Philodendron Melanochrysum Care: The Black Gold Philodendron

Philodendron melanochrysum is one of the most dramatic philodendrons you can grow. The leaves are massive, heart-shaped, and nearly black with metallic gold veins that catch the light. The velvety texture makes you want to touch every leaf.

It is a climbing philodendron native to Colombian rainforests, so it needs a moss pole, high humidity, and patience. This is not a beginner plant, but if you can meet its needs, it is absolutely worth it.

Quick Care Summary

  • Light: Bright, indirect light (no direct sun)
  • Water: When top 2 inches of soil are dry
  • Humidity: 60 to 80 percent (high)
  • Support: Needs a moss pole or trellis to climb
  • Biggest challenge: High humidity requirements

Light

Philodendron melanochrysum needs bright, indirect light to maintain its dark coloration and large leaf size.

Best light:

  • East-facing window with filtered light
  • A few feet back from a south or west window
  • Grow lights if natural light is insufficient

Signs of too little light:

  • Smaller leaves
  • Lighter green color (loses the black)
  • Slow growth

Signs of too much light:

  • Faded, washed-out leaves
  • Brown, crispy edges

Watering

Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.

How to water:

  1. Check the top 2 inches of soil
  2. If dry, water thoroughly until it drains
  3. Empty the saucer

Typical schedule:

  • Growing season (spring/summer): Every 5 to 7 days
  • Dormant season (fall/winter): Every 10 to 14 days

Melanochrysum is more forgiving of slight overwatering than underwatering, but root rot is still a risk.

Humidity

This is where most people struggle. Melanochrysum needs high humidity.

Ideal humidity: 60 to 80 percent.

How to increase humidity:

  • Use a humidifier (best option)
  • Place in a humid room (bathroom with a window)
  • Group with other tropical plants
  • Pebble tray (helps slightly)

Signs of low humidity:

  • Brown, crispy leaf edges
  • Smaller new leaves
  • Leaves curling inward

Misting does not work. It only raises humidity for a few minutes.

Soil and Pot

Philodendron melanochrysum needs well-draining but moisture-retentive soil.

Best soil mix:

  • 40% potting soil
  • 30% orchid bark
  • 20% perlite
  • 10% peat moss or coco coir

Pot requirements:

  • Must have drainage holes
  • Not too large (one size up when repotting)

Support Structure (Critical)

Melanochrysum is a climbing philodendron. It NEEDS vertical support to grow properly.

Best support options:

  • Moss pole (coco coir or sphagnum moss)
  • Wooden plank wrapped in moss
  • DIY PVC pole covered in coco liner

How to train it:

  1. Insert the pole deep into the soil when planting
  2. Gently tie the stem to the pole with soft ties
  3. Keep the moss pole moist (spray it when watering)
  4. Aerial roots will attach naturally

Without a pole, the leaves will stay small and the plant will trail instead of climb.

Temperature

Philodendron melanochrysum is tropical.

  • Temperature: 65 to 80 F
  • Avoid: Cold drafts, temperatures below 60 F

Fertilizer

Feed during the growing season.

  • Fertilize every 2 to 4 weeks in spring and summer
  • Use diluted liquid fertilizer (half strength)
  • Skip fertilizing in fall and winter

Propagating Philodendron Melanochrysum

Propagation is possible but slow.

How to propagate:

  1. Cut below a node (the bump where roots grow)
  2. Include at least one leaf
  3. Root in water or sphagnum moss
  4. Wait 4 to 8 weeks for roots
  5. Transplant to soil when roots are 2 to 3 inches long

Melanochrysum cuttings are expensive and root slowly, so be patient.

Common Problems

Small leaves

Not enough light or no vertical support. Move to brighter light and add a moss pole.

Brown leaf edges

Low humidity. Increase humidity with a humidifier.

Yellow leaves

Overwatering or poor drainage. Let soil dry slightly between waterings and check drainage.

Pests

Spider mites love this plant, especially in dry conditions. Inspect leaves weekly and wipe them down regularly.

Why This Plant Is Worth the Effort

Philodendron melanochrysum is high-maintenance, but the reward is unmatched. When conditions are right, it produces massive, velvety black leaves that shimmer gold in the light. It is a showstopper.

If you are new to high-humidity plants, start with Philodendron micans or Brasil first. But if you are ready for a challenge, melanochrysum is unforgettable.

What To Do Next

  • If you love rare philodendrons, try Philodendron gloriosum or Philodendron verrucosum next
  • If melanochrysum is too fussy, try Philodendron Brasil or micans instead
  • If your leaves stay small, add a moss pole and move to brighter light
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