Philodendron melanochrysum, Philodendron Black Gold
Nicknamed Philodendron Black Gold because of its black leaves with golden veins, Philodendron melanochrysum is a plant native to the wetlands of Colombia. It belongs to the Araceae family.
How to recognize Philodendron melanochrysum, the Black Gold Philodendron?
Philodendron melanochrysum is an epiphytic plant with a climbing habit. Grown in pots and indoors, it reaches a height of two meters and a spread of just as much. But in its natural habitat, it can grow to over four meters high and three meters wide.
Leaves are heart-shaped and pink at birth. As they age, they take on a dark green, almost black color. Golden or white veins stand out against the velvety foliage. At maturity, the leaf blades measure up to a metre long and 30 centimetres wide.
Philodendron melanochrysum flowers, even indoors. Flowering is similar to that of Philodendron holtonianum. It consists of a spathe surrounding a spadix.
Philodendron Black Gold is toxic to humans and animals (especially cats and dogs). Its sap contains calcium oxalate crystals, which are irritating on contact with the skin and harmful if swallowed.
Our maintenance tips
Root rot is the biggest danger facing your Philodendron melanochrysum. Make sure the soil has dried on the surface before watering, and install your plant in a light, well-draining substrate.
Watering
Your Philodendron Black Gold likes its soil to be moist. But it hates excess water. Water when the surface of the substrate is dry (about a centimetre).
Use room-temperature, non-calcareous water, such as rainwater.
Drain any water that collects in the saucer or planter. It may rot the roots.
Spray
Your Philodendron Black Gold loves humidity. But the air in our homes is often too dry! To remedy this, spray the foliage with non-calcareous water.
In addition to increasing humidity, misting dusts the leaves and limits pest attacks.
Repotting
Every spring, repot your Philodendron melanochrysum to give it more space.
Get a perforated pot. If you're afraid of over-watering, choose a terracotta model. This material promotes even drying of the soil. You can also opt for a plastic container, but you'll need to be careful that moisture doesn't accumulate at the bottom as you water.
Prepare a light, draining substrate. For example, mix equal parts sphagnum moss, perlite and potting soil for epiphytic orchids. Place a layer at the bottom of the pot. Install your stake and plant your Philodendron Black Gold. Add substrate and water generously.
Fertilization
To promote the growth of your Philodendron melanochrysum, apply fertilizer in spring and summer.
Addliquid green plant fertilizer to watering water.
Cleaning
Dust sometimes accumulates on the leaves of your Philodendron Black Gold and interferes with photosynthesis.
You can gently clean the foliage with a sponge or a clean, wet cloth.
If your plant looks dirty, you can add some black soap to the water.
You can gently clean the foliage with a sponge or a clean, wet cloth.
If your plant looks dirty, you can add some black soap to the water.
Cutting
Cutting is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.
Using a clean, sharp tool (pruning shears or scissors, for example), remove a section of stem with at least two nodes. Remove the lower leaves and keep only the upper pair.
Immerse your stem in a glass of water at room temperature. Place the cutting in a sunny, draught-free spot. Remember to change the water to keep it clear.
When the roots are at least three centimetres long, you can repot your young shoot.
Diseases / Threats
Information
Family | Araceae - Araceae |
Type | Philodendron - Philodendron |
Species | Philodendron Black Gold - Philodendron melanochrysum |
Lifecycle | Perennial |
Foliage | Evergreen |
Exposure | |
Substrat | |
Planting methods |
In pots In tubs |
Categories | |
Tags |
Fritillary Soiffarde Toxic |
Origin |
South America |
Hardiness (USDA) | 11b |
Leaf color |
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Flower colors |
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