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Philodendron Melanochrysum, also known as the Black Gold Philodendron, is a philodendron species known for its green and bronze, shimmery, velvet leaves. Read on to learn how to care for and propagate this stunning plant!
Where can I buy a Philodendron Melanochrysum?
You can easily find a Philodendron Melanochrysum for sale on Etsy! Check out this Melanochrysum from one of my favorite Etsy sellers—aren’t the leaves just absolutely mesmerizing?
Is Philodendron Melanochrysum easy to care for?
Yes, the Black Gold Philodendron is easy to care for! The only thing “difficult” about this plant is getting your hands on one because they are considered somewhat rare—especially larger specimens.
But this beauty is relatively low maintenance with a big payoff in its beautiful foliage.
How do you care for a Philodendron Melanochrysum?
Its basic care requirements are:
- Provide it with bright, indirect light or bright, filtered light
- Keep the potting mix moist
- Use a well-draining potting mix that holds some moisture
Read on for a full care and propagation guide!
How much light does Philodendron Melanochrysum need?
Philodendron Melanochrysum needs bright, indirect or bright, filtered light. Do not give your plant direct light—it could cause some serious damage to the leaves.
If you don’t have enough natural light in your home, don’t worry! You can still own one of these beautiful plants.
Grow lights are an excellent solution. In fact, the majority of my plants are currently under artificial lighting. These are the grow lights my plants are currently loving me for:
How often do you water Philodendron Melanochrysum?
In general, you should not water your plants on a set schedule. Rather, water your Philodendron Melanochrysum when the top inch or so of the potting mix is dry.
They do not like to completely dry out, but like to remain somewhat moist. Before you water, stick your finger down into the potting mix to feel for moisture. This will help you avoid overwatering.
Does Philodendron Melanochrysum like humidity?
Philodendron Melanochrysum is native to Colombia, so as a tropical plant it will be very happy with increased humidity. There are a few methods you can use to increase the humidity for your plants, but my favorite is simply using a humidifier.
I’ve used a few humidifiers for my plants but this one has been one of my favorites. It can run for up to 96 hours so my plants won’t be angry at me if I forget to refill it!
Temperature
Philodendron Melanochrysum prefers warmer temperatures, but it will still be fine in average household temperatures. In general, it is happy in a range of 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (about 18 to 27 degrees Celcius).
What kind of potting mix does Philodendron Melanochrysum need?
Philodendron Melanochrysum likes a well-draining potting mix that will still hold some moisture.
This means the majority of the water should be able to drain out of the pot to prevent the roots from getting soggy, while the potting mix will still retain some light moisture, which this plant likes!
To accomplish this, you can use a regular indoor plant potting mix and add in some bark and perlite which will help with drainage.
Fertilizer
Use a liquid houseplant fertilizer, once a month during the growing season (the spring and summer).
When should you repot a Philodendron Melanochrysum?
Repot your Philodendron Melanochrysum when it becomes rootbound. Whether this is once a year or every few years will depend on its growth rate. The following are common signs of a rootbound plant:
- Roots coming out of the drainage holes
- A sad-looking plant with stunted growth
- Roots that are swirled around the outside of the soil and bottom of the pot (you need to slip the plant out of its pot to check this)
When repotting your plant, use a pot the next size up from its current pot, and make sure it has a drainage hole. And, try to repot during the growing season (spring and summer) if your plant can wait.
Get a beautiful Philodendron Melanochrysum here!
Does Philodendron Melanochrysum climb?
Yes, this plant does climb in its natural habitat. Allowing it to climb in your home will help the leaves grow larger and to their full, spectacular potential.
How do you make your philodendron climb, you ask? Just stick a moss pole in its pot and after a little while, its aerial roots will start to attach the to moss pole, helping the plant climb.
I really love the moss pole below for my climbing plants because it’s stackable. It comes with two stackable pieces, but when my plants get tall enough I just order another one and keep on stacking!
Pruning
You can prune your Philodendron Melanochrysum to control the size and shape of the plant. Use a pair of clean, sharp scissors and cut just ABOVE a node (meaning, the node will remain on the plant, not the part you cut off).
You can also control legginess this way. A leggy plant means the plant has long stems with fewer leaves, and it’s usually due to not having enough light.
In addition, you should also remove any dead or dying leaves by either gently pulling them off or using clean, sharp scissors to do so.
