Philodendron Melanochrysum Identification Guide

Key Identifying Features

Philodendron melanochrysum, the 'Black Gold' philodendron, is a climbing aroid named for its dark velvet leaves. Identify it by:

• Elongated, heart-shaped (cordate) leaves that grow long and narrow with age
• Deep blackish-green, velvety, light-absorbing surface
• Fine golden to coppery veins that shimmer against the dark blade
• Climbing vine that produces ever-larger leaves on a support

Leaves & Stems

Juvenile leaves are smaller and more rounded; mature leaves elongate dramatically, often reaching 2-3 feet long in ideal conditions, with a drip-tip point. The surface is velvety matte with a subtle iridescent sheen, and pale gold or bronze veins run in a fine network. New leaves often emerge with a pinkish or coppery flush. The plant is a true climber: stems have noticeable internodal spacing and aerial roots, and leaf size increases as it ascends a moss pole. Petioles are rounded and slightly rough.

Flowers & Fruit

As an aroid it can produce a spathe-and-spadix inflorescence, but flowering is rare in cultivation and not ornamentally significant. The plant is grown almost entirely for foliage.

How to Tell It Apart from Look-Alikes

• Philodendron micans: also velvety with similar coloring, but leaves stay small and heart-shaped and the plant trails rather than producing huge elongated climbing leaves.
• Philodendron verrucosum: velvety too, but has a bristly, hairy petiole and broader heart leaves with pale-green veins, plus a reddish underside.
• Philodendron 'Splendid': a hybrid of melanochrysum x verrucosum, intermediate in form with broader leaves.
• Philodendron gigas: velvety dark leaves but broader and less elongated.

The long, narrow, velvety blackish leaf with gold veins on a climbing vine is the signature.

Where You'll Find It

Native to Colombia's humid forests, it climbs tree trunks as an epiphyte. As a houseplant it needs a moss pole or board to climb, high humidity, warmth, and bright indirect light to develop its large mature leaves. You will find it in collector circles and specialty shops, typically sold as a young plant before leaves elongate.

Quick ID Checklist

• Velvety, blackish-green leaves
• Elongated heart shape (long & narrow when mature)
• Fine gold/bronze veins
• Coppery new-leaf flush
• Climbing vine with aerial roots
• Leaf size increases with height on a support