Its velvet leaves come in shades of dark green with brilliantly contrasted yellow veins.
In their native habitat, the plant climbs upon trees.
Another boon: Like all philodendrons, it has air-cleaning abilities.
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The plant is toxic to humans and pets.
Light
Philodendron melanochrysum naturally grow as forest understory plants where they receive dappled,indirect light.
Avoid exposing these tropical plants to prolonged periods of direct sunlight as the leaves burn easily.
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Soil
The potting medium should be well-draining but moist and high in organic content.
If possible, place the plantnear a humidifieror in a greenhouse.
Use anNPK fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, once a month from the early spring to the late summer.
Fill a pot one size up with fresh, well-draining potting medium to give your plant fresh nutrients.
Repot philodendrons in the late spring or early summer to minimize transplant shock and give it room for growth.
Yellowing Leaves
Overwatering is the most common cause ofyellowing leaveson a philodendron melanochrysum.
If you notice newer leaves developing brown spots, this is a larger cause for concern.
Choose a spot that receives at least 6-7 hours of bright, indirect sunlight.
While both of these velvet-leaf philodendrons look similar at first glance, there are a couple of distinct differences.
Philodendron melanochrysumsomewhat tolerates being root-bound but needs a larger pot when the roots emerge from the drainage holes.
Philodendron melanchrysum are expensive because they are rare and highly sought aftera combination that results in high prices.
You may need to purchase the plant from private collectors or rare plant specialists.
It gives the leaves maximum light exposure so they grow larger and faster.
Houseplants That Clean the Air.
University of Florida Extension.
National Capital Poison Center.