Foliage and Flowers
The Philodendron Melanochrysum has velvety, green and bronze shimmery leaves.
If you’re a philodendron lover, you’ll probably notice the Melanochrysum’s leaves look quite similar in color to the Philodendron Micans. These are both very popular philodendrons for obvious reasons!
Flowers are very rare and regardless, these plants are not grown for their flowers, but for their beautiful leaves.
In fact, the flowers can end up sucking the energy away from the rest of the plant so it’s best to cut them off if you see them appear!
How fast does Melanochrysum grow?
In the right conditions, this Philodendron Melanochrysum can grow very fast, with its leaves growing two to three feet long and the plant itself growing tens of feet tall.
However, the plant usually only reaches this size when it’s growing in the wild.
Common Problems and Pests
Leggy vines
This is a common issue with vining plants. Usually, this is when the plant is stretching out to try to find more light. Try increasing the light but still make sure it’s not sitting in direct light.
Root rot
Overwatering causes root rot and it’s the easiest way to kill your plant. Remember to always feel the soil before you water your plant.
Yellow leaves
This is often a sign of overwatering. Make sure you’re using a well-draining potting mix and feeling the soil before you water your plant.
Brown, crispy leaves
This is often a sign that your plant is too dry or it’s receiving too much direct light.
Pests
Mealybugs, fungus gnats, and aphids are all potential pests. Philodendron Melanochrysum is not particulary prone to pests in general, though, so don’t worry too much.
For general pest control, I like to use an insecticidal soap.
How to propagate Philodendron Melanochrysum
Is Melanochrysum easy to propagate?
Yes, Philodendron Melanochrysum is easy to propagate—most vining plants are because it’s very easy to locate the nodes along the vine.
The nodes are the bumps along the vine where new growth comes from. They are necessary for successful propagation.
Philodendron Melanochrysum propagation in potting mix
- Identify a section of a vine with at least one node and one leaf on a healthy plant.
- Use a pair of clean, sharp scissors to cut off a piece of the vine below a node. This means the node will be included on the part you cut off. The node is where the new roots will grow from.
- Plant your cutting into your medium of choice. I usually use either the same potting mix I keep the mature plants in or sphagnum moss. Make sure the node is buried and the potting medium stays moist as the roots are developing.
- Place the cutting in bright, indirect light and keep the humidity high.
- After a few weeks, you can test your cutting by giving it a very gentle tug. If you feel some resistance, that means a root system has developed. Now you can start treating it like a normal plant!
Can I propagate Philodendron Melanochrysum in water?
Yes, you can absolutely propagate your Philodendron Melanochrysum in water. It follows the same general process as propagating it in potting medium:
- Identify a section of a vine with at least one node and one leaf on a healthy plant.
- Use a pair of clean, sharp scissors to cut off a piece of the vine below a node. This means the node will be included on the part you cut off. The node is where the new roots will grow from.
- Place your cutting into a jar of room-temperature water.
- Place that in bright, indirect light and keep the humidity high.
- Refill the water when needed and replace the water when it gets murky.
- When the roots are two to three inches long, you can plant your cutting into a pot with potting mix.
- Water your new plant and give it a period to adjust to its new environment and start growing again.
What is the Melano plant?
The Melano plant is another nickname for the Philodendron Melanochrysum or Philodendron Black Gold.
Is the Philodendron Melanochrysum toxic?
Yes, Philodendron Melanochrysum is toxic. It’s poisonous if ingested and it can also cause skin irritation. Be sure to keep it out of reach of pets and children!
Why are Philodendron Melanochrysums so expensive?
It’s no secret this plant is expensive. This is because it’s both rare and highly sought after—that’s a recipe for a pricey plant!
You can get less expensive Philodendron Melanochrysums by purchasing a smaller plant. This would just require a little more patience on your part to grow it into a big, beautiful philodendron!
Philodendron Melanochrysum Care Summary
- Provide it with bright, indirect light or bright, filtered light
- Keep the potting mix moist
- Provide with humidity and warm temperatures
- Use well-draining potting mix that holds some moisture
- Repot when rootbound
- Give it a moss pole to climb
Get yourself a stunning Philodendron Melanochrysum here!
More Philodendron Posts
- Philodendron Florida Ghost
- Philodendron Verrucosum
- Pink Princess Philodendron
- Philodendron Gloriosum
- Philodendron Micans
- Heartleaf Philodendron
- Philodendron Brasil
- Philodendron Birkin
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