Updating the collection of your indoor garden requires adding some gorgeous exotic plants. This is why you might get suggestions for growing Philodendron Micans or Melanochrysum. These two beauties are a great fit for a workspace, living room, or even an outdoor garden.
However, it can be a bit tricky to identify or compare Philodendron Micans and Melanochrysum. They look identical, and you might not be able to tell them apart at first.
In this article, we will help you distinguish between both plants. We will discuss the features of each plant and their significant differences, so read on for better insight.
Table of Contents
What is Philodendron Micans?
Philodendron Micans is a beautiful exotic plant from Mexico, particularly the tropical rainforests. It is commonly found in the Pacific islands and countries of Central America too. Just like many other philodendrons, this plant has cordate leaves. It is a perennial evergreen plant commonly known as a velvet-leaf philodendron.
In addition to their stunning foliage, Philodendron Micans are great at purifying the air in the room. However, it is similar to many members of the philodendron clan in toxicity. So, this plant is not safe for kids or furry family members. This plant grows perfectly as a climber. It also trails due to its vining nature.
Caring for Philodendron Micans is not a tough job, as it is a low-maintenance plant. During summer and spring, you get to see its lovely flowers. They bloom in white or green, but it won’t happen that much indoors.
What is Philodendron Melanochrysum?
As the name suggests, Philodendron Melanochrysum is a member of the Philodendron genus. The plant is commonly referred to as the “black gold philodendron.” This type of Philodendron is considered a rare plant. The beauty of this vine plant comes from its big, deep green leaves. They have the shape of a drawn heart.
The black gold plant originally came from South American countries. But it is gaining more popularity as a houseplant in different parts of the world.
For many people, Philodendron Micans and Melanochrysum are not valid comparisons. They consider them two names for the same plant. However, Melanochrysum is larger and darker than Micans.
Differences between Philodendron Micans and Philodendron Melanochrysum?
At first sight, you might feel confused trying to determine which plant is which. But you can easily notice the differences when you spend time around both plants simultaneously.
Aside from sharing the same Araceae family and Philodendron genus, both plants showcase differences. This includes growth style differences and different shapes.
1. Markings of leaves
This is a defining point in distinguishing both plans. The leaves of a black gold plant have thick and prominent markings in the center of each one. These markings are in a pale cream color that creates a contrast with the dark green leaves.
Philodendron Micans leaves do not have any apparent markings. They surely exist, but they are much thinner than the ones dividing Melanochrysum.
2. Leaf color
Another easy way to identify Philodendron Micans or Melanochrysum is by the color of their leaves. This applies to both sides of each leaf. Generally, the leaves of Philodendron Micans are lighter in color compared to the Melanochrysum’s leaves.
As for the back sides of both leaves, they can be more decisive in the identification process. The back side of Philodendron Micans reflects a purplish maroon color. The leaf borders of Micans also reflect the same unique shade.
The backside of Melanochrysum leaves is always very light green. The leaf borders are also medium green.
3. Stem shape
The stems of both plants are much different from each other. For instance, the philodendron micas plant has a lengthy and thin stem. Philodendron Melanochrysum has thicker and shorter stems.
They are often described as being beefy. Another noteworthy point when comparing the stems of both plants is that the Melanochrysum has a lighter green shade compared to the stems of Micans.
4. Leaf size
The leaves of juvenile Philodendron Micans and Melanochrysum might not be very revealing in size. However, if you look at grown plants, the size of their leaves is not the same. Generally, the leaves of black gold plants are larger than the Micans.
The leaves of a mature Melanochrysum can reach a length of 70 cm, while the leaves of a mature Micans can reach 50 cm.
5. Growth style
Both plants love to climb or trail. They allow you to choose the desired style; however, the black gold plant likes climbing more than trailing. The Black gold Philodendron or Melanochrysum can either spread up or downwards.
So, with a proper trellis or totem, the plant will find its way by spreading over neighboring plants.
Philodendron Micans, on the other hand, grow in almost every direction you can imagine. They are bushier. So, it will look more attractive cascading from a plant hanger.
6. New leaves
The baby leaves play a huge role in identifying Philodendron Micans and Melanochrysum. The freshly opened leaves of Philodendron Micans are green. When you turn the leaf to the back side, you can see a slight shade of a unique maroon color.
On the other hand, the new leaves of the Melanochrysum plant are not green. They reflect a unique brownish bronze shade. The backside of the leaf is slightly greenish.
7. Plant size
The size of fully-grown plants can help you recognize them correctly. A mature philodendron can reach 20 cm in height, which is pretty small. However, if you let the plant trail, it can get around 120 cm tall.
A fully-grown Melanochrysum, on the other hand, becomes prominent as a climber. It can reach around 8 meters.
8. Natural habitat
Another point where both related plants go separate ways is their home. Philodendron Micans is indigenous to Mexico, Central America, and the Pacific islands. The philodendron Melanochrysum grows naturally in South American tropical forests.
Philodendron Micans vs Melanochrysum blue: are they the same?
No, Philodendron Micans and Melanochrysum are not the same plants. They have common similarities in being members of the same family and genus. They are also evergreen flowering plants that have similar growing conditions.
However, they have different colors of leaves, as the Melanochrysum has darker green leaves. The backside of Micans leaves is maroon.
The stems of Micans are notably taller and thinner than those of Melanochrysum. But the leaves of the Melanochrysum plant are larger. Also, the new leaves of Micans are green, while newly opened Melanochrysum leaves are bronze or orange.
Also, the natural habitat of both plants is different, as the philodendron Micans grow naturally in Mexico and Central America. Melanochrysum is more common in South America.
Melanochrysum grows best as a climber, while the Micans cascades as a trailing vine. Melanochrysum has obvious markings on its leaves, which are way smaller and invisible on the leaves of Micans.
