Velvet that absorbs light
Fine microtexture reduces hard reflections and gives the blade a deep satin veil.
6
Philodendron melanochrysum 12cm
Normal price
€20,00
What does the legal guarantee mean for plants?
The legal guarantee concerns the plant’s conformity at delivery. It is not a guarantee of survival or growth for two years. Each issue is assessed taking into account the nature of the plant, its care and the conditions in which it is kept. Your statutory rights remain unaffected.
Philodendronmelanochrysum
It is not glossy; it is velvet, focus 🖤
- Araceae
- Dark velvet leaves
- Golden-green veins
- Bronze new growth
- Climbing maturation
Philodendron melanochrysum opens long heart-shaped blades with a deep velvet surface, luminous veins and bronze tones in young growth. Rather than shining, the epidermis holds and diffuses light, making the green appear almost black.
The juvenile silhouette of Philodendron melanochrysum stays clean and flexible, while successive nodes gradually reveal larger, more mature leaves as the stem climbs.
What makes it special
Dark velvet, bright venation and a strong change of scale meet in a true climbing aroid.
Venation like a light drawing
Primary and secondary veins appear much lighter across the dark blade.
Leaves that scale with support
As the stem anchors and matures, successive blades can become noticeably longer.
Why you’ll love it: it combines unusual textural depth with a climbing transformation that becomes more impressive with each new leaf.
In your space Placement & plant pairings Where it looks its best and which plants complement it
Where it looks its best
Near a bright window with a slim support or moss pole so the nodes can climb and the leaves can mature. Leave breathing room around the crown so each leaf shape reads clearly.
Plants that complement it
Choices with compatible light needs and contrasting textures keep the arrangement balanced.
- Anthurium crystallinum — a velvet heart and white veins in a lower silhouette.
- Scindapsus treubii ‘Moonlight’ — compact metallic silver-green for contrast.
- Asplenium nidus — clean rippled fronds acting as a bright backdrop.
Care at a glance
Light
Bright, indirect light. Variegated forms need steady light without harsh sun.
Water
When the top 2–4 cm are dry. Water thoroughly and let all excess drain away.
Atmosphere
Moderate to higher humidity and roughly 18–29°C, away from cold or hot draughts.
Pets
Not safe to chew. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals.
Chosen for this plant
Substrate & nutrition
Detailed care Complete care guide Light, watering, humidity, substrate and nutrition in detail
Light and position
Keep it near an east-facing or bright north-facing window, or behind a sheer curtain. Low light reduces leaf size and variegation, while harsh sun can scorch pale tissue.
Correct watering
Check the mix before every watering and wait until the top 2–4 cm are dry. Water evenly, let it drain and never leave water standing in the cover pot.
Air humidity
It adapts to average household humidity, but steady humidity and gentle air movement support cleaner edges and smoother unfurling.
Temperature
An ideal range is roughly 18–29°C. Avoid cold glass, air-conditioner draughts and sudden changes that slow growth.
Substrate
Use an airy aroid mix with ample pore space around the roots and moderate moisture retention. Unrestricted drainage is essential.
Nutrition and repotting
During active growth, use a balanced liquid feed at the label rate and only on already moist substrate. Repot when roots fill the pot, moving up by one size.
Botanical identity Origin of the cultivar The species’ range and the history of the cultivated selection
The species Philodendron melanochrysum
Philodendron melanochrysum is an accepted species in Araceae. It was described by Linden and André and the name was published in 1873.
The name means ‘black-gold’
The epithet combines Greek roots referring to the dark leaf and the golden or luminous details of its veins and young growth.
Native to Colombia
The species is native to Colombia, where it grows as a climber in wet tropical habitat.
Greenleaf for Plant Nerds Scientific facts nobody asked for Botanical details for anyone curious about the plant behind the foliage
Velvet is micromorphology
Microscopic projections and epidermal cell arrangement scatter light in many directions. This makes the surface look deep without requiring black pigment.
Leaf enlargement is heteroblasty
A climbing aroid changes form as it passes from juvenile to mature phase. Stable attachment and light signal that it can invest in a larger blade.
The cataphyll protects the new leaf
Before unfurling, a new blade is enclosed by a modified protective leaf, the cataphyll. After expansion it dries and may remain temporarily at the node.
Raphides are defensive crystals
Tissues contain needle-shaped calcium oxalate crystals. Chewing releases them mechanically and causes immediate oral irritation.
Frequently asked questions
Practical answers about growth and the plant’s most common signals.
01 Why do new leaves stay small?
The most common causes are insufficient light, inconsistent watering and lack of stable support. Improve these first and assess several successive nodes; one leaf does not establish a trend.
02 What do yellow leaves mean?
One old lower leaf may be ageing normally. Several yellow leaves at once call for a check of moisture, drainage, light and roots before adding water or fertiliser.
03 Does it need support?
Climbing forms benefit from a firm pole or moss surface, while self-heading rosettes mainly need room. Tie only the stem, never a leaf petiole.
04 Why is a new leaf stuck?
Low or abruptly changing humidity, a dry root zone or cold can hinder unfurling. Stabilise conditions and never pull a soft blade from its sheath.
05 How do I take a cutting?
On climbing forms, cut a healthy section with at least one node and a viable growth point. Self-heading forms will not propagate from a plain leaf without a node.
06 Is it safe for pets and children?
Not for chewing or ingestion. Insoluble calcium oxalate raphides can cause severe oral irritation. Keep it out of reach and seek professional advice if ingestion or symptoms occur.
📦 Your plant travels protected
Every order is prepared with care so your plant arrives upright, secure and safe.
Individual protection
Plants in pots with a capacity of 3 litres or more are placed in individual boxes that hold the pot securely and reduce the risk of tipping over.
Sturdy packaging
We use reinforced cardboard designed to protect against impacts and vibration during transport.