LightBlack Gold Philodendron grows best in bright indirect light…
WaterWater Black Gold Philodendron when the topsoil feels dry…
ToxicityToxic to pets
Mature sizeIts stated eventual height is 2 ft / 30…
Black Gold Philodendron is a climbing vine with large, heart-shaped leaves. The foliage has a soft velvet surface and deep green to nearly black coloring. Golden veins and highlights become more striking as leaves mature. Give the vine a support if you want larger foliage and a tidy upright shape. It suits collectors who can provide bright filtered light, warmth, humidity, and careful watering.
Care data checked 25 September 2026 · Dany · A-Z Plants
Light requirements
Black Gold Philodendron grows best in bright indirect light at 150 to 250 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ PPFD. Protect its dark, velvety leaves from direct sun.
Placement: position it about 5 ft / 1.5 m from a south, west or east-facing window, without a clear view of the sky.
Filtering: use a sheer curtain where direct sunlight cannot be avoided.
Measurement: check photosynthetically active radiation with a PAR meter or PAR meter app.
Too much light can fade or scorch foliage. Too little light produces slower growth, smaller leaves, and wider gaps along the vine.
Watering
Water Black Gold Philodendron when the topsoil feels dry. Check beneath the surface before watering, since the lower mix may still be wet. Use room temperature rainwater, distilled water, or reverse osmosis water.
Water the entire root ball until liquid leaves the drainage holes. Let it drain completely before returning it to a saucer or decorative planter.
Always use a pot with drainage holes. Water trapped around the roots encourages rot.
Reduce watering considerably in winter, when the vine is not actively growing.
Crispy edges and drooping can follow extended dryness. Yellow leaves, soft stems, or persistent wilting may point to excessive moisture rather than thirst.
Soil
Black Gold Philodendron needs a chunky, airy mix that drains quickly while retaining modest moisture. Amend 2 parts organic all-purpose potting mix with 1 part bark and 1 part biochar.
DIY mix: use 1 part coir, 1 part pumice, 1 part bark, and 1 part biochar.
Apply an organic all-purpose fertilizer every 2 to 4 weeks from March to October. Feed Black Gold Philodendron only while it is actively growing, and apply fertilizer to moist soil. Avoid excessive doses, which can damage roots and leave salt deposits in the mix.
Temperature & humidity
Keep Black Gold Philodendron at 65 to 80°F / 18 to 27°C. Avoid cold drafts and sudden temperature changes. Humidity between 50 and 70% supports larger, smoother leaves. Drier air may cause crisp margins or make unfurling foliage more likely to stick.
What to expect
Black Gold Philodendron takes about 3 to 5 years to mature. Its stated eventual height is 2 ft / 30 to 60 cm, with a spread of 12 to 18 in / 30 to 45 cm. Growth follows a climbing habit and becomes more orderly when the vine has support.
Varieties & cultivars
Philodendron melanochrysum ‘Lime’: New leaves display a distinct marbled pattern in lime green.
Philodendron melanochrysum ‘Imperial Green’: Foliage is darker and can appear almost black. Its veins are less obvious than those of the standard plant.
Philodendron melanochrysum ‘Red-Veined’: This rare form develops vivid red veins across mature, dark leaves.
Black Gold Philodendron: questions
Is Black Gold Philodendron toxic to cats and dogs?
The ASPCA lists philodendrons as toxic to cats and dogs because they contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. Black Gold Philodendron is also toxic to people if chewed or…
How much light does Black Gold Philodendron need?
Black Gold Philodendron grows best in bright indirect light at 150 to 250 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ PPFD. Protect its dark, velvety leaves from direct sun. - Placement: position it about 5 ft / 1.5 m from a south, west or east-facing window, without a clear view of the sky. - Filtering: use a sheer curtain…
How often should I water Black Gold Philodendron?
Water Black Gold Philodendron when the topsoil feels dry. Check beneath the surface before watering, since the lower mix may still be wet. Use room temperature rainwater, distilled water, or reverse osmosis water. - Water the entire root ball until liquid leaves the drainage holes. Let it drain…
How big does Black Gold Philodendron get?
Mature size indoors: Its stated eventual height is 2 ft / 30….
