Caring for a Philodendron Melanochrysum
*Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I do receive a small commission if you purchase a product using my link, with no addition cost to you!*
If you are a lover of dark, velvety plants, you’re going to be obsessed with this one.
The philodendron Melanochrysum is a ridiculously beautiful plant, that really isn’t all that hard to care for!
This plant is not a true philodendron, but it has the same type of leaves. It’s one of those rare houseplants that are more expensive than some people can willingly afford to buy and keep alive, but I would argue to say that every rare houseplant owner should have one.
The Philodendron Melanochrysum is a gorgeous houseplant that can grow over fifty feet outdoors, and if you’re lucky enough to have one, you should be able to keep it alive indoors.
Let’s look at the history and care for this plant.
*Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I do receive a small commission if you purchase a product using my link, with no addition cost to you!*
History of the Philodendron Melanochrysum
The philodendron Melanochrysum is a rare houseplant that is native to the wet Andean foothills of Colombia, growing at approximately 500m above sea level in the provinces of Chocó and Antioquia but widely cultivated elsewhere as an ornamental. This plant can be grown outside or indoors. It does need special conditions to grow as big as you may want. Although it is an expensive plant, every rare houseplant owner should have one.
The history of this plant dates back to 1834 when botanist Richard Spruce first discovered it on his explorations through Ecuador and Colombia. He brought specimens back with him and sent them off for identification to England where they were given the name “Philodendron spiralis” and described as having a “thin pale green stem; leaves spirally arranged about it, elliptic oblong, acute, unequally serrated”.
Philodendron Melanochrysum was not recorded again until 1970 when it was discovered in Chocó by Colombian botanist Luis O. Vargas while studying the rain forest in the region. He is responsible for giving this plant its current name, “Philodendron Melanochrysum” which means “black-colored heart”.
Grown in the heated jungle environments, or as an inside plant, it is typically given a rest period during winter. The name ‘Melanochrysum’ comes from the Greek words for black and gold; ‘melanos’ meaning black and ‘chrysos’ meaning gold.
Philodendron Melanochrysum Leaves
This rare houseplant has absolutely breathtaking foliage. As is begins to grow a new leaf, you will notice that the baby leaf will appear a golden yellow color.
Once it begins to unfurl, that leaf will transform into a orange-brown color and then harden off into a dark green, almost black, velvety leaf.
The long vines that grow from this plant are also quite unique. When you have a good amount of vine growth, it can be difficult to know what to do with so much plant in such a small area.
Before I go into the care of this plant, I will give some tips on how to deal with the vine growth.
When the vine begins to grow quite rapidly, rather than a slow growth rate like most plants have, one of the best things that you can do is take off some of the new vines.
It is important to note though, that you should never remove more than one third of the strength plant’s total stem.
What this will do is help balance out the amount of leaves and new stems that are growing on the plant.
It will also help prevent this plant from becoming too top heavy, which is a common problem for many different varieties of houseplants.
Philodendron Melanochrysum Care
Plant Lighting
Even though the Melanochrysum doesn’t need insanely bright light, it does require fairly bright, indirect light.
I choose to let this rare houseplant live in my Ikea greenhouse, about 1 to 2 feet under these grow lights.
I also occasionally move this plant outside in the summer, as it has a tendency to enjoy higher humidity!
So far, it seems that my choice of where to keep my philodendron is working very well.
Watering
When setting up a watering schedule for this plant, keep in mind it enjoys staying fairly moist.
My watering schedule is to water my Melanochrysum roughly every 7 days. I also try to make sure that the plant is thoroughly watered each time with about 1″ of water.
For this rare houseplant, it is better to err on the side of under watering!
If you are not totally sure when to water your plants, you can try the ‘stick your finger in the soil’ method. If you are not able to feel moisture at least 2″ down into the pot, then it is time to water!
Also keep in mind that this plant will tend to wilt easier than a lot of other indoor plants because of how fast it grows.
When this happens, simply water the plant more frequently.
Humidity
The philodendron Melanochrysum definitely loves high humidity.
As I mentioned previously, this is one reason that it potentially does better outside than inside.
