How to Grow and Care for Philodendron Melanochrysum

Philodendron melanochrysum, commonly known as black-gold philodendron, is a rare type of vining philodendron that has become popular as a houseplant due to its gorgeous, large, velvety deep green foliage with contrasting yellow veins. Philodendron melanochrysum grows best in warm, tropical conditions and requires dappled sunlight, moist and acidic soil, and higher-than-average humidity. The plant is toxic to humans and animals.

Philodendron Melanochrysum Care

Here are the main care requirements for growing a Philodendron melanochrysum.

• Place the plant in a spot that receives dappled sunlight, not direct light.
• Choose rich, organic, well-draining soil.
• Schedule regular and thorough waterings.
• Give a maturing plant a structure to climb, such as a moss pole or trellis.
• Cut off the rare green flower spathe (if you ever see one) to redirect the plant's energy back to its beautiful foliage; this plant is grown for its velvet foliage.

Light

Philodendron melanochrysum naturally grows as a forest understory plant where it receives dappled, indirect light. When grown indoors, it is best to try and replicate these conditions by choosing a location for your melanochrysum that receives bright, indirect light. Avoid exposing this tropical plant to prolonged periods of direct sunlight as the leaves can burn easily. 

Soil

When it comes to choosing the right potting medium for your Philodendron melanochrysum, stick to mixtures that are well-draining but moist, and high in organic content. Many growers choose to grow their Philodendron melanochrysums in pure sphagnum moss as it is organic, airy, and retains water well. Alternatively, you can make your own soil mixture at home by combining 1 part peat moss, 1 part perlite, and 1 part orchid bark mix.

Water

These tropical plants require regular watering to grow well. As a general rule, you should water your Philodendron melanochrysum once the top 2 to 3 inches of soil have dried out. Water your plant thoroughly until water drains from the pot’s drainage holes.

Temperature and Humidity

Philodendron melanochrysum grows well in standard household temperature and humidity levels. However, they grow best in above-average humidity where possible. The plant will appreciate it if you have a greenhouse or can place it near a humidifier.

Fertilizer

Nutrient-rich soil is important to the health of the Philodendron melanochrysum, and it benefits from regular fertilization during its active growing period. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month from the early spring to the late summer.

Types of Philodendron Melanochrysum

You will find two popular hybrids of Philodendron melanochrysum:

• Philodendron 'Glorious': This is a hybrid of Philodendron gloriosum x Philodendron melanochrysum; it has velvety leaves and white veins.
• Philodendron 'Splendid': Philodendron verrucosum x Philodendron melanochrysum creates a plant with velvety leaves that have an iridescent sheen.

Pruning

Regular pruning is usually not necessary when these plants are grown indoors but occasional pruning may be required if your plant is getting too large for your space. In addition, you may need to snip off spent or damaged leaves.

Propagating Philodendron Melanochrysum

As with most vining philodendrons, Philodendron melanochrysum is easy to propagate by stem cuttings. This is a great way to reuse any trimmings that are left over from pruning and create new plants for yourself or your friends. Here’s how you can propagate your Philodendron melanochrysum in a few easy steps:

1. Using a pair of sharp, clean scissors or pruning shears, take cuttings that have at least two nodes along the stem. 
2. Remove the bottom one to two leaves on each cutting to expose the nodes, leaving one to two leaves on the top of the cutting.
3. Place the cuttings in water, ensuring that the exposed nodes on the bottom of each stem are fully submerged, and put the cuttings in a location that receives bright, indirect light. 
4. Watch for small roots beginning to sprout from the cuttings after a couple of weeks. Once the roots are at least an inch long you can replant the stem cuttings in a pre-moistened, well-draining potting mix.
5. Return the potted cuttings to a location that receives bright, indirect light, and keep the soil consistently moist for the first one to two weeks after planting to help the cuttings acclimate. 
6. Cut back on watering after a couple of weeks and let the soil partially dry out between waterings.

Potting and Repotting Philodendron Melanochrysum

Philodendron melanochrysum has a moderate growth rate (about 6 to 12 inches per year) so you may need to repot your plant every two to three years or when the plant doubles in size. Philodendron melanochrysum somewhat tolerates being root-bound but needs a larger pot when the roots stick through the drainage holes. Fill a pot one size up with the proper new well-draining potting medium to give your plant fresh nutrients. Repot philodendrons in the late spring or early summer to minimize transplant shock and give it room for growth.

Common Pests & Plant Diseases

When grown indoors, Philodendron melanochrysum is relatively well-protected from most pests and diseases. That being said, look for signs of common houseplant pests such as scale, mealybugs, fungus gnats, aphids, and spider mites. Insecticidal soaps can usually solve a mild pest problem.

Watch for diseases, such as root rot, which occurs from overwatering. Bacterial leaf spots and other fungal infections can begin to appear as brown or yellow spots on the leaves. Prevent fungal problems by carefully watering the plant from the bottom rather than from the top so the leaves stay dry. Treat mild fungal issues with neem oil, which won't cure it but will prevent the problem from spreading.

Common Problems With Philodendron Melanochrysum

Common problems with Philodendron melanochrysum are usually a result of improper lighting or watering. Luckily, the plant is resilient and if the issue is caught early enough, it is likely to make a full recovery.

Yellowing or Mushy Leaves

Overwatering is the most common cause of mushy or yellowing leaves on a Philodendron melanochrysum. Cut off any affected leaves and allow the top couple of inches of soil to dry out between waterings. 

Browning Leaves

Brown, crispy leaves are usually an indication that your plant is not receiving enough moisture, or it is getting too much direct light and becoming sunburnt. Sometimes, however, older leaves turning brown and falling off are just a natural part of the leaf's life cycle and it is not a cause for concern. It's a larger cause for concern if you notice newer leaves developing brown spots.

Leggy Growth

Leggy growth is a common issue for many vining plants, and it is an indication that your plant is not receiving enough light. Choose a spot that receives at least six to seven hours of bright, direct sunlight.