Scroll to explore forms of Philodendron melanochrysum
Full Specimen Plate
Philodendron melanochrysum 'Variegated'
Variegated Melanochrysum Philodendron
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Philodendron melanochrysum 'Variegated' Morphology
About Philodendron melanochrysum 'Variegated'
Philodendron melanochrysum 'Variegated' is a climbing aroid native to Colombia, with long, velvety leaves and variegation. Its elongated cordate leaves have bright golden-pale primary veins and a velvet texture, with sectoral and marbled variegation in shades of cream and yellow. It needs warmth, high humidity, bright indirect light, and a vertical support to grow well.
Native Range
Colombia
Market Analysis
Philodendron melanochrysum 'Variegated' Price Guide & Auction Value
Historical eBay auction metrics and live retailer listings updated weekly.
No eBay auction history available yet. Data is collected automatically as sales appear on eBay UK.
Before You Buy
Species-specific things to check when evaluating a listing
- Check that roots are firm and white to tan — avoid plants with black, slimy, or absent roots
- Verify the variegation pattern extends into new emerging growth — if the newest leaf is fully green, the plant may be reverting
- Inspect leaf undersides for thrips (silvery stippling) and mealybugs (white cottony residue at leaf bases)
- On eBay, compare the listed plant to multiple recent sold comps to confirm the asking price is realistic for the variegation level shown
Propagation Guide
How to Propagate Philodendron melanochrysum 'Variegated'
4-8 months
Cultivar character is preserved through vegetative cuttings
Single-node cuttings root readily in moist sphagnum or water. Maintain 70%+ humidity and bottom warmth for best results.
Care Guide
Philodendron melanochrysum 'Variegated' Care Guide & Growing Conditions
High-porosity mix: 50% perlite, 30% orchid bark, 20% coco coir. Good aeration is essential — philodendrons are prone to root rot in dense substrates.
Water thoroughly when the top 3–4 cm of substrate is dry. Ensure free drainage and never allow to sit in water. Reduce frequency in winter.
60–80% preferred. UK tap water can cause brown tips — use rainwater or filtered water where possible.
Balanced liquid fertiliser (e.g. 20-20-20) at quarter strength every two weeks in spring and summer. Monthly at most in winter.
Every 12–18 months or when roots circle the base of the pot. Move up one pot size only — oversized pots increase rot risk.
Common Problems
Brown leaf tips
Low humidity or fluoride/chlorine in tap water
Increase ambient humidity and switch to rainwater or filtered water
Yellow leaves
Overwatering or compacted substrate
Allow substrate to dry further between waterings; check root health and repot if necessary
Leggy growth with small leaves
Insufficient light
Move to a brighter position with more indirect light
The Black Velvet Gold Rush
Philodendron melanochrysum is famous for its dark green, nearly black velvet leaves with brilliant pale gold veins. The variegated form adds a layer of cream and yellow marbling. Taxonomically described by Linden and André in the late 19th century, the velvety sheen is a result of light refraction on the dome-shaped cells of the leaf epidermis, which allows the plant to photosynthesize in the deep shade of Colombian rain forests. Variegated clones require careful fertilization to maintain their vibrant variegation without browning.
Also in: Variegated Rarities
Named cultivars carrying a chimeric variegated sport of an established species, propagated by node rather than seed.
