Philodendron melanochrysum care infographicThe Philodendron melanochrysum plant is by far the finest species of Philodendron. It is considered one of the best climbing plants.

The velvety blackish-green leaves create a striking display and the heart-shaped foliage grows big. Younger plants have copper-red leaves and grow into spectacular plants.

What Is Philodendron Melanochrysum?

Philodendron melanochrysum is a species of flowering plant from the Aracease family. It is native to the wet foothills of Colombia, where it grows about five hundred meters above sea level.

The provinces of Choco and Antioquia enjoy the cultivation of this popular ornamental plant. Besides South America, Europeans have been growing Philodendron melanochrysum since 1886.

It is called the best climbing foliage for a conservatory. The striking black and gold foliage have heart-shaped leaves. The leaves are broader and have hints of copper-red when they are small and young.

The Black Gold of Houseplants

The velvety shine on the dark leaves highlights the pale green veins.

Philodendron melanochrysum flowers appear rarely, and usually, they are removed. It is grown against a moss pole in a humid environment. It likes to be watered when it is mature and enjoys a monthly liquid feed. Cut down on watering in winters.

It is sensitive to pests like scales and red spider mites. The damage can be controlled and avoided by inspection and natural methods. The Philodendron melanochrysum is a gorgeous tropical plant to grow at home. With the right care, you can grow a robust vine that is worth keeping.

Philodendron Melanochrysum Plant Care Guide

The care for Philodendron melanochrysum can be a bit tricky. But don’t worry. We have compiled an easy-to-follow guide to make it all simple for you.

Let us look at each segment in-depth and learn what Philodendron melanochrysum loves and hates.

Philodendron Melanochrysum Care Made Simple

  • Soil

Philodendron melanochrysum soil needs to have good drainage. A well-drained soil mixture avoids root rot, controls fungus, and keeps plants happy; drainage holes in the pot help remove the excess water from the containers.

Water must also not drain too fast. To make a perfect texture of the soil for Philodendron melanochrysum, use sphagnum peat moss. It is considered the best growing medium for this plant. It helps in the aeration and drainage of water and keeps roots healthy.

Peat moss is also an organic growing medium for Philodendron melanochrysum. It supplies balanced food and essential plant nutrition to the plants too. But watch out; it may work as a sponge and store water. Be careful while watering the peat moss.

Gardeners use a hydroponic net pot to grow Philodendron melanochrysum in peat moss. There is excess space for the water to drain. The hydroponic pot also increases the evaporation and keeps the root safe.

Philodendron melanochrysum will not like dry and sandy soil. Use a good quality of peat moss for best results.

  • Light

Philodendron melanochrysum needs the kind of light that is best described as a bright shade. You read it right. Bright shade means filtered sunlight or indirect light. It means you want the light to shine on your Philodendron melanochrysum indirectly.

Direct exposure to light can quickly burn the plant leaves. Discoloration of leaves also occurs when sunlight hits the leaves. The key is to create a tropical environment for your plants.

In their natural setting, Philodendron melanochrysum lives under the shade. The sunlight spread above them on the sheltering plant.

As a houseplant, it needs indirect light and needs to be sheltered from direct light. You can also grow Philodendron melanochrysum under grow lights placed six inches away from the plants.

  • Watering

Philodendron melanochrysum watering needs are quite basic. A healthy plant needs to be hydrated. Furthermore, Philodendron melanochrysum will not like to be overwatered. It is best to let the soil dry out before the next watering.

You can master this skill by observing the soil. You can use your finger to check the soil if it is dry or wet. Observe how fast it dries out. Insert your finger two inches deep.

If it comes out dry, then it is time to water. If it is wet, then allow it to dry for the next few days. Make sure there is not a prolonged dry period between watering. In the same manner, soggy soil will be more harmful to the plants.

Philodendron melanochrysum likes breathable soil. Overwatering will cause root rot and cause a lack of oxygen supply and weakens the roots. The roots of Philodendron melanochrysum decay and rot in such conditions.

  • Temperature

Philodendron melanochrysum thrives between the temperatures of 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit.

