The Ultimate Care Guide for Philodendron Melanochrysum: Velvety Black Gold
The mesmerizing velvety leaves of Philodendron melanochrysum, with their dramatic dark green coloration highlighted by golden veins, make this tropical beauty a showstopper in any indoor plant collection. Often called the Black Gold Philodendron, this climbing aroid rewards plant enthusiasts with some of the most luxurious foliage in the plant kingdom. Despite its exotic appearance, this philodendron can thrive in your home with the right care approach.
Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Hardiness | Zones 9b-11 |
| Plant Type | Tropical perennial, climbing vine |
| Plant Family | Araceae |
| Genus | Philodendron |
| Common Names | Black Gold Philodendron, Velvet Leaf Philodendron |
| Exposure | Bright indirect light |
| Season of Interest | Year-round foliage |
| Height | 3-6 ft indoors, up to 20 ft in natural habitat |
| Spread | 2-3 ft |
| Maintenance | Medium |
| Water Needs | Medium to high |
| Soil Type | Well-draining, airy mix |
| Soil pH | 5.5-7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral) |
| Soil Drainage | Well-draining |
| Characteristics | Velvety leaves, climbing habit, air-purifying |
| Garden Uses | Indoor statement plant, conservatories, tropical gardens |
| Garden Styles | Tropical, jungle-inspired, collector's garden |
Why Grow Philodendron Melanochrysum?
This rare philodendron isn't just a pretty face – it offers several compelling reasons to add it to your collection:
- Extraordinary Foliage: The velvety, nearly black leaves with contrasting golden veins create dramatic visual interest unlike any other houseplant.
- Air Purification: Like many philodendrons, it helps remove toxins from indoor air.
- Adaptable Growth: Can be trained on a moss pole to climb or allowed to cascade from a hanging basket.
- Conversation Starter: Its rarity and stunning appearance make it a focal point that visitors will invariably comment on.
Where Will This Plant Thrive?
Perfect For:
✅ Bright, Humid Spaces – Bathrooms with windows, kitchens, or areas near humidifiers provide ideal conditions.
✅ Plant Collectors' Displays – Makes an impressive centerpiece in a collection of rare tropical plants.
✅ Warm Climate Indoor/Outdoor Transitions – Can move to protected patios in summer in zones 9b-11.
Not Suitable For:
🚫 Low Light Conditions – Will lose its vibrant coloration and growth vigor in dim spaces.
🚫 Dry Environments – Struggles in homes with very low humidity without supplementation.
🚫 Cold Drafts – Sensitive to temperature fluctuations below 60°F.
Planting Guide
When to Plant
Any time of year is suitable for repotting or propagating, though spring and summer's active growth periods are ideal.
What You'll Need
✅ Well-draining aroid potting mix (or create your own with 1 part potting soil, 1 part orchid bark, 1 part perlite, and ½ part charcoal)
✅ A pot with drainage holes
✅ Moss pole or trellis for climbing support
✅ Gloves (sap can irritate sensitive skin)
✅ Humidity tray or humidifier
Step-by-Step Process
From a Cutting:
- Select a healthy stem with at least one node and preferably an aerial root.
- Cut just below a node using sterilized pruning shears.
- Place in water or moist sphagnum moss until roots develop (usually 3-4 weeks).
- Once roots reach 1-2 inches, plant in aroid mix, positioning the node just below the soil surface.
- Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy during establishment.
Repotting Established Plants:
- Choose a pot 1-2 inches larger than the current container.
- Gently remove the plant, loosening bound roots.
- Position in the new pot at the same depth as before.
- Fill with fresh aroid mix, tamping gently around the roots.
- Water thoroughly and place in bright indirect light.
💡 Adaptation Tip: If you struggle with maintaining humidity, consider growing your melanochrysum in a terrarium or under a glass cloche to create a microclimate.
Essential Care
Water
💧 Keep soil consistently moist but never soggy. Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil feels dry to the touch. Reduce watering in winter when growth slows. Melanochrysum is more sensitive to underwatering than many other philodendrons, so don't let it dry out completely.
