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Caring For Philodendron Melanochrysum (Black Gold Philodendron)

The climbing vine plant known as Black Gold Philodendron, or Philodendron melanochrysum, is an Aroid. The common term for plants in the Araceae family is aroid. This family also goes by the names Philodendron and Arum. This family includes several well-known houseplants, such as those from the genera Monstera, Calla, Caladium, Anthurium, and Philodendron.

P. melanochrysum, a species of the Philodendron genus, is a native of Columbia’s Andes Mountains, the world’s longest continental mountain range.

In addition to its passion for its enormous leaf, P. melanochrysum has a tendency to climb. The Black Gold Philodendron is a highly sought-after plant among serious houseplant gardeners because of its long, heart-shaped leaves that are dark greenish-black in color and appear to be sprinkled with gold.

Philodendron Melanochrysum

In the correct circumstances, Philodendron melanochrysum, a reasonably quick grower, becomes a wonderful focal point in your house by climbing a moss pole and taking center stage with its eye-catching leaf.

Local searches for this Philodendron species member might be challenging. Grab one if you see one at a big box shop or garden center. Keep a watch out for their velvety, dark green leaves.

Although the leaves on smaller plants you buy might not be enormous just yet, their color, shape, and feel will be the same. It will develop bigger leaves, sometimes as much as three feet long, if you bring it home and provide it with a comfortable environment with the light and room it requires.

Philodendron Melanochrysum Care Guide

Lighting

Although it doesn’t need direct light, Philodendron melanochrysum may handle a modest amount of early sunshine for one to two hours. It favors direct, bright light that has been dubbed “bright shadow.” Imagine the dappled, indirect, yet strong light a plant receiving in the middle of a tropical tree canopy.

A shortage of light may be indicated by little leaves or a very sluggish pace of development. Watch for indications in your plant. If kept in a darkly light space, P. melanochrysum won’t survive and its development will be sluggish.

Artificial grow lights can supply the bright conditions your Philodendron requires if your area lacks adequate natural illumination. Clip-on lights and specifically designed plant lights with several wands can also be utilized. Screw-in type LED plant light bulbs may be added to an existing fixture or a pole lamp that you acquire at a thrift shop for a minimal upfront and ongoing expense.

Buy a light meter to assist you figure out what level of light intensity your plants are receiving at various spots throughout your home if you’re a genuine enthusiast of house plants and want to ensure that you are meeting each plant’s demands.

Growth Pattern

The perennial climber Philodendron melanochrysum can be found. It is evergreen and will maintain its greenery within your home all year. The vine will look for something to climb as your plant grows. A moss pole works effectively because it offers both vertical support and a surface for the aerial roots to cling to.

P. melanochrysum may get extremely big, but with training and pruning, it can also be managed successfully in a smaller area. Your Philodendron melanochrysum may be the star of your tropical plant display if you give it the right habitat and a container that is the right size.

When kept inside as a houseplant, leaves are typically of a medium size, but with the proper care and circumstances, they can grow to be longer than three feet. The leaf is silky to the touch and varies in color from dark black-green to slightly bronzed. Some individuals claim that the leaves feel suede-like.

Because of their distinct texture, the leaves sometimes appear to have gold specks or sparkles when the light reflects off them. The deeper hues are complemented with lovely cream, pale green, or white veining, which creates a stunning show.

Watering

Most philodendrons are climbing plants that reach up into the tree canopy in their native lush woods and can eventually become somewhat epiphytic. They will develop aerial roots that might potentially cling to any nearby structure—hopefully your moss pole—at any time. They have to be cultivated in a container with superb drainage.

By sticking your finger into the dirt between one and two inches deep, you may determine how wet the P. melanochrysum plant is. If your plant is dry, water it until the extra liquid runs out the drainage holes. Empty the saucer’s accumulated water.

Your plant’s soil may momentarily lose its ability to absorb moisture if you have been too busy and have allowed it to dry out too much. This can be the issue if water immediately pours out of the drainage holes and down the sides of the pot. It might be required to give the soil several minor waterings until it returns to filling the pot. then go on with regular watering.

Although it would seem impossible to overwater a tropical plant, it is possible. Overwatering P. melanochrysum can lead to fungus, root rot, and other pest issues.

Humidity and Temperature

Tropical plants like Philodendron spp. can withstand greater humidity levels and warmer temperatures. Any room that is over 60 degrees Fahrenheit should be OK, but frigid windows or places adjacent to exterior doors that frequently open and close and let in a lot of cold air are ideal.

The P. melanochrysum in your home needs and likes moisture. 80 percent relative humidity is ideal for it to flourish. Indoor humidity levels in many homes drop to as low as 20% during the winter, making tropical and subtropical plants unsuitable for growing.

Try a few things to increase the humidity in your home if it’s dry to keep your Black Gold Philodendron content.

Fertilizing

It will be safe to use regular fertilizer made for houseplants. It is best to use a fertilizer that is either balanced, such as 10-10-10 NPK, or somewhat nitrogen-heavy since nitrogen promotes leaf development. Instead of fertilizing heavily sometimes, fertilize a little bit at each significant watering.

