Complete Care & Propagation Tips For Your Philodendron Melanochrysum

Let's grow together!

Philodendron Melanochrysum is a tropical and easy-to-care-for plant. Its diverse appearance and feel make it a top pick among plant enthusiasts.

In this detailed guide, we’ll talk about everything you need to properly take care of your Philodendron Melanochrysum confidently. Continue reading to find out more about Philodendron’s attractive attributes!

What Is Philodendron Melanochrysum?

Philodendron Melanochrysum is part of the Araceae family, also known as the Melano plant, Black Gold Philodendron, and Melano Philodendron.

Considered a perennial, it grows well indoors near a north-facing window. It’s typically known for its gorgeous foliage of dark leaves with vibrant yellow veins, making it a unique-looking houseplant.

The Philodendron Melanochrysum can also be raised outdoors in certain climates, ideally in hardiness zones 9-11.

Philodendron Melanochrysum Origin And Family

This Philodendron plant was initially identified in the year 1834 by Richard Spruce. Its native habitat is in the forests of South America.

Melano plant belongs to the Philodendron genus in the Araceae family.

Where To Buy

Many platforms are available to acquire the perfect plant for your collection, including a Philodendron Melanochrysum. You’ll be able to find what you are looking for at local nurseries or online shopping sites such as Etsy.

Philodendron Melanochrysums are reasonably expensive, with expenses ranging from $40 for 4-inch potted plants to $60 for larger or more mature plants.

Philodendron Melanochrysum Plant Size

The Melano plant is a Philodendron plant that grows to be roughly 3-5 feet tall indoors. It thrives well near a north-facing window due to its height capacity, light requirements, and high humidity needs.

Philodendron Melanochrysum Care Needs

Your Philodendron Melanochrysum, with its gorgeous foliage, will flourish if you take good care of it. This plant loves humidity and relatively dry soil throughout the year.

Water your Philodendron when the top 2-3 inches of the soil are dry. Make sure to give it a total drench, allowing water to run down the bottom of the pot. In terms of lighting, bright indirect light is most suitable for this plant.

Look at the more specific growing tips below to keep your Philodendron Melanochrysum healthy and happy!

Philodendron Melanochrysum Care Difficulty

In terms of care difficulty, the Black-Gold Philodendron is easy-to-care-for. The most significant considerations for this beauty are the well-draining soil and the amount of light.

Philodendron Melanochrysum Growth Rate

The growth rate of a Melano Philodendron is fast. Indoors, it could reach a mature height of about 3-5 feet.

Philodendron Melanochrysum Potting

For your Philodendron Melanochrysum’s container, you want a large pot made of plastic, terracotta, or clay. You can also support this plant with a moss pole to allow it to climb. Read our section below for repotting.

Philodendron Melanochrysum Repotting

As your Philodendron Melanochrysum develops, you should move it to a larger pot as soon as you spot the roots pushing out of the drainage holes. Because of its fast growth rate, you will need to repot your plant every 1-2 years on average.

When repotting, use a fresh batch of soil for your Philodendron so its roots will have more nutrients to absorb.

Philodendron Melanochrysum Soil

Regular commercial potting soil is the best option for the Black-Gold Philodendron. Use sphagnum peat moss, perlite, and orchid bark to mix your soil. To ensure that the final mixture is well-aerated, adjust the ratio as necessary. Keep in mind that this plant prefers a relatively dry growing medium.

To prevent rot and other diseases, the soil type should always promote good drainage. We advise selecting potting mixtures like the ones listed below:

Showing off all the shades of the Philodendron Melanochrysum 🌿 pic.twitter.com/JUUKULeXH2

— Houseplant Hobbyist (@HobbyistPlant) September 17, 2022

Philodendron Melanochrysum pH

Your Melano Philodendron likes acidic soil, meaning you should keep the pH level at 5.5-6.0. If you’re concerned about acidity, you can purchase a simple pH testing tool to examine your soil.

Regulate excessive pH levels on your soil with sulfur or aluminum sulfate. Improve low pH levels by adding baking soda, calcitic or dolomitic lime, or wood ash.

Philodendron Melanochrysum Water

The watering frequency will vary based on the temperature and humidity in your plant’s surroundings. Generally speaking, your Melano plant prefers a relatively dry growing medium.

Avoid overwatering your Melano plant. When the top 2-3 inches of the soil are dry, it’s time to give your plant a drink. Water directly on the soil and take care not to wet the foliage so you can avoid fungal diseases.

Allow excess water to flow through the bottom of the pot. Remember to empty the collection tray if your plant is sitting in one.