How to Grow this Exotic Plant

The lowest acceptable temperature for these plants is 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures lower than this can harm the plant.

  • Humidity

The Black Gold Philodendron melanochrysum doesn’t need highly humid conditions to grow. It will enjoy more humidity, but it is not essential. A humidity level of 60 percent is ideal for your vines to grow lush and healthy.

You can always increase humidity in your growing area using different methods.

  • Group plants together to increase moisture
  • Install a humidifier
  • Mist your plants
  • Place a pebble tray under the pot

In an outdoor setting, you will be lucky if it rains often and the plant has a perfect sheltered place to grow.

  • Fertilizer

Philodendron melanochrysum will love a treat of nitrogen-rich natural or synthetic fertilizer. This fertilizer ensures lush growth of the foliage. Make sure the soil is moist when you feed your plants. Dry soil will burn the roots of Philodendron melanochrysum.

Also, avoid fertilizing in winters because this is the resting time for your plants. Spring is the best time to fertilize your plants.

Propagating Philodendron Melanochrysum

Philodendron melanochrysum can is propagated by the stem cutting method. You can also choose the more advanced air-layering method. Let us first look at its growing habits.

  • Growth

Philodendron melanochrysum plants will grow up to five feet high in the best growing conditions indoors. Outside, it can grow up to twenty feet long. The plant has leaves that can grow up to two feet in length. These are large plants. You need to have a room that can comfortably fit both the height of the plant and the length of the leaves.

  • Potting

Philodendron melanochrysum needs to be repotted when it outgrows the existing pot. It depends on the growth rate of the Philodendron melanochrysum. Sometimes it takes two years for these plants to grow big enough.

Repot only in spring and choose a pot that is bigger than the previous one. Water generously afterward. You mustn’t untangle the roots of Philodendron melanochrysum.

Philodendron Melanochrysum Propagation Made Easy

Propagating Philodendron melanochrysum can be a fun activity. Who doesn’t want more than one of such gorgeous plants? Here are a few things to remember before you sharpen your pruning shears:

  • If you are a beginner gardener, then use the stem cutting method.
  • Air layering is a bit of an advanced way to propagate your plants.
  • The best time to propagate Philodendron melanochrysum is in spring.
  • Never propagate during the winter months when the plant is resting.

Once this is clear, let’s look at each method in depth throughout the step-to-step guide.

Propagating Using Stem Cuttings

  • Always use a sterilized pruning shear for cutting the stems for propagation.
  • Clean your shears using isopropyl alcohol.
  • Cut exactly above the leaf node, leave two leaves attached to it.
  • Stem cuttings that are two to four inches big will be perfect.
  • Cure your cuttings and let them create a calloused end.
  • Allow the cutting to dry out for a week.
  • Once the cutting is cured, plant your cuttings in a pot.
  • Add peat moss to the containers that have drainage holes.
  • Make a hole in the peat moss using your fingers to place your stem cuttings into the soil gently.
  • Keep the leaves above the surface of the soil.
  • Water your cuttings and place them in the indirect light to grow.

Propagating Using Air Layering

Follow this guide to grow Philodendron melanochrysum using the air layering technique successfully.

  • Select a sterilized knife to wound your Philodendron melanochrysum stems.
  • Cut into the stem of the stem with caution. Make sure it doesn’t cut through and only reaches the middle of the stem.
  • The cut needs to be two inches deep and two inches long.
  • Keep it open using your fingers; now, take a handful of moist peat moss and place it around the cut on the stem.
  • Quickly, take a plastic wrap and move it around the wound and the peat moss.
  • Duct tape can help in keeping the plastic wrap in place.
  • Once the roots begin to sprout from the wound in a couple of weeks, it is time to cut.
  • Carefully separate the stem, remove the plastic wrap and plant the cutting into a potting mix.
  • Water and keep it in indirect light.

Problems of Philodendron Melanochrysum

Philodendron melanochrysum may face some pest attacks or show signs of sickness. Let us learn more about the symptoms, causes, and solutions.

