Philodendron Melanochrysum: Black Gold Philodendron Plant Care

Black Gold Philodendron (Philodendron Melanochrysum) is a vining houseplant that can grow taller than 3 to 5 feet (indoors) and up to 12 feet (outdoors).

With its dark green leaves and gold flowers, this plant is perfect for adding color and texture to any room.

Black Gold Philodendron care is not difficult, but there are a few things you need to know in order to keep this plant healthy and happy.

What is a Philodendron Melanochrysum?

Philodendron melanochrysum, also known as Black Gold Philodendron or Melano Plant, is a vining houseplant with dark velvety leaves.

Young incoming leaves are at first scarlet or brown. But as the plant matures, they develop a bronzy color before finally turning deep green.

The leaves are heart-shaped, dark green with creamy yellow or pale green veins.

Because of its dark-colored foliage, the name Melanochrysum originates from the Greek words melano and chrysum meaning black and golden, respectively—thus the common name of Black Gold Philodendron

Philodendron Melanochrysum care is easy once established. Each leaf can reach a maximum length of 24 inches (60 cm).

It reaches heights and widths of twelve feet and eight feet as an outdoor garden plant.

But you will mostly find it as an indoor potted plant where it reaches a maximum height of three and five feet and a width of two feet.

In the summer season, greenish-white flowers will adorn your plant.

Some growers do not find these green spathe blooms attractive, so they prune them right away to conserve plant energy.

How to Care for Philodendron Melanochrysum Plants

Philodendron melanochrysum need care like and other philodendron plant.

They require a moderate amount of light and need to be watered regularly. If you notice the leaves wilting or drooping, it may be time to water your philodendron plant more frequently.

It is also important to propagate philodendrons by rooting new stems from root cuttings taken in late winter or early spring.

Repotting your philodendron every two years will help it grow healthy and full-sized.

Finally, prune off damaged or spindly stems in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins.

Read on for more detailed information on how to care for Black Gold Philodendron plants.

Temperature and Climate

Black Gold philodendron plants should be grown in temperatures ranging from 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 27 degrees Celsius).

Philodendron melanochrysum can be planted outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b.

As for humidity, this tropical plant appreciates a high humidity climate.

If you grow it with a moss pole, you can spray the moss now and then to increase the humidity. Adding a pebble tray underneath the pot also works for increasing humidity.

Light

Philodendron Melanochrysum prefers growing under partial sunlight or bright shade because, as an understory plant in the tropical forest, it receives indirect light through the trees and other large plants.

However, when grown indoors, Philodendron melanochrysum plants need the same type of light as outdoors—indirect, bright light.

Do not allow the plant to sit in direct sunlight for too long because that will damage the velvety leaves.

If your house does not have sufficient natural light, you can use grow lights as an alternative.

But grow lights should be placed at a distance so as to avoid burning the leaves.

Watering

Philodendron melanochrysum needs moist soil (not waterlogged) to grow its velvety leaves and thrive.

There is no fixed time to water your potted Black Gold Philodendron, but a simple rule is to water it when 2-3 inches of soil are dry.

This usually takes five to seven days, depending on the weather and temperature.

The amount of sunlight also impacts the watering schedule of Philodendron Melanochrysum.

To avoid root rot, use a pot with drainage holes and a tray at the bottom. You can keep adding water until it starts coming out from the drainage hole.

Wait for a few minutes after watering to collect and drain excess water.

Soil and Fertilizer

Loamy or sandy potting mixes are best for Black Gold Philodendron plants.

In addition, the soil should be well-draining, be able to stay moist and the soil pH should be slightly acidic.

You can enhance the potting mix by adding organic soil amendments like peat moss.

Alternatively, Philodendron melanochrysum plants can also grow and trhive in sphagnum peat moss because it’s organic, has nutrients, and has excellent water retention properties.

Peat moss has pockets of air that ensure good air circulation and oxygen supply for the root system.

Lastly, DIY potting mix can be created using three simple ingredients in equal parts: sphagnum peat moss, potting soil, and perlite.

This plant needs nutrients in the soil throughout the growth cycle, and therefore, you need to fertilize it during the growing season.

You can use a balanced houseplant fertilizer in liquid form once every month or use a slow-release fertilizer.

We highly suggest this slow-release fertilizer that is made for houseplants. It’s super simple to use, and you don’t need to worry about it once you set it in the soil.

Pests and Diseases

Pests that affect Philodendron Melanochrysum plants are mealybugs, scales, red spider mites, and fungus gnats.

In general, all these pests will feed on the foliage and plant juices and make your Philodendron weak.

All these pests infest Black Gold Philodendrons because the soil is overwatered or the foliage remains wet for too long.

Overwatering can also lead to plant diseases such as root rot, fungal infections, and bacterial leaf spot.

To combat both pests and fungal plant infections, use a Neem oil spray.

Neem oil can be used as both a pesticide and a fungicide in the garden.

We suggest this particular Neem oil spray. It’s nothing fancy, but we’ve used it on our pest infestations and it works very well.

Repotting

If the roots of your Philodendron Melanochrysum plant are growing out of the drainage hole, it needs to be repotted.

Repotting should be done in spring or summer so that the plant can better adjust to the new environment.

You can add a trellis or moss pole to the pot to train them as climbing plants. As the plant grows, the aerial roots will start attaching to the moss pole.

If you’re looking for a moss pole, we like this particular moss pole. It’s worked with all our trailing and climbing plants. Plus, they’re made out of coco coir, so you know it’s organic.

Propagation

The easiest method to propagate Philodendron Melanochrysum plants is by stem cuttings.

In fact, you can utilize the leftover cuttings after pruning your Black Gold Philodendron.

Start by choosing the healthiest stem on the mother plant with the leaf node.

Trim this section using clean pruning scissors. Make sure the tools are sharp to avoid damage.

You can take multiple cuttings if you have a bushy Philodendron Melanochrysum Plant.

All the leaves in the bottom section of the stem cutting should be removed; however, each cutting should have at least 1-2 leaves on the top.

For water propagation, submerge the lower part of the Philodendron Melanochrysum cutting in water, and for soil propagation, bury it in a well-draining soil mixture such as sphagnum moss.

The stem cutting needs light to grow, so place the jar or pot in a spot with bright, indirect sunlight.

The root development should take two to three weeks.

But once the watery roots are about 1 inch long, it’s recommended to transfer the cutting to the soil to have a healthy plant.

Keep the soil moist to help the cutting grow new leaves.

As an aside, if you’re having issues propagating your plant, try using some rooting hormones. Rooting hormones help new cutting develop roots faster. We suggest this particular rooting hormone. We’ve used it in the past and it seems to work every time because we see roots sprouting.

FAQ

Conclusion

Philodendron melanochrysum needs regular watering, warmth, and filtered sunlight to replicate its natural habitat.

The velvet leaves in shades of brown and green make this plant a decorative houseplant.

Lastly, Black Gold Philodendron plants are considered toxic and may cause skin irritation. Therefore, handle it carefully and watch out if you have pets in the house.

Other Philodendron Plants to Consider

Philodendron plants come in a variety of shapes and sizes, making them a popular houseplant choice. Here is a list of other Philodendron plants to consider for your home, office, or outdoor garden.

• Philodendron Types: Most Popular Varieties to Grow
• Indoor Vining Plants for Giving Your Home a Jungle Vibe

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