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Overview
Philodendron melanochrysum or the Black Gold Philodendron is a tropical plant that thrives in humid under-story rainforests in Central and South America.
They have however become very popular as an indoor plant due to their spectacular, long heart-shaped leaves that can grow up to 50cms or longer.
They are deep green in colour, velvety in texture and feature contrasting cream coloured veins.
Soil: Select a well drained, rich soil that is mixed with plenty of peat and organic matter.
Mulch well to retain moisture.
If potted for indoor then add Perlite to your potting mix to improve drainage.
Select a bright but indirect light - dappled light under trees is good. If indoors then keep out of direct sun or the wonderful foliage will scorch.
If potted indoors then provide a moss pole for it to climb up - even better would be a piece of driftwood to make an eye-catching main attraction.
Maintenance: Water often when growing in warmer months, but reduce over winter.
Apply a dilate, liquid fertiliser once every couple of months over spring, summer and autumn.
Regular misting will keep them happy - they like humid conditions.
When it gets as big as you want it to be then pinch out new growing tips.
Propagate from cuttings or from air layering.
Cuttings can be propagated in a jar of water
Diseases: Yellowing leaves often indicates over watering and root rot.
red spider mites can sometimes be a problem - but if the plant is healthy then it will see them off on its own or just apply Neem Oil.
Comments: The species name - Melanochrysum means "black gold" - referring to the small golden sparkles sometimes seen when the velvety blackish-green leaf blades of adult plants catch the light.
The foliage of Philodendron melanochrysum is toxic to pets and humans. Sap from the stem may also cause skin irritation.
Author: Bob Saunders.
