Black-gold philodendron Philodendron melanochrysum
ABOUT
P. melanochrysum is a fairly slow-growing, evergreen climber reaching to 3m or more. Its large, heart-shaped, velvet-textured leaves, 25-75cm in length, are a deep green with a coppery sheen and pale green veins
About this plant
NamesFamily
Araceae.
Synonyms
Black Gold Philodendron, Velvet-leaf Philodendron.
Common names
Philodendron andreanum, Philodendron lacerum
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Dark green
Height
6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
11
Native area
Colombia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The Philodendron melanochrysum, commonly known as Black Gold Philodendron, has large, velvety dark-green leaves with striking golden veins, making it a beautiful ornamental plant that enhances the visual appeal of indoor spaces.
- Easy Maintenance: This plant is relatively easy to care for, requiring only moderate water and indirect light, which makes it suitable for people without extensive gardening skills.
- Humidity Enhancement: Black Gold Philodendron can contribute to increasing the humidity levels in a room, which can be beneficial for preventing dry skin and respiratory problems associated with dry air.
- Emotional Wellbeing: The presence of plants like Black Gold Philodendron in living spaces can improve mood, reduce stress, and enhance overall emotional wellbeing.
- Space Definition: Because of its size and the architectural structure of its leaves, this plant can be used to define spaces within a room, offering a natural and aesthetic way to organize living areas.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Artistic Inspiration: The striking appearance of Philodendron melanochrysum, with its velvety leaves and luminous veining, serves as an inspiration for artists and designers in creating patterns and motifs in their work.
- Education and Research: Botanists and horticulture students study the growth patterns and propagation methods of Philodendron melanochrysum as a representative of tropical flora.
- Biophilic Design Element: Architects and interior designers incorporate this plant into buildings and spaces to connect humans more closely to nature for improved well-being.
- Photography Subject: Due to its dramatic foliage, Philodendron melanochrysum is a popular subject for photographers practicing plant photography.
- Visual Privacy Screen: When grown densely, it can be used to create a natural visual barrier in gardens or indoor spaces, providing privacy and aesthetic appeal.
- Feng Shui: In the practice of feng shui, Philodendron melanochrysum might be used to add wood element energy to a space, promoting growth and vitality.
- Creative Workshops: Crafting workshops may use its leaves as templates or natural materials to create prints, casts, and other artisan crafts.
- Theme Horticulture: Utilized in thematic garden displays or exhibitions that focus on tropical or jungle settings, this plant can enhance the immersive experience.
- Collecting Hobby: Plant enthusiasts often collect various species of Philodendron, including melanochrysum, which is valued for its unique beauty.
- Visual Storytelling: Filmmakers and theatre productions use Philodendron melanochrysum to create authentic-looking tropical backdrops and set designs.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Philodendron is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Philodendron is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Growth and Development: The Philodendron melanochrysum, known as Black Gold Philodendron, symbolizes growth and development due to its climbing nature and the way it flourishes in the right conditions, representing personal growth and progress.
- Adaptability: This plant's ability to adapt to varying light conditions is reflective of the flexibility and resilience one may need to navigate life's challenges.
- Abundance: With its large, heart-shaped leaves, the Black Gold Philodendron can signify abundance and a fullness of life, embodying a generous spirit and prosperity.
- Healing: The lush greenery of the plant suggests a symbolism related to healing and rejuvenation, offering a visual representation of nature's restorative powers.
WaterThe Black Gold Philodendron prefers its soil to be consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant thoroughly when the top inch of the soil feels dry, which is typically once every 1 to 2 weeks, depending on environmental conditions. Use room temperature water, and aim to provide approximately 16 ounces during each watering session to ensure the soil is evenly saturated. Adjust the amount and frequency based on the plant's response and the indoor climate.
LightThe Black Gold Philodendron thrives in bright, indirect light. It should be placed in a spot where it can receive dappled sunlight or away from direct sunlight that could scorch its leaves. Near an east or south-facing window with sheer curtains could be an ideal location to provide it with the correct light conditions for optimal growth.
TemperatureThe Black Gold Philodendron prefers temperatures between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive in temperatures as low as 55 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 85 degrees Fahrenheit, but consistent temperatures within the ideal range are best for thriving growth. Keep the plant away from drafts and extreme temperature changes.
PruningPruning the Black Gold Philodendron is important for maintaining its shape and encouraging bushier growth. Prune any yellow or damaged leaves at the base using clean, sharp scissors or shears. The best time for pruning is in spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Pruning can be performed once or twice a year as needed to remove older leaves and control the plant's size.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Black Gold Philodendron requires a well-draining soil mix with peat, perlite, and orchid bark; a pH of 5.0 to 6.0 is ideal for this tropical plant.
RepottingBlack Gold Philodendrons should be repotted every 18-24 months to replenish nutrients and facilitate growth.
Humidity & MistingBlack Gold Philodendrons flourish in high humidity, with ideal levels ranging from 60% to 80%.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright indirect light, warm temps, and high humidity.
Outdoor
Grow in warm, shaded areas; protect from direct sun and cold.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA.
Life cyclePhilodendron melanochrysum, commonly known as Black Gold Philodendron, begins its life cycle when a seed germinates, requiring warmth and high humidity to sprout. The seedling develops primary leaves that are often quite different from the mature foliage in shape and size. As the plant grows, it enters a vegetative stage, producing its characteristic large, heart-shaped, velvety, and dark green to blackish leaves with bright golden veins. Its growth habit is both epiphytic and hemiepiphytic, meaning it can grow on other plants or surfaces, and may produce long aerial roots seeking support and nutrients. The Black Gold Philodendron reaches maturity when it starts to flower, producing an inflorescence called a spathe and spadix, although indoor plants rarely bloom. After many years, if conditions are favorable, it can produce viable seeds, completing the cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The Philodendron melanochrysum, commonly known as Black Gold Philodendron, is typically propagated through stem cuttings. This method is popular due to its simplicity and high success rate. The best time to propagate this plant is during the spring and summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate, a section of stem with at least one or two nodes should be cut from the mother plant using a clean, sharp tool. This cutting should then be placed in water or a moist potting mix. If starting in water, the cutting should be transferred to soil once roots have developed to an inch or two in length, which is about 2.5 to 5 centimeters. It's crucial to maintain a warm, humid environment for the cutting to encourage root growth, and the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged to prevent rot.
