Philodendron melanochrysum

From Chocó to Jean Linden’s glasshouses

After Benedict Roezl collected Philodendron melanochrysum in Colombia’s Chocó in 1872, living plants reached the Belgian horticulturist Jean Linden.

Linden and Édouard André described the wet-forest climber in 1873, and it soon entered European horticulture.

Root and foliage care for climbing aroids

• Humidity and airflow: Soft velvet leaves unfurl with less sticking in moderate to high humidity. Light air movement and minimal handling prevent dampness and abrasion on their surface.
• Light: Bright indirect light gives the vine enough energy to produce progressively longer leaves. Keep the velvet surface away from harsh direct sun.
• Water: Once the upper layer starts to dry, water the whole mix evenly and make sure both the pot and support drain freely.
• Temperature: Warm, stable conditions are best, without cold draughts or sudden temperature changes.
• Substrate: An open, moisture-retentive aroid mix needs plenty of coarse structure.

Root, stem and leaf problems in Philodendron melanochrysum

• Surface marks: Velvet records fingerprints, dust, mineral residue and rubbing. Clean only when necessary with a dry soft brush or cloth; sprays and polishing products can create additional marks.
• Copper-to-dark leaf colour: New leaves may open salmon, copper or yellow and darken as they harden. This sequence is normal when the tissue remains firm and the next leaves continue to grow.
• A long velvet leaf caught in its fold: Dry air, interrupted root moisture and contact with the support can make a long new leaf catch. Do not pull it open; provide clearance and inspect inside the fold for thrips and black specks.
• Pests on long velvet leaves: Fine stippling or bronzing beneath a mature leaf suggests mites. Silver scrapes and uneven opening on a new leaf suggest thrips. Inspect the full lower surface and folded growth, keep the vine apart and test the selected treatment on a small velvet patch before wider application.
• Wet support and node decay: A moss pole that stays saturated can keep a node oxygen-poor and soft. Let excess drain, remove decaying material and keep the stem in contact with a moist but airy surface.
• Yellowing and brown edges: Root damage, uneven watering, cold or fertiliser salts can cause these symptoms. Check roots and pot moisture first, then correct the specific exposure instead of feeding more heavily.

Philodendron melanochrysum is toxic to people and pets

• Keep this plant away from children, cats and dogs.
• Its leaves and stems contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can irritate the mouth, throat, skin and eyes.
• Chewing may cause burning pain, drooling, swelling, vomiting or difficulty swallowing. Contact a veterinarian or medical professional after exposure, especially if swelling or breathing problems occur.

What does the name Philodendron melanochrysum mean?

Philodendron combines Greek philein, meaning “to love,” with dendron, meaning “tree.” Melanochrysum combines Greek melas or melanos, black or very dark, with chrysos, gold.

Heinrich Wilhelm Schott established the genus Philodendron in 1829 in Wiener Zeitschrift für Kunst, Literatur, Theater und Mode, volume 3, page 780.

Jean Jules Linden and Édouard-François André first described Philodendron melanochrysum in 1873 in L’Illustration Horticole, volume 20, page 198.