Philodendron Melanochrysum Light

This easy-to-care-for houseplant favors bright indirect light for roughly 6-8 hours daily. If there’s excessive light, their leaves can get burned. If there’s a lack of light, the stems will grow leggy.

If your Philodendron Melanochrysum isn’t getting sufficient light, you can move it near a window, or you can consider investing in LED grow lights. Here are some options for you to consider:

Keep your Philodendron Melanochrysum out of direct sunlight since doing so could cause serious damage or even death to the plant.

Philodendron Melanochrysum Fertilizer

Feed your Black-Gold Philodendron to give it some extra nutrient boost. Use a liquid fertilizer once a month during its growing season in the early spring and summer.

Here are some plant food options you can use:

When growth naturally slows down in the winter months, you don’t need to fertilize.

Propagating Philodendron Melanochrysum

If your Philodendron Melanochrysum has grown too tall, trim the stem if necessary, then save the cuttings for propagation. We’ve provided step-by-step instructions for a variety of propagation methods below.

Stem Cuttings In Soil

Most plant enthusiasts agree that the most manageable method to propagate a Melano plant is directly planting stem cuttings into the soil. This plant’s growing season is spring and summer, so it’s best to make cuttings during this time.

1. Cut. Snip a section of the stem with fresh leaves and at least one connecting node. Your cutting won’t be able to produce new leaves without a node.

2. Disinfect. Use cinnamon or rooting powder to coat the incision to help the rooting process and clean the wound.

3. Plant. Insert the cleaned cutting into the potting soil. Make sure the nodes are buried.

4. Water. Water the soil and keep it constantly moist (but not soggy).

5. Maintain. The roots of the Philodendron Melanochrysum grow in two to three weeks. We advise putting your new plant in a well-ventilated, bright, shaded place.

Stem Cuttings In Water

Your Black-Gold Philodendron can also be rooted in water with these easy steps:

1. Cut. Take some cuttings with new leaves and about 2-3 nodes.

2. Submerge. Use a mason jar or transparent container to submerge your cutting in water. Remove any bottom leaves which are below the water level.

3. Maintain. Place your propagation jar in a well-lit area with an average room temperature of 68°F.

4. Refill. To avoid bacterial infection, replace the water every few days.

5. Transplant. Once the cutting has grown roots at least one inch long, move it into damp, sterile potting soil.

Humidity And Aeration for Philodendron Melanochrysum

Philodendron Melanochrysum is a rare plant that loves high humidity. Keep the humidity levels around 70% or higher at all times.

Use a simple hygrometer to assess the air moisture level in your Philodendron Melanochrysum area. If the reading is too low, you can increase the humidity through the following methods:

• Plants release moisture through their leaves via transpiration, so it will be beneficial if you keep houseplants closely together.

• Place a pebble tray with water underneath your plant’s pot. The evaporating water provides some nourishment to the plant.

• Purchase a humidifier for your plants. This will constantly release steam and increase the room’s humidity level.

I need to show you how shimmery this philodendron melanochrysum leaf is pic.twitter.com/pHUKm9DQUn

— Killian Ng🌱 (@KLLiiNNG) August 23, 2019

Philodendron Melanochrysum Temperature

Warm temperatures are preferable for Melano Philodendron plants, but they can flourish in a temperature range of 70-90 degrees Fahrenheit.

However, they prefer sustained temperatures, so keep them far from windows and other openings that can let in chilly air in the winter. M Keep them away from vents and other heat sources as well since these could cause the air to dry.

Flowers

Albeit rarely, the Melano plant can produce little and light green to white flowers. In optimum conditions, this plant blooms early summer.

Toxic

Be on guard if you have young children or pets in your home. The Black-Gold Philodendron contains high amounts of calcium oxalate crystals that are highly toxic to pets, including cats, dogs, and humans. If consumed, expect the following symptoms: drooling, vomiting, oral irritation, swelling of the tongue and throat, and skin irritation. In most cases, this plant is not considered life-threatening.

Pests, Diseases, And Other Problems for Philodendron Melanochrysum

Overall, I would say that the Philodendron Melanochrysum is a disease and pest-resistant plant. Here are some quick tips for curing common problems and plant diseases and general suggestions to keep this plant healthy.

Spider Mites

Spider mites are common pests, particularly among Melano Philodendron plants. At first, spider mite damage appears as small, brown, or yellow patches on your plant’s leaves. You might also discover that your plant has slowed or ceased to grow.

Wash your Melano Philodendron with a sink nozzle, a pressure sprayer, or a garden hose to eliminate spider mites. Additionally, you can use neem oil or insecticidal soap and spray it on the leaves, making sure all surfaces are covered, including the underside of the velvety leaves!

