Philodendron Melanochrysum

The Black Gold Philodendron — a name that captures both the deep, near-black coloration of mature leaves and the golden iridescence that shimmers across their surface in good indirect light, and one of the most evocative and accurate plant common names in the collector aroid world. Native to the humid montane forests of Colombia and Ecuador, Philodendron melanochrysum is a hemiepiphytic climber that produces what many collectors consider the single most beautiful mature leaf of any climbing philodendron — large, elongated, deeply velvety, and extraordinarily dark, with a near-black to very deep forest green surface that reveals a subtle golden-green iridescence as the viewing angle changes. The venation is pale to golden-green, running at a pronounced angle from the midrib — more moody and atmospheric than graphic, a quiet counterpoint to the dark surface. New leaves emerge in spectacular saturated orange-bronze to copper coloration before fading through warm tones to the extraordinary dark velvet of maturity. Leaf size increases dramatically with vertical climbing, with well-supported mature specimens producing leaves exceeding 24 inches in length.

• Light: Bright but soft indirect light — direct sun bleaches the characteristic near-black coloration, while insufficient light reduces the golden iridescence and slows growth significantly.

• Soil: Very chunky, open aroid mix of orchid bark, perlite, and coco coir; excellent drainage and root aeration are essential.

• Temperature/Humidity: Warm temperatures between 65-80°F; humidity of 60-70% supports the best velvet texture and cleanest leaf emergence.

• Watering: Allow the top 1-2" of medium to dry between waterings; water thoroughly and drain completely. Never waterlog.

• Fertilizer: Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4 weeks during active growth; supplement with calcium and magnesium for best leaf quality. Reduce in winter.