Origin
The Philodendron melanochrysum, also known as the Black Gold Philodendron, originally hails from the tropical rainforests of South America, specifically Colombia and Ecuador. In its natural habitat, the plant lives as an epiphyte, meaning it grows on other plants or trees without parasitising them.
Characteristics
The Philodendron melanochrysum is a popular houseplant thanks to its impressive, shiny leaves which can develop a dark green to almost black colour and grow up to 90 cm in length. The plant thrives when it is trained to grow up a pole or other supporting structure, as it does in the wild. Another distinctive feature is the elongated form of its leaves, which have an arrow-shaped appearance.
Care
The Philodendron melanochrysum requires a warm and moist environment to grow, just like the tropical rainforests it originates from. The plant needs to be watered regularly, but it's important to ensure the soil can dry out well between watering to prevent root rot. It's also recommended to place the plant in a location with bright but indirect light. Direct sunlight can burn the leaves, while too little light can affect the growth in size and colour of the leaves.