P. melanochrysum may consume a lot of food. If everything is in order but your melanochrysum still has little leaves, fertilizer may be required. Avoid the urge to apply a lot of fertilizer because this might damage the plant’s roots.

Continually adhere to the instructions on the box. The majority of fertilizers should be diluted with water in accordance with the labeled ratio. Wintertime, when the plant grows more slowly, is a time when fertilizing may and should be postponed.

Pots and Soil

P. melanochrysum enjoys good drainage, as do the majority of Aroids. You may prepare your own Philodendron potting mix or buy pre-mixed varieties online. There are several recipes from successful growers on gardening websites if you want to make your own.

You should choose a pot that’s airy, light, drains fast, but retains some moisture, and is a bit chunky or barky. To further improve the aeration of the potting mix, add some perlite to the mixture.

P. melanochrysum dislikes having its roots confined to its container. Keep an eye on it, and if required, attempt to repotted in the spring or summer.

To keep the roots from resting in water, make sure the container has enough drainage holes. You might only need to repot your philodendron every two to three years.

Repotting

Repotting of Philodendron melanochrysum is inevitable. Circling roots, roots protruding from drainage holes, or a lifeless, spindly plant are indicators of a root-bound plant. Repotting should ideally be done in the spring or early summer, at the start of the growth season.

The pot you are currently using should be one size larger. It may seem easier to use a larger pot since you won’t need to repot the plant as frequently, but doing so might delay soil evaporation, which can lead to problems with fungus, mold, and root rot.

Toxicity

Both people and animals are poisoned by the leaf of P. melanochrysum. Skin discomfort may also result from stem sap.

Propagation of Philodendron Melanochrysum

You may grow Philodendron melanochrysum by air layering or taking cuttings. If you have a plant that is outgrowing its area, taking cuttings to generate new plants can be a terrific approach to keep your Black Gold Philodendron growth under control. A wonderful way to share the love is to give a fresh P. melanochrysum that you propagated to another plant enthusiast.

Cutting roots

Like other plants, philodendron cuttings can be rooted in the ground.

Pick a piece of a healthy stem from which to take a cutting, preferably one that has an aerial root as well as at least one node. Trim all the leaves from your cutting, leaving only one or two. Cuttings can be rooted in water, moss, or perlite-adjusted wet potting soil.

When rooting in water, use a container with transparent sides so you can see the roots grow. Making ensuring that the container has adequate drainage and is properly aerated, one can root plants in potting mix by filling the container with the potting mix.

Make sure the cutting is gently inserted into the medium and that the node and at least one pair of air roots are covered with soil. Water the container completely while keeping the cutting in place. To squeeze out any extra water and secure the cutting against the soil, gently press your thumbs or fingers into the soil mixture at the top.

If rooted in moss, make sure the air roots are completely encased by the moss and fully moisten it.

Keep your cutting in a warm area away from the sun. Misting your cuttings will help keep them from drying out if the environment is not damp.

Pests and Typical Issues

Here are some typical pests and problems to watch out for when caring for Philodendron melanochrysum.

Yellowing of Leaves

Philodendron melanochrysum owners frequently experience yellowing leaves that fall off, which is probably the result of overwatering. Wilting is another sign of overwatering, which may lead you to believe the plant needs more water. To avoid forgetting to water your plant, check its moisture levels frequently. However, water should only be applied when the top 1-2 inches of the pot are dry to the touch.

Leaves Turning Brown

A development of excess salts in the soil as a result of overfertilizing may be the cause of browned leaves. Put the pot in the sink or bathtub and gently let the water run through it for 10-15 minutes to flush the dirt.

Root decay

Another issue with Philodendron melanochrysum is root rot, which is likewise brought by inadequate drainage and overwatering. Before watering, inspect the soil to a depth of 1-2 inches rather than merely glancing at or touching the surface.

Spider mites

Red spider mites feed on your plant’s sap and might eventually cause it to die. Wash them off in the sink with cold water and then treat them with a neem oil spray, much like you would for aphids or other insect pests if you notice tiny fine webs on your Philodendron or what appears to be dust that “moves” on the underside of the leaves.

Mealybugs

Mealybugs are little insects that might resemble a fuzzy white spot near the base of a leaf, where it connects to the stem. Your plant may begin to lose leaves or the leaves may turn yellow and seem wilted if it is affected. Where they are detected, remove the stem and discard it before treating it with insecticidal soap or neem oil spray.

Conclusion

One of the more difficult-to-find and unusual houseplants is philodendron melanochrysum. The payoff is fantastic, though, and you’ll have a towering climbing plant with eye-catching leaves and a tropical vibe as the centerpiece of your entire plant corner or wall.

Enjoy your Philodendron melanochrysum by making sure it has good drainage, the perfect amount of chunky soil, a lovely warm, sunny place out of direct sunlight, and a high humidity level.

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