Image: AI generated
Philodendron Melanochrysum Plant Care
Philodendron melanochrysum Linden & André
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
The dark green (almost black) crystalline leaves show off a bright yellow vein. The yellow vein traces its’ way through the leaf to form a unique pattern. The crystalline appearance of the leaves resembles specks of gold.
Every 5–7 days
Bright indirect
70–80°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Philodendron Melanochrysum?
Water Philodendron Melanochrysum every 5–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 70–80°F (21–27°C) and 60–80% humidity. The ASPCA lists it as toxic to cats and dogs, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Philodendron Melanochrysum Native To?
What Is the Philodendron Melanochrysum?
Philodendron Melanochrysum (Philodendron melanochrysum) belongs to the Araceae family within the Philodendron genus. Philodendron Melanochrysum is native to Colombia. Philodendron Melanochrysum is also known as Black Gold Philodendron.
Philodendron Melanochrysum displays a climbing plant growth habit, reaching up to 20 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Philodendron Melanochrysum produces spathe and spadix.
Leaf size: approximately 9.8 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Philodendron Melanochrysum?
Philodendron melanochrysum requires watering every 5–7 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 5–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Philodendron Melanochrysum Need?
Philodendron Melanochrysum thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Philodendron Melanochrysum in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Philodendron Melanochrysum Prefer?
Philodendron melanochrysum grows best at temperatures of 70–80°F. Philodendron Melanochrysum prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
70–80°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Philodendron Melanochrysum?
Well-draining chunky soil. Good drainage is essential for Philodendron Melanochrysum to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Philodendron Melanochrysum?
Repot every 1-2 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Philodendron Melanochrysum?
Philodendron Melanochrysum can be propagated through stem cuttings, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to billietiae philodendron plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Philodendron Melanochrysum Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic to cats and dogs
Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center plant list, which covers Philodendron species (which includes Philodendron Melanochrysum). View the ASPCA entry
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Philodendron Melanochrysum?
Philodendron Melanochrysum is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Philodendron Melanochrysum Need?
Philodendron Melanochrysum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11b – 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11b. Philodendron Melanochrysum is native to Colombia. In cooler regions, grow Philodendron Melanochrysum as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 11b – 13b
Keep exploring plants
Philodendron Melanochrysum is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Philodendron genus — compare its care with other Philodendron species on PlantoScan.
Philodendron is part of the Araceae plant family — browse all Araceae genera and species.
Philodendron Melanochrysum thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Philodendron Species
Other Philodendron species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Philodendron melanochrysum Linden & André, family Araceae (first published in Ill. Hort. 20: 198 (1873)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record, Wikidata.
- Pet toxicity: The ASPCA lists Philodendron species (which includes Philodendron Melanochrysum) as toxic to cats and dogs. Source: ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List.
- Photo: AI-generated illustration (labelled on the image).
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 11b – 13b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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