The Philodendron melanochrysum, also known as Back gold Philodendron, is a vining plant that grows gorgeous large leaves.
The velvety dark green, almost black, leaves have vivid yellow veins. The foliage has a crystalline appearance looking like small sparkly gold speckles.
Philodendron melanochrysum can grow in bright light and partial shade, making them a popular houseplant.
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Philodendron Melanochrysum
The Philodendron melanochrysum is native to the tropical regions of South America. There it grows in dappled or shaded light under the canopies of tall trees.
As an epiphyte, it uses aerial roots to grow on other plants for support. Indoors you can give a large Philodendron climbing support in the form of a moss pole.
You will need to have enough space for this plant since it can get quite large with leaves that can grow 20 to 25 inches long.
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Light Requirements
Indoors, the Philodendron melanochrysum likes bright, indirect sunlight. A good spot is near an east-facing or north-facing window.
It can tolerate lower light situations. But semi-shade may cause the leaves to stay smaller. Vines may also grow leggy with more space between the leaves reaching for the light.
Avoid too much direct sunlight, especially on hot summer days. Dry, brown spots on the leaves can be a sign of sunburn. Move your plant further away from the window, or filter the light with a sheer curtain.
Dust can collect on the leaves. The leaf pores get clogged making it harder for your plant to take in light. Occasionally wipe down the leaves with a soft cloth, or bring your plant to the bathroom and treat it to a gentle room-temperature shower.
Yellow Leaves
New Philodendron melanochrysum leaves start out with a golden yellow, sometimes copper-tone color. So if the yellow leaf on your plant is still young, give it time. It will darken over time.
If the leaves of your plant turn yellow and drop, it usually indicates the plant has been overwatered and/or overfertilized.
Watering
In its native habitat, the Philodendron melanochrysum is used to grow in a humid environment, on moist soil.
Indoors, never let the soil dry out completely. Water frequently to keep the soil consistently damp, but not soggy. You want the soil to feel like a well-wrung-out sponge. To know when to water your black gold Philodendron, check the leaves and inspect the soil.
Leaves should feel firm. Drooping, wrinkled leaves drying up is the first sign your plant needs water.
If the soil feels moist, don’t water but wait one or two days and check again. If the soil is dry, go ahead and water thoroughly to saturate all of the soil. Then allow the top two inches of soil to dry out before watering again.
If in doubt, don’t water yet. An underwatered plant is easier to revive than an overwatered plant. Overwatering doesn’t mean you gave it too much water, but watering too often, not giving the soil a chance to dry out.
You can use a moisture meter to help you out with when to water. And read up on the basics of watering your indoor plants.
Water sparingly in winter when growth slows down.
Why are Leaves Dropping?
Dropping leaves can have a number of causes. They might drop if the plant is recently repotted or moved to a new location. Or if it is not getting enough light, it’s too cold, or the humidity too low.
But most often leaves fall off when the plant is overwatered. Make sure the plant has proper drainage and let the top of the soil dry out before watering.
Fertilizer
The leaves on a Philodendron melano should grow quite large. Leaves need enough nutrients to grow. When they stay small, you can make them grow bigger by fertilizing.
Use a diluted liquid plant fertilizer to feed your Philodendron melanochrysum once a month in spring and summer. Be sure the soil is damp before fertilizing and don’t fertilize in winter when growth slows down.
Also never fertilize if it is recently repotted or is having problems. Fertilizer is not a plant medicine. It will only stress out an already stressed-out plant. Analyze, adjust, and when your plant recovers, continue your normal care routine.
Humidity
The Philodendron melanochrysum likes it warm and the humidity high.
It can grow and survive in average household humidity levels. However, they will do better if you raise the humidity. Brown, crispy leaf tips are a sign that your plant needs more humidity.
Repotting
If your Philodendron melanochrysum has outgrown its pot, repot it in spring in a pot one size bigger than the original.
Make sure the new pot has drainage holes on the bottom. This is a must. Without those, excess water has no way to get out and will drown the roots.
Every two to three years the soil will have lost its nutrients and will need to be replaced with fresh well-draining soil. A nutrient-rich aroid potting mix is a good choice for the Philodendron melanochrysum.
In need of a repotting reminder? Follow the steps on how to repot your plants.
Philodendron Melanochrysum Propagation
The easiest way to propagate your vining Philodendron is by taking stem cuttings and rooting them in water or soil. Simply cut a stem cutting with a few leaves. Remove the leaves from the lower part of the cuttings.
To water propagate, place them in water and keep in bright, indirect light. Change the water regularly and after a few weeks, roots will start to grow. Transplant to soil when roots are about 1 – 2 inches.
To propagate in soil, plant the cuttings in a small pot with well-draining soil. Keep in bright, indirect light. Mist or water very sparingly until you see new growth.
You can use a rooting hormone powder on your cuttings to speed up the propagation process. Dip the bottom of the cuttings in water first, then dip them in rooting powder before you plant them.
Want to learn more about plant propagation? Read the complete guide explaining the 6 different ways to propagate all your plants.
Is the Philodendron Melanochrysum Toxic to Cats?
The Philodendron melanochrysum plant is considered mildly toxic when ingested. It can cause pain and irritation of the mouth, lips, and tongue, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.
Although it is very rare for pets to get seriously hurt from eating plants, keep this one out of reach of children and pets.
Learn more about the risks of toxic houseplants around your pets (and find out which plants are non-toxic and safe!).
Love Philodendron plants? Check out the care guides for the Philodendron Birkin, Philodendron Brasil, or the Philodendron Pink Princess.