– Aphids

The little pests can be very annoying to manage. They are only interested in the sap of the Philodendron melanochrysum. An aphid invasion means that the plant is losing its nutrition. It will leave plants dehydrated if left unattended.

Aphids may also transfer disease from one plant to the other. One such disease is the mosaic virus, which leaves cloudy patches between the veins of the leaves. In most cases, the virus doesn’t cause severe damage but looks ugly.

– Mealybugs

Mealybugs also like to attack the Philodendron melanochrysum vines. They also like to feed on the sap of your plant, like aphids. Mealybugs reproduce very fast and can soon leave the plant weak. They are difficult to find initially and can be seen as a little white fuzzy pest on the plant.

A gentle blow of water can be a solution if the problem is not severe. Neem oil helps reduce the problem organically. This natural remedy works in most cases.

Troubleshooting Philodendron Melanochrysum

The beautiful Philodendron melanochrysum vine may begin to show signs of sickness. If you can identify the problem, you can rescue your plants easily. Most of the time, it is excess of water or nutrition or lack of it. Let us look at some more symptoms and find a cure.

– Leaf Drop

If your Philodendron melanochrysum is losing leaves, you may be overwatering it. Leaf drop is a reaction of root rot that happens because of overwatering. To be sure that you don’t overwater the plant. Check the following:

  • The soil must be well-drained
  • You are not watering the wet soil
  • The pot is not too big
  • The pot has drainage holes

If the damage is serious, the best way is to repot the Philodendron melanochrysum.

To do this, gently remove the plant from the pot. Inspect the roots and cut the rotten roots. Repot in new soil and improve the drainage. Remember, do not water until the soil dries.

If the roots are damaged, it’s best to take cuttings using stem cuttings and replant propagation. This method is the best rescue operation that you can perform on your Philodendron melanochrysum.

These plants will not forgive overwatering. Spend some time getting your soil, container, and temperature right. Once these basic things are in order, you will be able to manage watering Philodendron melanochrysum like a pro.

– Brown Leaves

Brown leaves of Philodendron melanochrysum can be because of various reasons. One of the reasons could be excess salt.

Excess salt in the soil can lead to the browning of leaves in Philodendron melanochrysum plants. This problem is a sign of over-fertilization of the plants. Flush the soil with water to improve the condition. To flush the salt from the soil, put the hose on slow speed over the soil. Let it gently soak the soil and drain the water. Let the water run for ten to fifteen minutes.

– Necrotic Spots on Leaves

The necrotic spots on the Philodendron melanochrysum plant is a sign of bacterial leaf spot. Wet and highly humid conditions trigger it. The wind can spread this bacteria.

Unique and Striking Tropical Plant

These spots begin as a small dark spot on the leaf of Philodendron melanochrysum. The foliage turns unpleasing and can also die if the problem is not treated. The only treatment is to remove the infected leaves as they appear.

Keep your eyes open for these signs, and you can save your plants before things go out of hand.

Philodendron Melanochrysum Varieties

Let us explore some other variants of the Philodendron vine. All of the species are interesting and attractive to have as a houseplant.

  • Philodendron Selloum

This lovely Philodendron has funky foliage that makes it an exciting addition to the home garden. The leaves are not heart-shaped.

  • Philodendron Cordatum

The stunning vine has shiny heart-shaped leaves. If planted outdoors, it will grow into a huge plant. Tame it by growing it in a hanging basket in which it looks lovely. Place it anywhere in the house where the growing conditions are suitable.

  • Philodendron Scandens Micans

The classic velvety-textured foliage Philodendron, Scandens Micans plant, has a hint of purple. This design makes it unique. It is a plant to grow and cherish.

  • Philodendron Angustisectum

Like the Philodendron Selloum, the plant has waxy foliage that resembles fingers. The most amazing thing is that it can grow huge if you allow it to grow in an open area.

Frequently Asked Questions

– Why is the foliage of my Philodendron melanochrysum changing colors?

When dust clogs the pores of Philodendron melanochrysum, it begins to change its hues. Keep the leaves clean from dust to avoid this condition.

