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Each leaf emerges a bronze-green colour before maturing into a deep, dark emerald with a soft, velvety texture and striking, pale golden veins. Under bright, indirect light, the foliage almost glows, giving the plant its black gold nickname. When grown vertically on a moss pole or totem, Philodendron melanochrysum produces long, cascading vines with leaves that can reach up to 60 cm in length indoors creating a truly showstopping focal point.
With its rich texture, opulent tones, and graceful growth habit, this species is a collectors gem a perfect embodiment of tropical sophistication.
Thrives in bright, indirect light, which enhances the leafs golden shimmer and deep velvet tones. Avoid direct sunlight, which can cause scorching, but ensure sufficient brightness for healthy growth and strong variegation. East- or north-facing windows are ideal, or use a sheer curtain to filter light in brighter rooms.
Keep the soil lightly moist but not soggy. Water when the top 23 cm feels dry to the touch, allowing excess water to drain freely. In spring and summer, maintain steady moisture; in winter, reduce watering frequency slightly but never let the root ball dry out completely.
Temperature: Prefers warmth between 1828 C. Avoid temperatures below 15 C or sudden cold drafts.
Humidity: High humidity (6080%) is essential to maintain velvety foliage and prevent crisping edges. Mist regularly, use a humidifier, or place near other tropical plants to create a humid microclimate.
Use a rich, airy aroid mix that mimics its natural epiphytic environment a blend of peat-free compost, orchid bark, perlite, and coco coir works perfectly. This ensures excellent drainage while retaining moisture. Repot every 12 years in spring to refresh the substrate and encourage vigorous root growth.
Feed every 46 weeks during the growing season with a diluted, balanced liquid fertiliser or one formulated for aroids. Suspend feeding in autumn and winter. Avoid over-fertilising, which can damage the sensitive roots and leaf tips.
Prune any yellow or damaged leaves at the base to maintain an attractive shape. Wipe the leaves gently with a soft, damp cloth to remove dust and highlight their velvety sheen. Support the plant with a moss pole, coir totem, or stake to encourage vertical growth and larger leaves.
A moderately fast-growing climber, Philodendron melanochrysum can reach 1.52 metres indoors with support. Juvenile leaves are smaller and lighter in colour, while mature foliage becomes darker, larger, and more velvety. With time and care, this plant transforms into an impressive statement specimen that commands attention.
Yellowing leaves: Overwatering or poor drainage.
Brown edges: Low humidity or inconsistent watering.
Leggy growth: Insufficient light.
Pests: Occasionally affected by thrips, spider mites, or mealybugs treat with neem oil and maintain high humidity.
Discovered in Colombias Andean rainforests, Philodendron melanochrysum grows as an epiphyte, climbing trees in humid, shaded environments. Its name means black gold in Greek melano (black) and chrysum (gold) reflecting the luminous, metallic sheen of its leaves.
This Philodendron is not only a collectors favourite but also a natural air purifier, helping to remove indoor toxins and improve air quality. Symbolically, it represents growth, endurance, and inner richness making it a beautiful reminder of natural luxury and vitality.
Light: Bright, indirect light; avoid harsh direct sun
Water: Keep soil lightly moist; allow top 23 cm to dry
Temperature: 1828 C; avoid below 15 C
Humidity: High (6080%)
Soil: Aroid mix compost, perlite, orchid bark, coco coir
Feed: Every 46 weeks in spring/summer
Growth: 1.52 m climber; velvety dark green leaves with golden veins
Toxicity note: Toxic to pets and humans if ingested; may cause irritation to mouth or skin.
Philodendron melanochrysum deserves a place of honour where its velvet leaves can be appreciated up close. Train it up a moss pole in a matte black or gold ceramic planter to complement its black gold aesthetic. It pairs beautifully with other textured tropicals like Anthurium clarinervium or Philodendron micans for a sophisticated, tactile plant display. Perfect for statement corners, conservatories, or designer interiors, this Philodendron brings drama and luxury to any space.