However, if you do choose to keep your plant at home and you can’t have the humidity as high as it needs, there are some things that you can do to help increase the moisture in your home slightly.
The easiest way to increase humidity levels indoors is to use a humidifier like this. A cool mist humidifier is the type that I would recommend. Putting the humidifier near your plant, or somewhere in the room where it can release water vapor into the air will be incredibly helpful in increasing humidity!
It will also help if you increase airflow in your home by turning on ceiling fans and opening windows for a short time each day.
Another option is to put one of those water wicking plant pots underneath your philodendron. The pot will absorb water from the bottom and release it up into the leaves of your plant, which will then release all of that extra moisture back into the air while still allowing it to take up oxygen from the air.
If you use one of these pots, remember to add a little water once a week so that the soil does not dry out completely.
If you need a good humidifier, I suggest you check out this one. You control every part of it, in terms of misting and temperature.
Soil
You can use a standard potting soil for this vine houseplant, but I will warn you that the Melanochrysum doesn’t like to have its roots sitting in water for any length of time.
Although I choose to keep my Melanochyrsum plants in Spaghum moss like this, this plant will also do very well in regular potting soil mixed with perlite for best drainage!
Pests and Diseases
The presence of pests are a real concern with this plant. it is very susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects.
Our favorite pest control product that you can use is neem oil, which is made from the Neem tree. This product is organic and safe to use around pets and children. It keeps pests away for several weeks at a time and also aids in the growing process of your plant! This spray will help keep your plant pest free.
Another potential problem for this houseplant is the presence of aphids, scales, mealybugs or whiteflies on your plant leaves. You can use a product like Neem oil to safely spray and treat your plant if necessary!
Also be sure to check out my article on organic pest control .
Propagating a Philodendron Melanochrysum
When propagating a leaf from this rare houseplant, make sure you take a cutting with a node. Without a node, your plant cutting will not be able to grow any new roots.
This is the growth point where nutrient and water uptake happens.
When you take your cutting, cut the bottom off with a sharp pair of scissors by about half an inch.
Allow the leaves to dry out for about 2 days, or until they are just starting to wilt slightly at their tips. Once you are ready, place the node in a glass of water. After it begins forming roots about 2″-4″ long, you are ready to plant your cutting.
You can plant it in moist spaghum moss or a potting soil with perlite.
The leaves will start to regrow in about 4 weeks. After that, just keep them watered regularly and add fertilizer every two weeks to encourage the plant to grow healthy and hearty!
When you’re ready to move your vine houseplant into a bigger pot, select a pot that is only one size bigger than the size you currently have (i.e.- if your plant is in a 4″ pot, you will want to get a 6″ pot, but do not go any bigger than that).
Where to Buy a Philodendron Melanochrysum (+ Price)
If you are now hooked to the idea of purchasing this plant, but not sure where you can find it, you’re in the perfect spot.
I’ve added links to great resources in this article that you can use to find it. Most of these links are from online plant stores where they sell the plants at various prices. Be sure to always read reviews and ask questions!
(Disclaimer- Some of these may not be available for shipping or located outside of the US)
Enjoy Your Philodendron Melanochrysum
I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about how to care for the Philodendron Melanochyrusm plant.
If it sounds like something that would be a great addition to your collection, make sure you have space for this fast-growing and showy houseplant! Remember to water when dry, give ample sunlight, and keep the humidity around it high in order to ensure success.
This plant is expensive but so worth it if you love rare plants or want an impressive specimen of greenery indoors.
What do you think? Would this amazing houseplant look good in your home?
Let us know by leaving a comment below–we’d love to hear from you!
FAQ:
Is the Philodendron Melanochrysum hard to take care of?
The Philodendron Melanochrysum can be one of the easiest rare houseplants to care for. Its main problem is if it is overfed or underwatered, which can kill the plant.
Is this plant pet safe?
This plant should not be ingested by any animals.
Related articles:
Philodendron El Choco Red Care
Signing off,
xoxo.
*Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I do receive a small commission if you purchase a product using my link, with no addition cost to you!*
