Philodendron Melanochrysum
Philodendron melanochrysum
A climbing philodendron famed for its long, velvety, dark blackish-green leaves shot through with golden veins. As it matures and climbs, its heart-shaped juvenile leaves elongate dramatically.
- Light
- Bright indirect light
- Water
- When top inch dries
- Difficulty
- Moderate
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Overview
Philodendron melanochrysum, the Black Gold Philodendron, is a climbing aroid celebrated for its elongated, drooping, velvety leaves in deep blackish-green with a shimmering golden-bronze iridescence.
A true climber, it produces small heart-shaped juvenile leaves that lengthen dramatically into pendant, narrow blades — sometimes two feet long — when given a moss pole to ascend. It is a sought-after collector's plant.
How to identify it
- Leaves: Long, narrow, heart-shaped, with a velvety matte surface
- Color: Dark blackish-green with contrasting golden to coppery veins and an iridescent sheen
- Size: Leaves can reach 12–24+ in on mature, climbing plants
- Habit: Vining climber; leaves elongate and droop as it matures
- Petioles: Long, somewhat fuzzy
Care & growing
Light: Bright, indirect light; protect from direct sun.
Water: Water when the top inch of soil dries; keep lightly moist but not soggy.
Soil: Chunky, airy aroid mix with bark, perlite, and coco coir.
Humidity & temp: Prefers 60%+ humidity and warmth (65–80°F).
Support: Give it a moss pole — climbing produces the largest, most dramatic leaves.
Feeding: Balanced fertilizer monthly in the growing season.
Propagation: Stem cuttings with a node root readily.
Habitat & origin
Native to the tropical rainforests of Colombia, where it climbs tree trunks as an epiphytic vine in warm, humid, shaded conditions.
It is grown worldwide as a prized indoor climbing plant, performing best with high humidity and a vertical support to climb.
Frequently asked questions
Why are my Melanochrysum's new leaves small?
Without a support to climb, leaves stay small. Give it a moss pole and good humidity and the leaves will progressively enlarge and elongate.
How is it different from Philodendron micans?
Both are velvety, but melanochrysum has much larger, elongated leaves and a true climbing habit, while micans is a smaller, trailing plant.
Why are the leaf edges browning?
Usually low humidity or inconsistent watering. Raise humidity above 60% and keep soil evenly moist.
Philodendron Melanochrysum guides
In-depth guides for identifying, growing, and caring for Philodendron Melanochrysum.
