Black Gold Philodendron (Philodendron melanochrysum)

Dark, velvety and a bit of a show-off.

The Black Gold Philodendron is one of those plants you can't help but stop and admire. Its gorgeous, heart-shaped leaves have a rich, almost black-green velvet finish, with striking golden veins that catch the light beautifully. New leaves often emerge with warm bronze tones before deepening into that signature dark green.

And here's where it gets interesting. This tropical climber can develop seriously impressive foliage as it matures, with leaves becoming longer and more dramatic when given something to climb.

A little bit fancy? Absolutely. Worth the attention? Every bit.

Plant Care

• Light: Loves bright, indirect light. Avoid harsh direct sunshine, which can scorch its delicate, velvety leaves.
• Watering: Allow the top few centimetres of compost to dry between waterings. Keep lightly moist during active growth, but never waterlogged.
• Temperature: Happiest around 18–27°C. Keep away from cold draughts and temperatures below 15°C.
• Humidity: Appreciates higher humidity, ideally around 60% or above. A humidifier can help keep those gorgeous leaves looking their best.
• Feed: Feed every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer with a diluted, balanced houseplant fertiliser.

Meet Your Plant

• Foliage: Long, heart-shaped, velvety dark green leaves with contrasting golden-green veins
• Growth: A climbing Philodendron that produces increasingly impressive foliage as it matures
• New Growth: Fresh leaves often emerge in beautiful bronze or coppery shades before darkening
• Climbing Habit: Benefits from a moss pole or suitable support to encourage larger, mature leaves
• Pet Warning: Toxic to cats and dogs if eaten due to calcium oxalate crystals. Keep away from curious pets and children.
• Also Known As: Black Gold Philodendron, Velvet Leaf Philodendron
• Botanical Name: Philodendron melanochrysum
• Origin: Native to the tropical rainforests of Colombia