Philodendron Melanochrysum

If you’re looking for a truly stunning houseplant, the philodendron melanochrysum is a top contender. This exotic and velvety beauty is known for its breathtaking, dark-green leaves that have a shimmering, almost metallic quality.

It’s a plant that feels both luxurious and wild, bringing a piece of the tropical rainforest right into your home. While it has a reputation for being a bit fussy, with the right know-how, you can help it thrive. Let’s look at everything you need to grow a healthy, spectacular philodendron melanochrysum.

Often called the “Black Gold Philodendron,” this plant is a climber from the rainforests of Colombia. Its name comes from its stunning foliage: ‘melano’ means black and ‘chrysum’ means gold, referring to the contrast in its leaves. Young leaves start a bronze color with prominent light-green veins, deepening to a near-black green with a golden sheen as they mature.

What Makes Its Leaves So Velvety?

The secret is in tiny, microscopic hairs on the leaf surface. These hairs give the leaves their soft, plush texture and help the plant in its native environment. They can trap moisture and even offer some protection. This velvety feel is a key part of its charm but also means you should be careful when handling and cleaning the leaves.

Philodendron Melanochrysum vs. Similar Plants

It’s easy to mix up with a couple of other popular philodendrons. Here’s how to tell them apart:

Philodendron Micans: Has smaller, heart-shaped leaves with a more bronzy-purple velvety texture. It’s a much faster and easier grower.
Philodendron Verrucosum: Also velvety, but has lighter green leaves with dramatic, deep red or purple backsides and fuzzy stems.
Philodendron Melanochrysum: Has larger, more elongated leaves (can reach over 2 feet indoors!) with that distinctive gold veining on a dark background. The velvet is dense and the leaf shape is more slender.

Essential Care Requirements

To mimic its natural habitat, you’ll need to focus on a few key elements. Getting these right is the difference between a plant that merely survives and one that flourishes.

Light: Bright but Indirect is Key

This plant grows under the canopy in nature, so it never gets direct sun. Direct sunlight will scorch its beautiful leaves quickly. Aim for:

A spot near an east-facing window.
A few feet back from a south or west-facing window, filtered by a sheer curtain.
Under a grow light for 10-12 hours a day if natural light is low.

If the leaves are small or the plant is stretching out leggy, it needs more light. If you see yellow or brown crispy patches, it’s getting to much direct sun.

Watering: The Most Common Challenge

Overwatering is the fastest way to harm your melanochrysum. Its roots need oxygen and can rot in soggy soil.

Use the “finger test.” Stick your finger about 2 inches into the soil.
Water thoroughly only when the top 2 inches feel dry.
Water until it runs freely from the drainage holes, and empty the saucer afterward.
Reduce watering frequency in the winter when growth slows.

A moisture meter can be a helpful tool if your unsure. Remember, its better to underwater slightly than overwater.

Soil and Potting Needs

Fast-draining, airy soil is non-negotiable. A standard houseplant mix will hold to much moisture. Make your own perfect blend by mixing:

40% high-quality potting soil
40% orchid bark (for chunkiness and aeration)
20% perlite or pumice (for drainage)
A handful of horticultural charcoal is also beneficial to keep the soil fresh.

Always use a pot with drainage holes. Aroid-specific mixes are also a great, ready-made option.

Humidity: The Higher, The Better

As a tropical plant, it loves humidity—aim for 60% or higher. Low humidity can cause brown, crispy leaf edges.

Use a humidifier nearby (most effective method).
Place the pot on a pebble tray filled with water (ensure the pot isn’t sitting in the water).
Group it with other humidity-loving plants.
Keep it out of the direct path of heating or air conditioning vents.

A bathroom with a window can be an ideal spot because of the steam from showers.

Supporting Its Growth Habit

This is a natural climber. In the wild, it uses its aerial roots to attach to tree trunks. Providing a support will encourage larger, healthier leaves.

Moss Pole: The best option. The aerial roots can attach to it and absorb moisture from the moss, mimicking its natural growth.
Coco Coir Pole or Wooden Plank: Also good options, though they may need to be kept moist for the roots to attach well.

Gently tie the main stem to the pole with soft plant ties or twine as it grows. You’ll notice the leaves get bigger as it climbs upward.

Feeding and Fertilizing

Feed your plant during its active growing season (spring and summer).

Use a balanced, liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength.
Apply every 4-6 weeks.
Stop fertilizing in fall and winter when growth naturally slows.

Over-fertilizing can damage the roots, so when in doubt, use less. Flushing the soil with plain water every few months can prevent salt buildup.

Common Problems and Solutions

Even with great care, you might encounter an issue. Here’s how to troubleshoot.

Yellowing Leaves

This can have a few causes:

Overwatering: Most common cause. Check soil moisture and ensure proper drainage.
Underwatering: Less common, but possible if the plant is bone dry for to long.
Nutrient Deficiency: If older leaves yellow, it might need a light feed.
Natural Aging: It’s normal for the oldest leaf at the bottom to occasionally yellow and die off.

Brown Leaf Edges or Tips

Almost always related to low humidity or inconsistent watering. Increase humidity and stick to a more regular watering schedule based on the soil check.

Pests to Watch For

Check the velvety undersides of leaves regularly. Common pests include:

Spider Mites: Tiny specks and fine webbing. Wipe leaves with a damp cloth and use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Mealybugs: Look like small bits of cotton. Dab with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
Thrips: Cause silvery streaks on leaves. Isolate the plant and treat with an appropriate insecticide.

Early detection makes treatment much easier. Quarantine any new plants before placing them near your melanochrysum.

Propagation: How to Make More Plants

The best way to propagate is by stem cuttings. It’s best done in spring or early summer.

Choose a healthy stem with at least one node (the bump where leaves and roots grow from) and 2-3 leaves.
Cut just below a node using a clean, sharp knife or scissors.
You can root the cutting in water or moist sphagnum moss. If using water, change it weekly.
Place in bright, indirect light and wait for roots to develop (several weeks).
Once roots are a few inches long, pot the cutting into your well-draining soil mix.

Keep the humidity high for your new cutting while it establishes. Some people also have success with air layering, which is a bit more advanced.

FAQ

Is the philodendron melanochrysum rare?
It used to be very rare, but it has become more available to plant collectors in recent years. However, large, mature specimens are still less common and can be pricey.

How fast does a melanochrysum grow?
With ideal conditions (warmth, high humidity, good light), it can be a moderately fast grower during the warm months. Growth slows significantly in winter. Providing a moss pole encourages faster and larger growth.

Why are my new leaves so small?
Small leaves usually indicate insufficient light. Try moving it to a brighter spot (without direct sun). Lack of a climbing support can also result in smaller leaves.

Can I keep it in a terrarium?
While it loves humidity, a mature melanochrysum gets far to large for most terrariums. A large, sealed cabinet (an “ikea greenhouse” or cabinet) is a better option for providing high humidity to a bigger plant.

How do I clean the dusty leaves?
Gently wipe the leaves with a soft, slightly damp cloth. Support the leaf from underneath with your hand to avoid tearing. Never use leaf shine products, as they can clog the pores of velvety leaves.

Is the philodendron melanochrysum toxic?
Yes, like all philodendrons, it contains calcium oxalate crystals which are toxic to pets and humans if ingested. Keep it out of reach of curious cats, dogs, and children.

With its dramatic foliage and unique texture, the philodendron melanochrysum is a rewarding plant to care for. Paying attention to its need for indirect light, careful watering, and high humidity will allow you to enjoy its exotic and velvety presence for many years. The effort is well worth it when you see those magnificent, shimmering leaves unfurl in your home.