Of course, you can also introduce natural predators of spider mites such as ladybugs, lacewings, and Stethorus picipes beetles (dubbed as the “Spider Mite Destroyer”). The fantastic thing about these bugs is that they will feed on spider mites, but they won’t harm your beautiful plants!

Fungus Gnats

If you notice your Melano plant suddenly yellowing, wilting, or growing slower than usual, it may signify that your plant has fungal infections. These gnats, which carefully flutter around your plant, resemble little mosquitoes.

When you see these moisture-loving bugs, switch to bottom-watering rather than watering from above to keep the topsoil dry. Another approach is to coat your topsoil with diatomaceous earth. The larvae will become dehydrated as a result, and the adults will stop ovulating.

If the infestation is severe, you can eliminate the fungus gnat larvae by soaking the soil in a solution of one part hydrogen peroxide and four parts water.

Scale Insects

Scales are insects that feed on plant sap. What sets them apart from other bugs is that the adult scale will latch onto one part of a healthy plant and stay put. They are called armored scales and may appear as brownish lumps on the stems or petioles of a plant.

As a preventive measure, you can dilute a teaspoon of neem oil in 500 mL of water and spray it on your plant’s beautiful leaves to discourage scales from latching onto your Philodendron Melanochrysum.

You can also release ladybugs or lacewings near your infected plant and let these beneficial bugs take care of the problem for you!

Mealybugs

Mealybugs may infest your Melano Philodendron. If you spot these little parasites with their white fluff, act promptly. A cotton swab with rubbing alcohol will kill mealies on contact, turning them brown or orange. A spray of diluted Neem oil also works well as a preventive measure.

Brown Leaf Tips

Brown leaf tips on your Melano plant can be due to low humidity, root damage, underwatering, and soil compactness.

Occasionally, you may need to flush out excess minerals, salts, fertilizers, and chemicals in the soil by letting the water flow through for a few minutes. You shouldn’t worry about accidentally drowning your plant’s roots if you have a fast-draining substrate and a pot with drainage holes.

The remarkable size of the Philodendron Melanochrysum 🌿

Credit: IG @ craigmilran #Houseplants #Plants pic.twitter.com/Dk3JzdFZtv

— Houseplant Hobbyist (@HobbyistPlant) May 24, 2022

Drooping Leaves

Drooping leaves on your Philodendron Melanochrysum indicate that your plant is thirsty. In this case, your plant will usually perk back up once it’s watered. It might also help to increase the humidity.

Be careful! Pest-infested plants can have droopy and curling leaves at first but will eventually develop other signs, such as spots, stunted growth, and a general decline in health. Always check on the underside of leaves if you suspect any issues with pests.

Yellow Leaves

If you notice that the heart-shaped leaves of your Black-Gold Philodendron are turning yellow, you will need to trace any recent adjustments in your usual care practices or the weather.

Overwatering, underwatering, overfertilizing, under-fertilizing, too much light, lack of light, root damage, temperature swings, and pests can cause yellowing leaves.

Root Rot

Overwatering and poor drainage are the two most common causes of rotting roots. Because root rot is often irreversible and deadly, prevention is of utmost importance.

Plant your Philodendron in standard commercial potting soil and keep it relatively dry. Water only when the soil’s top 2-3 inches are dry.

Similar Plants to Philodendron Melanochrysum

Love Melano plant? Below are some other similar plant options you should try:

Variegated Heartleaf Philodendrons – Due to their stunning variegations, they are uncommon and distinctive houseplants that are highly sought-after. Due to its rarity and aesthetics, most gardeners and indoor growers want to get their hands on one.

Philodendron Brasil – Despite not being a native of Brazil, the plant Philodendron Brasil was named because it resembled the Brazilian flag. The yellow and lime-green streaks tucked between the dark green leaves of this species emphasize its natural attractiveness.

Philodendron Rio – Plant aficionados adore this exceedingly odd plant for its stunning silver and cream variegation. As a sport of Philodendron Brasil, Rio seems like a fitting name, would you agree?

Philodendron Rojo Congo – Given that this specific cultivar is a hybrid of two distinct philodendrons, you could predict it to be an attractive and spectacular plant. It’s a magnificent rosette of burgundy-colored oval leaves that makes for an eye-catching accent item.

Conclusion

The Philodendron Melanochrysum, with its gorgeous foliage, is the perfect addition to any plant lover’s collection.

Whether you’re just starting as an indoor gardener or a long-time hobbyist learning more about this particular plant, we hope you’ve learned some helpful tips from us to grow your Philodendron Melanochrysum successfully!

Help us grow! This post contains affiliate links, which means we receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something recommended. All opinions, however, are our own, and we do not accept payments for positive reviews.

Let's grow together!