PHILODENDRON MELANOCHRYSUM (Philodendron melanochrysum)
Owner’s Overview & Description
The Philodendron Melanochrysum (commonly known as the Black Gold Philodendron) is the absolute definition of elite, regal luxury. This climbing velvet aroid features elongated, spade-shaped leaves that emerge as a stunning, iridescent copper-orange before maturing into a deep, near-black forest green. The leaves have a luxurious velvet texture accented by prominent, luminous pale-gold veins that trace down the center. At dirtbagplants.com, we consider this a crown jewel for any serious collector. It is an aggressive vertical climber that grows larger and more majestic with every foot it climbs, bringing a dark, sophisticated elegance into your space.
Genetic Background & Origin
Native to the humid, high-canopy tropical rainforests of Colombia, the Philodendron melanochrysum belongs to the Araceae family. In the wild, it operates as a classic tree-climbing hemiepiphyte. As a juvenile plant, its leaves are tiny, round, and look similar to a standard heartleaf variety. However, as it mounts a trunk and climbs into the bright jungle canopy, its genetics trigger a massive transformation, allowing its dramatic velvet leaves to eventually size up to three feet long.
Detailed Plant Care & Preferences
- Light: Thrives best in bright, indirect, highly diffused sunlight. The velvet leaf surface is built to trap low light but will burn, bleach, and scar instantly if exposed to harsh, direct afternoon sun. Provide strong ambient light or quality LED grow lights to maximize leaf sizing and maintain the striking contrast of its golden veins.
- Watering: Allow the top 2 to 3 inches of the chunky soil mix to dry out fully before drenching it thoroughly. It prefers a consistent, balanced moisture routine. If the substrate is kept constantly soggy, the delicate root strands will collapse and rot; conversely, letting it dry out completely will cause the new velvet tips to warp and crisp.
- Humidity & Temperature: This is a highly demanding variety that absolutely craves high ambient humidity, strictly above 65% to 70% at all times. Low humidity will cause new leaves to get stuck in their sheaths and rip as they try to unfurl. Keep temperatures warm and stable between 68°F and 85°F. Protect from all cold winter drafts.
- Soil & Substrate: Requires an ultra-chunky, premium, fast-draining aroid blend. Mix equal parts coarse orchid bark, perlite, pumice, and horticultural charcoal with only a small base of premium potting soil or coco coir to keep the root zone oxygenated.
Fertilizing Guidelines by Container Size
- 2” to 3” Rooted Starts: Give a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer at 1/4 strength once every 4 weeks during spring and summer active growth.
- 4” to 6” Pots: Apply a 1/2 strength balanced liquid fertilizer every 2 to 3 weeks from spring through late summer when the plant is pushing new growth.
- 1 Gallon to 7 Gallon Containers: Feed with half-to-full strength balanced liquid fertilizer once a month during the active growing season. Mandatory Owner’s Requirement: To unlock its signature “Black Gold” potential, you must provide a thick, sturdy, damp moss pole for its aerial roots to lock into. Vertical climbing support is the only way to trigger its leaves to size up. Never fertilize in winter.
Dislikes & Common Pitfalls
- Low Humidity & Trapped Leaves: Dry indoor air causes emerging leaves to get stuck tightly in the stem sheath. Do not rip them out forcefully; mist the sheath or drape a warm, damp paper towel over it to help it glide out.
- Lack of Support: If left to trail downward from a basket, the leaves will shrink drastically over time, lose their golden veins, and the vine will look sparse.
Safety Information (Pets & Humans)
- Highly Toxic to Cats, Dogs, and Humans. Packed with insoluble calcium oxalate crystals throughout its foliage and thick stems. Chewing or ingesting any part of this plant triggers severe oral pain, immediate swelling of the mouth, tongue, and throat, excessive drooling, and difficulty swallowing. Display safely on high shelves or inside enclosed plant cabinets.