Philodendron melanochrysum, the Black Gold philodendron, is an elegant climbing aroid prized for its long, heart-to-arrow-shaped leaves of deep blackish-green with a velvety sheen and shimmering golden-bronze veins. As it climbs a moss pole the leaves grow progressively larger and more dramatic, becoming long and pendant on mature plants. A refined collector's plant, it loves warmth, high humidity and bright indirect light. In India it grows beautifully indoors when given a support to climb, good humidity and an airy aroid mix, developing into a tall, striking specimen whose dark velvet foliage and metallic veining make it a centrepiece houseplant.
Specifications
| Family |
Araceae |
| Native region |
Colombia, South America |
| Mature height |
Climbs to 1.5-3 m indoors |
| Mature spread |
45-75 cm |
| Growth rate |
Moderate |
| Foliage |
Long velvety dark-green leaves with golden veins |
| Flower colour |
Greenish spathe (rare indoors) |
| Flower season |
Rarely flowers indoors |
| Climate zone |
Tropical |
Care guide
| Sunlight |
Bright indirect light; no harsh direct sun |
| Watering |
Keep lightly moist; water when top 2-3 cm dries |
| Soil / mix |
Chunky, airy aroid mix with bark, perlite, coco |
| Temperature |
20-30 C; avoid below 15 C |
| Humidity |
Prefers high humidity, 60-80% |
| Fertilizer |
Dilute balanced feed monthly in growing season |
| Pruning |
Trim to manage size; remove damaged leaves |
| Repotting |
Every 1-2 years; provide a moss pole to climb |
| Propagation |
Stem cuttings with a node, in moss or mix |
| Pests & problems |
Watch for spider mites, thrips, mealybugs |
| Toxicity / safety |
Toxic to pets and humans if ingested |
| Difficulty |
Moderate |
Uses
Grown as a premium climbing indoor foliage plant and collector's specimen, valued for its long, dark velvety, gold-veined leaves. Best trained up a moss pole for the largest foliage.
Growing tips
In India give it a moss pole to climb, bright indirect light, warmth and high humidity for the biggest, darkest leaves. Use an airy aroid mix and keep humidity up in dry months to prevent crisping.