Philodendron Melanochrysum Vs Micans – The Ultimate Guide To Choosing

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Have you ever scrolled through a plant enthusiast’s feed and found yourself captivated by a houseplant with breathtaking, velvety leaves? You’re not alone. But then comes the confusion: you see two plants, both with that luxurious, touchable texture, and you start to wonder if you’re seeing double.

That’s the classic dilemma when comparing the stunning Philodendron melanochrysum and the equally gorgeous Philodendron micans. While they share that signature velvet finish, they are wonderfully unique plants with different needs and growth styles.

I promise this guide will clear up all the confusion. We’re going to dive deep into the philodendron melanochrysum vs micans debate, breaking down every detail so you can confidently choose the perfect velvety vine for your home and help it thrive.

Get ready to explore their visual differences, understand their distinct growth habits, and master their care. By the end, you’ll be an expert, ready to grow the velvety philodendron of your dreams.

Meet the Velvety Contenders: A Quick Introduction

Before we put them head-to-head, let’s get properly acquainted with our two leafy competitors. Think of this as meeting the personalities behind the pretty foliage.

The Majestic Philodendron Melanochrysum

Often called the ‘Black Gold Philodendron’, the Philodendron melanochrysum is a true showstopper. Its name gives a hint to its beauty: ‘melano’ means black and ‘chrysum’ means gold, referring to the crystalline sparkle on its dark leaves.

This plant is a climber at heart. In its natural habitat, it scales trees to reach for light, and its leaves transform from small, heart-shaped juveniles to magnificent, elongated blades that can reach up to three feet long! It’s a statement plant that demands attention and rewards dedicated care with incredible growth.

The Charming Philodendron Micans

Philodendron micans, on the other hand, is the more easy-going cousin. Its common name is simply the ‘Velvet Leaf Philodendron’, and it lives up to it beautifully. Its charm lies in its smaller, perfectly heart-shaped leaves that shimmer with an iridescent quality.

This plant is a natural trailer, making it perfect for hanging baskets or cascading gracefully from a high shelf. Don’t worry—these vining beauties are perfect for beginners! They are more forgiving and adaptable, offering that luxurious velvety texture without the demanding nature of the Melanochrysum.

The Visual Showdown: Philodendron Melanochrysum vs Micans at a Glance

At first glance, a young Melanochrysum and a Micans can look surprisingly similar. But once you know what to look for, the differences become crystal clear. Here is the ultimate philodendron melanochrysum vs micans guide to telling them apart visually.

H3: Leaf Texture & Sheen

While both are velvety, their finish is distinct. The Micans has a more pronounced, almost glittery iridescence. When the light hits it just right, the leaves can flash with shades of deep green, bronze, and even purple.

The Melanochrysum has a deeper, plusher velvet texture. It feels more like a rich fabric and has a subtler, more sophisticated sheen. It’s less about sparkle and more about a deep, light-absorbing richness.

H3: Leaf Color

Color is another key giveaway. Micans leaves often have a reddish or coppery undertone, especially on the undersides and on new, unfurling leaves. This gives the whole plant a warm, multi-tonal look.

A mature Melanochrysum leaf is a deep, dark, forest green that can appear almost black in lower light. The prominent veins are often a lighter, contrasting shade of pale green or cream, creating a stunning pattern.

H3: Leaf Size & Shape (The Biggest Giveaway!)

This is where the difference is most dramatic. Micans leaves stay relatively small and consistently heart-shaped, typically growing to about 2-4 inches long in a home environment.

The Melanochrysum, however, is a shapeshifter. As a juvenile, its leaves are small and heart-shaped. But as it climbs and matures, the leaves elongate dramatically into a spearhead or long heart shape. A happy, mature Melanochrysum can boast leaves that are two to three feet long. This potential for massive size is its defining feature.

READ MORE  Philodendron In The Wild: A Guide To Recreating Their Natural Habitat

H3: New Growth

Even the new leaves tell a story. A new leaf on a Micans often unfurls in a beautiful shade of pinkish-bronze before it deepens into its final color.

New growth on a Melanochrysum is typically a brighter, almost electric coppery-orange or light green. Watching a new, giant leaf unfurl is one of the great joys of growing this plant.

Growth Habits & Size: The Climber vs. The Trailer

Understanding how these plants grow is crucial to keeping them happy. Their natural instincts dictate the kind of support and space they need in your home.

The Philodendron melanochrysum is a hemiepiphyte, which means it starts life on the forest floor and then climbs a host tree. To see this plant’s true potential—those giant, mature leaves—you must give it something to climb. A moss pole or a cedar plank is not just a suggestion; it’s a necessity for mature growth. Without support, it will only produce small, juvenile leaves.

The Philodendron micans is a fantastic trailing vine. It’s perfectly happy to spill out of a hanging basket or cascade down the side of a bookshelf, creating a lush curtain of velvety hearts. While it can be trained to climb a small trellis, its leaves will not size up in the same dramatic fashion as the Melanochrysum.

The Ultimate Philodendron Melanochrysum vs Micans Care Guide

Now for the fun part! Let’s talk about how to care for these beauties. Following these philodendron melanochrysum vs micans best practices will set you up for success. While their needs are similar, the Melanochrysum is generally considered the more demanding of the two.

