Philodendron Melanochrysum
Long, velvety, near-black leaves shot with gold when the light hits them, on a climber that can reach two feet per leaf on a pole. One of the most beautiful philodendrons, and it wants humidity and something to climb.
Melanochrysum means black gold, and the name is exact: the velvet leaves are so dark they read as black, with a gold shimmer along the veins in bright light. Young plants have small leaves; give it a moss pole and humidity and the leaves lengthen dramatically with each node.
It is the climbing counterpart to the crawling gloriosum, with the same velvet and the same appetite for humidity.
Light
Bright indirect light. An east window, or near a south one out of direct sun. Medium light keeps the leaves small. Direct sun scorches the velvet.
Water
Water when the top two inches are dry, weekly in summer and every two weeks in winter. Do not let the mix stay wet; the roots prefer air.
Soil and potting
A chunky aroid mix and a moss pole kept damp. The pole is not optional if you want big leaves; the aerial roots need something to grip. Repot every eighteen months.
Feeding
A half-strength balanced feed monthly in spring and summer.
Propagation
Node cuttings with an aerial root, rooted in damp sphagnum. Keep them warm and humid.
In a hot, dry home
Humidity around fifty-five percent is the minimum for good leaves. A humidifier, a cabinet, or a bathroom with a bright window. Dry air brings small leaves, crisping and spider mites.
Problems and fixes
Small leaves
Likely cause: No pole, or low humidity
Fix: Add a damp moss pole and raise humidity.
Crispy edges
Likely cause: Low humidity
Fix: Raise humidity.
Fine webbing
Likely cause: Spider mites
Fix: Shower the leaves, treat with insecticidal soap, raise humidity.
Philodendron Melanochrysum questions
How do I get bigger leaves on my melanochrysum?
A moss pole kept damp, bright indirect light, and humidity above fifty-five percent. Each new leaf on a climbing plant comes in larger.
Is Philodendron melanochrysum toxic to pets?
Yes. Calcium oxalate crystals irritate the mouth.
What is the difference between melanochrysum and gloriosum?
Melanochrysum climbs and has long, dark leaves; gloriosum crawls and has wide, heart-shaped ones. Both are velvet and want the same humidity.
