Philodendron Melanochrysum

The Black Gold Philodendron — a common 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 at elevations from roughly 300 to 1,200 meters, Philodendron melanochrysum is a hemiepiphytic climber that produces what many collectors consider the single most beautiful mature leaf of any climbing philodendron in cultivation — large, elongated, deeply velvety, and extraordinarily dark, with a near-black to very deep forest green surface that in changing light reveals a subtle golden-green iridescence that shifts and moves as the viewing angle changes. The venation is pale to golden-green, running at a pronounced angle from the midrib and visible as a quiet counterpoint to the dark surface rather than as the high-contrast white venation of crystallinum or magnificum — the effect is more moody and atmospheric than graphic, a different aesthetic entirely. New leaves emerge in a spectacular, saturated orange-bronze to copper coloration that is among the most vivid emergent colorations of any philodendron, fading through warm tones to the extraordinary dark velvet of maturity over the course of days — a transition that is one of the great pleasures of growing this species. Leaf size increases dramatically with vertical climbing and overall plant maturity — a well-supported mature climbing specimen produces leaves that can exceed 24 inches in length, substantially larger than what unsupported juvenile plants suggest is possible.

A tall moss pole or climbing support is the single most impactful intervention available to the melanochrysum grower — leaf size, velvet quality, and the characteristic dark iridescent coloration all develop most fully as the plant climbs, and the difference between a supported and unsupported plant at the same age is dramatic. Provide bright but soft indirect light; the dark velvet surface is sensitive to direct harsh sun which bleaches and dulls the characteristic near-black coloration, but insufficient light reduces the golden iridescence and slows growth significantly. Water when the top 1-2" of medium approaches dryness in a very chunky, open aroid mix of orchid bark, perlite, and coco coir — excellent drainage and root aeration are essential. Humidity of 60-70% supports the best velvet texture and cleanest leaf emergence. Maintain warm temperatures between 65-80°F. Toxic to humans and pets if ingested.