new plants to expand your collection or share with friends. This Philodendron can be propagated by division or stem cuttings. 

To propagate Philodendron Mia by division follow these steps.

1. Take a mature, healthy Philodendron Mia that has several offshoots growing from it and remove it from its pot.
2. Gently separate the offshoots from the mother plant by digging the soil out from around the roots. The small plants should have their own root system, but may still be attached to the mother plant with one large root, which can be cut to fully separate the plants.
3. Prepare small pots with an airy, well-draining soil mix and plant the newly separated offshoots, watering well after planting. Return the mother plant to its original pot as well and top up the soil if necessary.
4. Return all the plants to a warm, bright location. Water once the soil is nearly dry and enjoy your new Philodendron Mia.

To propagate Philodendron Mia by stem cutting follow these steps.

1. Using a pair of sharp, clean pruning shears or scissors take a cutting from a healthy Philodendron Mia that includes at least one node and two to three leaves. The nodes are where you will see air roots and leaves growing from along the stem. 
2. Remove the bottom leaves from the cutting to expose the node, leaving at least one leaf at the top. 
3. Place the cutting in a small jar or cup filled with water so that the node is submerged and the remaining leaves are above the water. 
4. Place the jar in a warm location that receives indirect light and keep the water fresh by changing it once a week. The cutting should start growing roots within a couple of weeks.
5. When the new roots are at least an inch long, move the rooted cutting from water to soil by planting it in an airy, well-draining soil mix. Water the freshly planted cutting thoroughly, allowing the excess water to drain from the pot. 
6. Return the potted cutting to the warm, bright spot and keep the soil evenly moist for the first 1 to 2 weeks to allow the roots to acclimate from water to soil and then start allowing it to dry out between waterings as usual. 

Potting and Repotting Philodendron Mia

This Philodendron only needs to be repotted once it has outgrown its previous potting container which will usually be once every one to three years. While you can technically repot your plant at any point in the year, like most houseplants the Philodendron Mia does best when it is repotted during its active growing season—i.e. the spring or summer months. 

When it comes time to repot, ensure that you choose a new pot for your plant that is only one to two sizes larger than its previous container (or two to four inches) as moving a houseplant into a pot that is too large too quickly can result in accidental overwatering. Also, ensure that you refresh as much of the plant’s potting soil as you can while re-potting. Fresh soil will provide your Philodendron Mia with lots of new nutrients.

Common Pests and Plant Diseases

The Philodendron Mia is susceptible to a few common houseplant pests and diseases. Watch out for pests like spider mites, fungus gnats, scale, and thrips. Treat any infestations with a houseplant-approved insecticide or a natural insecticide like neem oil. As a Philodendron, the Mia is also prone to fungal leaf spot diseases, as well as root rot if it is exposed to overwatered conditions. 

Common Problems With Philodendron Mia

For the most part, the Philodendron Mia is a low-maintenance houseplant that is relatively problem-free. However, as with growing any plant indoors, you may run into some of these common problems at one point or another. Don’t panic—these issues can be easily resolved.

Yellow Leaves

Like most houseplants, it’s not uncommon to see some yellowing leaves on a Philodendron Mia every once in a while. Sometimes, yellow leaves are a completely normal function of a plant’s natural life cycle, particularly if it's the oldest growth that is yellowing. However, if you notice the plant’s leaves going yellow all at once or new growth yellowing and dying off then there might be another issue at play. 

Underwatering, lack of light, and overwatering are all common potential culprits that can lead to yellow leaves. Unfortunately, the only way to figure out what exactly is causing the problem is to closely examine your plant’s growing environment. Is your plant sitting in dry soil for an extended period of time between watering? Is it positioned close to a bright window or several feet away from the nearest light source? Are you allowing the soil to dry out between waterings? Answering these questions can help you get down to the root of the problem.

Brown Spots

Brown spots on the leaves of a Philodendron Mia can be the result of three main issues: a lack of humidity, leaf burn, or a fungal leaf spot disease. If your plant is suffering from a lack of humidity it usually means that it is sitting close to a drafty air vent where the air is particularly dry. You’ll notice the edges of the leaf start to brown first, getting crispy and brittle. Alternatively, if leaf burn is the problem from your Philodendron Mia being exposed to too much sun then the brown spots are usually in the middle of the leaf and will be fairly large. If you are dealing with lots of smaller brown spots that seem to pop up on several of the plant’s leaves then a fungal leaf spot disease is likely the issue. These diseases can be tough to get rid of, but should be treated with a fungicide until it stops spreading.