Light
☀️ Thrives in bright, indirect light. Morning sun is beneficial, but protect from harsh afternoon rays which can scorch the delicate leaves. In lower light, leaves will grow smaller and lose their distinctive coloration. Rotate the plant regularly for even growth.
Humidity
💦 Requires 60-80% humidity for optimal growth and to prevent crispy leaf edges. Use a pebble tray, group with other plants, or employ a humidifier in dry environments. Regular misting can help but isn't a substitute for ambient humidity.
Temperature
🌡️ Prefers consistent temperatures between 65-85°F (18-29°C). Protect from drafts, air conditioning vents, and temperatures below 60°F (15°C).
Soil & Feeding
🌱 Plant in a chunky, well-aerated aroid mix that retains some moisture while allowing excess water to drain. Feed monthly during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength. Reduce or eliminate feeding in fall and winter.
Seasonal Care
🌱 Spring
- Resume regular watering and feeding schedule as growth picks up.
- Inspect for new growth and provide climbing support if needed.
- Ideal time for repotting or propagation.
☀️ Summer
- Monitor humidity levels closely, especially in air-conditioned environments.
- Shield from intense afternoon sun.
- Watch for pest activity, which increases in warm weather.
🍂 Fall
- Gradually reduce watering and feeding as growth slows.
- Bring outdoor plants inside before temperatures drop below 60°F.
- Clean leaves to maximize light absorption as days shorten.
❄️ Winter
- Maintain humidity while reducing watering frequency.
- Keep away from cold windows and drafts.
- Hold off on fertilizing until spring.
- Monitor for pests, which can proliferate on indoor plants during winter.
Problem-Solving
| Problem | Likely Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow leaves | Overwatering or poor drainage | Allow soil to dry more between waterings; check for root rot; improve drainage |
| Brown leaf edges | Low humidity or fertilizer burn | Increase humidity; flush soil if overfertilized |
| Pale, small new leaves | Insufficient light | Move to brighter location; consider supplemental grow lights |
| Leggy growth | Reaching for light | Rotate plant regularly; provide more even lighting |
| Pests (spider mites, mealybugs) | Dry conditions, stressed plant | Increase humidity; treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap; isolate affected plants |
Working With Nature
While primarily a houseplant in most regions, Philodendron melanochrysum contributes to your indoor ecosystem in several ways:
- Air Purification: Removes formaldehyde and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from indoor air.
- Biodiversity: As part of the Araceae family, it represents important tropical rainforest biodiversity, helping raise awareness of conservation needs.
- Humidity Enhancement: Large leaves release moisture through transpiration, slightly improving air quality in dry indoor environments.
Reader Success Story
📖 "After struggling with several 'easy' houseplants, I was hesitant to try something as exotic as melanochrysum. But its care requirements actually helped me create a better environment for all my plants! The humidity tray and consistent watering schedule I established for my Black Gold benefited my entire collection. Now it's the crown jewel of my plant shelf with leaves bigger than my hand!" – Maya, Portland
Growing Beyond
🌿 Try These Companion Plants:
- Philodendron Gloriosum (Philodendron gloriosum) – Another velvety-leaved philodendron with similar care needs
- Pink Princess Philodendron (Philodendron erubescens 'Pink Princess') – Adds variegated color contrast with similar care requirements
- Anthurium Clarinervium (Anthurium clarinervium) – Complements with heart-shaped, velvety leaves that enjoy similar conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why aren't my melanochrysum leaves developing the golden veins?
A: Insufficient light is the most common cause. Move to a brighter location with indirect light, and ensure adequate humidity.
Q: How often should I repot my Philodendron melanochrysum?
A: Every 1-2 years, or when roots begin circling the pot. The best time is spring or early summer during active growth.
Q: Can I grow melanochrysum without a moss pole?
A: Yes, but it naturally wants to climb. Without support, it will grow more horizontally and may not develop the impressive leaf size of climbing specimens.
Q: Is Philodendron melanochrysum toxic?
A: Yes, like all philodendrons, it contains calcium oxalate crystals that are toxic if ingested. Keep away from pets and children.