If the plant is turning brown or yellow, then there are other reasons behind it. Yellow leaves mean there is root rot. Brown leaves are a sign of a bacterial infection. Follow the instructions above to resolve these problems.

– The leaves of my Philodendron melanochrysum are not growing big.

The Philodendron melanochrysum has large leaves. If there is slow growth, it means plant food is absent. Add a good quality of nitrogen-rich fertilizer to your plants. Always add the feed to moist soil and never on dry soil. It can damage the roots.

– Are Philodendron melanochrysum plants poisonous?

Yes, Philodendron melanochrysum plants are toxic. It is not safe to ingest them. It is poisonous for pets and humans alike. The sap of the plant can also cause skin irritation and rash if you touch the plant’s sap.

Conclusion

Philodendron melanochrysum grows well as indoor plants. The award-winning tropical vine is said to be the best variety of Philodendron. The large heart-shaped leaves are blackish-green with highlights of pale green vines. They are the stars of any garden.

The care of Philodendron melanochrysum is simple if you have the right knowledge.

Here is what we have learned about this stunning Philodendron variety:

  • It is a vine native to the wet foothills of Colombia, but today is grown across the world.
  • Philodendron melanochrysum grows into twenty feet high plants growing outdoors.
  • Indoor, it can grow huge in a pot too, and you can manage its size.
  • It will need a moss pole to grow on, just like in its natural habitat.
  • The light need of Philodendron melanochrysum is the same as tropical plants. It needs indirect sunlight.
  • Direct exposure to light can cause sunburn on the foliage.
  • The plant needs plenty of water but also good drainage.
  • Create a healthy potting mix by using good-quality peat moss.
  • Peat moss is light, airy, and also organic. This condition is why it is perfect for the Philodendron melanochrysum plant in pots.
  • The Philodendron melanochrysum also likes to be humid and will enjoy highly humid conditions too.
  • In dry regions, humidifiers, misting, or creating a pebble tray can help increase humidity.
  • Philodendron melanochrysum doesn’t like cold, wet conditions.
  • Soggy and cold soil can quickly cause root rot and kill the plant.
  • Water only when the soil gets dry and reduces the frequency of watering in winters.
  • The Philodendron melanochrysum vines also grow flowers that are not significant. Remove the flowers if you want.
  • The vine also attracts pests that include aphids and mealybugs.
  • The infestation can be controlled and avoided using neem oil and a gentle blow of water.
  • If left unattended, the pests can suck all the juices from the stems. It will leave the foliage leaving it dehydrated and weak.
  • Root rot also causes yellowing of the leaves.
  • If the problem worsens, the plant dies, and the only way to save a part of the plant is by taking stem cuttings.
  • Philodendron melanochrysum can be propagated through stem cuttings in spring.
  • Philodendron melanochrysum is also propagated using the air layering technique.
  • It is simple and easy to multiply your vines but do it in the growing season only.
  • Always use sterilized pruning shears to do this task and let the cuttings dry for a week before planting.
  • The plant also needs fertilizers occasionally.
  • Philodendron melanochrysum prefers light liquid feed, which should be applied on wet soil.
  • Direct application can burn the plant roots and cause serious damage.
  • Overfertilization also makes the plant lose foliage.
  • Excess salts from the fertilizers are flushed using water.
  • Move the Philodendron melanochrysum plants into a bigger pot as they grow bigger.
  • The growth rate of Philodendron melanochrysum will decide when it is time to move to a new pot.
  • The best time to repot is in spring. Let the plant rest in winters and regain its energy.
  • Philodendron melanochrysum are toxic plants. They must be kept away from children, adults, and pets.
  • Contact with the sap of the Philodendron melanochrysum plant can cause irritation and rash on the skin.

Gardeners around the world will treasure this finest species of Philodendron. The distinct features of Philodendron melanochrysum are the highlight of any indoor garden. If you have space, let it grow to its full potential in a sheltered spot and enjoy its glory.

The magnificent Philodendron melanochrysum is a unique tropical plant to have in your garden. The large leaves are eye-catching. The plant remains problem-free if you match its growing needs. We hope the guide helped you!

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