If you want to add extra green flair to your home, here’s a guide on how to care for philodendron melanochrysum! These durable and resilient indoor plants quickly take over windowsills and kitchen counters thanks to their striking purple-tinged leaves.
Who doesn’t love a little color added to their daily life? Before diving in, let’s review the basics of properly growing philodendron melanochrysum.
Philodendron Melanochrysum Plants Growing Guide: How to Have a Healthy Plant
Table of Contents
With a notorious reputation that matches its luxurious looks, beginners beware: Melano plant, also known as philodendron melanochrysum, demands a lot of attention and can be pretty picky about its conditions even if its a temperature philodendron melanochrysum.
If you’re up for planting this exotic beauty, you can just read on as we guide you through all the nuances and intricacies of nurturing your philodendron melanochrysum.
Soil
Crafting the right combination of soil for your philodendron melanochrysum plant is essential in ensuring its long life and health.
A mix of peat moss, garden soil, perlite, and charcoal will lighten up the soil while providing necessary drainage. An orchid bark can further help improve drainage and texture.
Ideal Soil Mixture
Need help finding the perfect ingredients? Don’t worry—purchase a commercial orchid mix that will do the job. Of course, the attentive gardener should also keep an eye on the pH level of this beloved plant’s potting mixture—between 5.5 to 6.0 is optimal.
With these tips on how to grow philodendron melanochrysum mind, you’ll create a winning well, draining potting mix for your stunning Melano plant!
Light
The Philodendron melanochrysum, like many tropical plants, requires bright indirect light. Ideally, your tropical plant should be kept a few feet from the window where it will receive dappled or partial sunlight to thrive.
Too much direct light can damage your foliage and cause discoloration of its beautiful leaves.
If you are familiar with any tropical plant, you’ll know just how to cater to the light needs of the Melano plant for sustained growth and vibrancy. Care for it well, and it will reward you for many years!
Watering
When it comes to your Philodendron melanochrysum, there’s no set watering schedule you need to follow. To ensure that you are not overwatering it, the best way is to check the soil with your index finger.
Watering Schedule
If the top 2-3 inches of soil feel dry, it is time to water your philodendron melanochrysum plant. This tropical beauty typically takes 7-8 days before needing a drink.
Additionally, the growing season (spring and summer) and the amount of indirect sunlight it receives greatly influence your plant’s watering needs – you can increase the frequency during summer and decrease it during winter to keep your houseplant well-hydrated but not overwatered.
To further ensure healthy Melano growth, use a well-draining potting mix and an appropriately sized pot with drainage holes.
Temperature
The philodendron melanochrysum care guide comes with specific temperature considerations. These plants thrive in warm temperatures between 70 and 80°F (21-27°C), and any temperature below 60°F could affect healthy foliage and growth.
To keep your Melano healthy, it is best to put it outdoors in the correct zones, which lie between USDA hardiness 9a to 11b, or provide it with bright indirect light if grown indoors.
By guaranteeing an acceptable temperature range, you can ensure healthy development for your plant and watch as the plant’s leaves reach their full potential!
Humidity
Philodendron melanochrysum plant is an unusual climbing vine plant native to wild jungles, where they demand high humidity levels – usually 85-90%. As such, the optimal humidity percentage for these philodendrons stands at 60%.
To ensure that your philodendron melanochrysum thrives, keep an eye on the humidity levels, ensuring that they don’t fall too much below the ideal nor rise too much above it.
A small and practical solution is setting up a pebble tray by placing your philodendron melanochrysum above a tray filled with water and pebbles, which helps maintain the necessary levels of moisture in the soil.
If misting is your style, ensure to do it sparingly, as higher humidity can create an environment suitable for pests and diseases.
Fertilizer
When caring for your philodendron melanochrysum, be aware that its fertilizer needs are most intensive in the initial or active growth stage.
Fertilizer Requirements
To nourish it with the perfect balance of nutrients and minerals, use a 20-20-20 NPK fertilizer or any slow-release kind. However, beware that cheaper fertilizers can cause toxic accumulation of iron and aluminum if used in excess.
Additionally, indirect light is essential for its growth. Natural amendments like biochar and vermicasts have been proven to nurture the plant even more, so they are highly recommended additions to the soil too!
While tending this beautiful Philodendron, keeping these tips in mind will ensure your plant thrives.
Propagation
There are more than 1 ways to propagate philodendron melanochrysum. Here is how to perform philodendron melanochrysum propagation through these methods:
Stem Cuttings
This is the most popular and straightforward approach to the process of propagation.
Via Water
Propagating stem cuttings in water is a simple and convenient way to ensure that you have a complete and healthy black gold philodendron melanochrysum plant. Start by selecting a stem at least 6 inches long and cutting right below the leaf.
After removing the leaves on the lower half, place the stem cutting inside a glass or jar of fresh water in an area that is both bright and out of direct sunlight.
Remember to change the water every few days, as this removes any debris that could interfere with successful root growth.
In 2-4 weeks, you’re bound to start seeing roots develop, which is when you can finally transplant your cutting into a pot with potting mix and drainage holes for optimal health.
Via Soil
Propagating stem cuttings from philodendron melanochrysum plants in soil is a rewarding project for the green thumb!
It begins with selecting a stem cutting at least 6 inches long, just below a leaf node, and removing any leaves from the bottom half of the stem cutting.