H3: Lighting Needs

Both plants thrive in bright, indirect light. Think of the dappled sunlight on a forest floor. An east-facing window that gets gentle morning sun is perfect. A spot a few feet back from a south or west-facing window also works well.

Pro Tip: Direct, harsh sunlight will scorch their delicate velvety leaves, leaving behind brown, crispy patches. If you see this, move your plant to a spot with less intense light.

H3: Watering Wisdom

Overwatering is the number one enemy of most philodendrons. The best approach is the “drench and dry” method. Water the plant thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage hole, then allow the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry out completely before watering again.

To check, simply stick your finger into the soil. If it feels dry up to your first knuckle, it’s time to water. The Micans is a bit more drought-tolerant and will forgive you if you forget once in a while.

H3: The Perfect Soil Mix

Forget standard potting soil! These are aroids, and they need a chunky, airy, and well-draining mix to prevent root rot. A great DIY mix is:

  • 1 part high-quality indoor potting mix
  • 1 part orchid bark
  • 1 part perlite or pumice

This mixture allows oxygen to reach the roots and lets excess water drain away quickly, mimicking their natural growing environment.

H3: Humidity & Temperature

Coming from tropical rainforests, both plants adore high humidity. Aim for 60% humidity or higher for optimal growth. The Melanochrysum, in particular, will protest low humidity with crispy leaf edges.

Easy ways to boost humidity include using a humidifier (the best option), placing the pot on a pebble tray with water, or grouping your plants together.

H3: Feeding Your Philodendrons

During the growing season (spring and summer), feed your plants every 2-4 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength. This provides the nutrients they need to produce those stunning leaves. Taper off feeding in the fall and winter when growth slows down.

Common Problems and How to Solve Them

Even with the best care, you might run into a few issues. Don’t worry! Here’s a quick look at some common problems with philodendron melanochrysum vs micans and how to fix them.

  1. Yellowing Leaves: This is most often a sign of overwatering. Check your soil moisture and allow the plant to dry out more between waterings. Ensure your pot has good drainage.
  2. Crispy Brown Edges: The air is too dry! This is a cry for more humidity. Try one of the methods mentioned above to give your plant the moisture it craves.
  3. Leggy Growth: If your Micans has long, bare stems between leaves, it’s not getting enough light. Move it to a brighter location. You can also prune it back to encourage bushier, fuller growth.
  4. Small Leaves on Melanochrysum: Your plant is telling you it wants to climb! Provide a moss pole or other support structure for it to attach its aerial roots to. This is the key to unlocking those huge, mature leaves.
READ MORE  Cutting Philodendron Node: Your Ultimate Guide To Easy Propagation

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Philodendron Care

Being a “Greeny Gardener” is about more than just having green plants; it’s about mindful practices. Embracing sustainable philodendron melanochrysum vs micans care is easy and rewarding.

Instead of peat-based soils, which are not a renewable resource, look for mixes that use a base of coco coir. You can also create your own incredible fertilizer by composting kitchen scraps or starting a small worm bin for nutrient-rich worm castings.

One of the greatest benefits of philodendron melanochrysum vs micans is how easy they are to propagate. Instead of buying new plants, you can take cuttings from your own, root them in water or soil, and share them with friends. It’s an eco-friendly way to spread the plant love!

Frequently Asked Questions About Philodendron Melanochrysum vs Micans

Is Philodendron melanochrysum or micans better for beginners?

Hands down, the Philodendron micans is the better choice for beginners. It is much more forgiving of inconsistent watering, is less demanding about humidity, and looks beautiful without needing a large support structure. It’s a fantastic entry point into the world of velvety plants.

Why aren’t my Melanochrysum leaves getting bigger?

The single most common reason is a lack of support. This plant has a biological trigger that tells it to produce larger leaves only when it is climbing securely. Give it a sturdy moss pole that you can keep moist, and be patient. As it attaches and climbs, you will see the new leaves get progressively larger.

Can I grow a Micans and a Melanochrysum on the same moss pole?

While you technically could, it’s not ideal. The Melanochrysum is a much more aggressive and faster climber, and it will quickly outgrow and overshadow the Micans. It’s best to give them their own separate supports to meet their individual needs.

Are both plants toxic to pets?

Yes, unfortunately, both plants are toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. They contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause oral irritation, swelling, and vomiting. It’s best to keep them in a location that is safely out of reach of curious pets.

So, Which Velvety Vine Wins Your Heart?

As we’ve seen in our deep dive into the philodendron melanochrysum vs micans comparison, there is no single “better” plant—only the plant that is better for you.

Choose the Philodendron micans if you are a beginner, have limited space, or want a lush, trailing plant that offers that velvety look with a forgiving, easy-going nature.

Choose the Philodendron melanochrysum if you are ready for a bit more of a challenge and have the space to let a magnificent climbing plant reach its full, jaw-dropping potential. It’s a commitment, but the reward is a true living work of art.

Whichever you choose, you are bringing home a plant with incredible texture and personality. Embrace the journey, listen to what your plant tells you, and enjoy the beauty it adds to your space. Go forth and grow!

Rimon Chowdhury
Latest posts by Rimon Chowdhury (see all)

Similar Posts