Moderate Tropical Toxic to pets

Black Gold Philodendron

Philodendron melanochrysum

A climbing philodendron with velvety, dark green leaves that shimmer with a bronze or copper sheen in good light.

The essentials at a glance

Watering

Every 7 days
Light

Bright indirect light
Humidity

65–85 %
Temperature

18–28 °C

How to care for your Black Gold Philodendron

Everything you need to keep your Black Gold Philodendron healthy: watering, light, humidity, feeding, repotting and pruning.

Philodendron melanochrysum, often called the 'Black Gold Philodendron,' is a stunning climber originating from the tropical rainforests of Colombia. Its juvenile leaves are coppery-red, developing into elongated, heart-shaped, velvety dark green leaves with yellow-green veins as they mature. The leaves exhibit a beautiful iridescence, appearing almost black with golden flecks under certain light conditions. This plant thrives with a support structure like a moss pole and consistent high humidity.

Watering your Black Gold Philodendron

Every 7 days

Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.

How to know it needs water

Soil is dry to touch
Pot feels lighter than usual

How much light a Black Gold Philodendron needs

Bright indirect light

Bright, indirect light. Protect from direct afternoon sun.

Direct sun tolerated: 0 to 2 h a day
Orientations that suit it: North, North-east, East, South-east, South, South-west, West, North-west

Humidity and misting

65–85 %

High (65-85%) Regular misting helps, but a humidifier is ideal for consistent high humidity.

Feeding and fertiliser

Every 30 days

Apply during active growth, spring through fall. Reduce in winter.

Recommended feed: Balanced liquid fertilizer, half strength · 9-3-6

Repotting your Black Gold Philodendron

Every 18 months

Move to a slightly larger pot, providing a moss pole for climbing.

When: Spring
Potting mix: All-purpose potting mix
Mix in: perlite, pine bark, coco fibre

The tell-tale signs

Roots circling the pot
Growth rate slowing despite adequate care

Pruning your Black Gold Philodendron

To control size or encourage bushiness. Cut stems above a node using sterile scissors.

Through the year

Watering is not set once and for all: it follows the light and the growth. Allow 11 days between waterings in the depth of winter, against 6 in the growing season.

11 J
9 F
7 M
6 A
6 M
6 J
6 J
6 A
7 S
8 O
9 N
11 D

Active growth · Days between waterings

Toxicity

Contains calcium oxalate crystals, causing irritation if ingested.

Good to know

Its leaves emerge with a reddish hue and mature to a deep, velvety green with striking iridescent flecks.
It's an enthusiastic climber and benefits greatly from a moss pole or trellis.

Frequently asked questions about the Black Gold Philodendron

How do you care for a Black Gold Philodendron?

Water it every 7 days. Give it bright indirect light. Ideal humidity: 65–85 %. Ideal temperature: 18–28 °C. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.

How often should you water a Black Gold Philodendron?

Every 7 days Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. How to know it needs water : Soil is dry to touch ; Pot feels lighter than usual.

How much light does a Black Gold Philodendron need?

Bright indirect light Bright, indirect light. Protect from direct afternoon sun. 0 to 2 h a day

Is the Black Gold Philodendron toxic to cats and dogs?

Yes. Contains calcium oxalate crystals, causing irritation if ingested. Keep it out of reach of your pets and call a vet if any is swallowed.

Why are my Black Gold Philodendron leaves turning yellow?

Yellowing most often comes from too much water: the mix stays wet and the roots suffocate. Check that the pot drains, empty the saucer, and let the mix dry before watering again. Too little light or a cold draught cause the same symptom.

When should you repot a Black Gold Philodendron?

Repot every 18 months, ideally in spring. Move to a slightly larger pot, providing a moss pole for climbing.