To give your new plant the right start, dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder before firmly potting it in a moist developing mix. Next, place it in a warm spot that is bright but out of direct sunlight, keeping the mix moist but not wet.
Keep an eye on the pot to watch its progress – roots should begin to form within 2-4 weeks, and once they are established, you can transplant them into a larger pot.
So make sure your secateurs are sharpened, and with some care, you can soon have a thriving philodendron melanochrysum offshoot of your own!
Seeds
Propagating by seeds is a great way to kickstart your garden. When selecting your potting mix, you should look for one with excellent drainage capabilities and enough nutrients to start the plants.
Sow the seeds on their surface and cover them with soil mix, keeping them slightly damp but not soggy. Once sprouted, thin them out so that your most robust seedlings can thrive.
Transplanting must be done carefully, and it’s recommended to wait until they are at least 6 inches tall before proceeding. Place them in a warm, bright area away from direct UV rays for the best results.
With just a bit of patience, you will soon enjoy watching your seeds bloom into thriving plants!
Air Layering
Propagating philodendron melanochrysum through air layering is a great way to maximize the results of your plant growth. You can start by gathering the necessary air layering supplies such as anvil clippers, scissors, gardening wire, rooting hormone, and a water-filled rooting pot.
Then, use the clippers to find a spot on your philodendron melanochrysum stem approximately 8-12 inches away from the soil and halfway up the stem. Gently remove a few leaves at this spot, wrap them in wet sphagnum moss that you’ve soaked in root hormone, and then secure it with wire.
Keep your new air-layered plant in bright indirect light while misting and spritzing occasionally. With patience and proper care, your philodendron melanochrysum will thrive in no time!
Repotting
Repotting your philodendron melanochrysum might seem daunting, but it’s a simple process that helps your plant live its best life.
Ideally, it would be best to repot when the root ball has filled the current plant pot, and some roots are sticking out of the base. Repotting in spring or summer is beneficial because it gives the plant time to acclimate to its new living environment.
When ready to repot, select a pot twice as big as the old one. Fill up half of it with potting mix and carefully place your Melano plant into the new soil – make sure to firm down around the sides for good stability.
You can top it with additional potting soil and water thoroughly afterwards. Make sure you never let this beloved houseplant sit in too wet or dry soil, as this can lead to issues.
Pruning
Although philodendron melanochrysum pruning is often only done to maintain optimal health, it is unnecessary. As a climbing greenery, your Melano plant could go without pruning throughout its lifetime.
Nonetheless, if you decide to take on the task, use clean pruning shears and selectively trim away approximately 25% of certain stems and older leaves.
This ensures that any infected parts do not spread amongst other houseplants and maintains a healthy look and vibrance. Pruning is also an opportunity to wipe the leaves of your philodendron melanochrysum, which can help keep their lovely sheen intact.
Philodendron Melanochrysum: Pests
It’s no secret that having dark green, cascading foliage around the home is a striking way to add some natural beauty – but unfortunately, with beautiful plants like philodendron melanochrysum come to their unwelcome friends like pests.
If your philodendron melanochrysum is looking a little worse for wear, or you’ve spotted some uninvited bugs at home in the soil, don’t be alarmed; Let us help guide you through identifying and getting rid of those pesky critters!
Aphids
If you have a healthy black gold philodendron melanochrysum, then beware of aphids! These tiny pests feed off the juices of your philodendron melanochrysum to the point of wilting and stunted growth. But don’t despair! All is not lost;
How to Fix It
There are several ways to rid your philodendron melanochrysum of aphids, such as squishing them with your fingers or spraying them with a mixture of soap and water.
Remember not to use chemicals that might damage your precious philodendron melanochrysum. With enough love and care, you can ensure that your philodendron melanochrysum will reach its full health potential for years.
Mealy Bugs
Mealybugs are one of the most common cottony pests that attack the philodendron melanochrysum plant.
These types of bugs, which appear as white spots on stems and undersides of the leaves, feed on healthy philodendron melanochrysum and weaken them- thus, it is essential to try and tackle a mealy bug infestation.
How to Fix It
One approach is to carefully move your philodendron melanochrysum to a different spot to take it away from whatever caused its pest problem in the first place. Be sure to do this when temperatures are between 60-85 ℉, as these are safest for healthy plant growth.
Once you have moved your philodendron melanochrysum, remove any visible mealy bugs by hand and prune any affected leaves or stems.
This may require a few repeated treatments, so monitor your philodendron melanochrysum
closely and continuously remove the mealy bugs until they no longer appear!
Spider Mites
With their striking heart-shaped leaves, Philodendron melanochrysum plants are attractive to any space. However, they could risk spider mite infestations if not correctly taken care of.
While eradicating these insects can seem daunting, there are a few tried and true methods of providing your healthy philodendron melanochrysum with the care it needs to stay healthy and mite-free.
How to Fix It
To start with, mix sphagnum peat moss with sterilized soil and apply it to the surface of the potting mix around your philodendron melanochrysum. This can help keep the soil healthy and reduce the chance of odors that may attract these pests.
Next, carefully prune back any infected areas of foliage that show signs of webbing or discoloration. With regular attention and proper treatment, your Philodendron melanochrysum can remain vibrant and healthy for many years!
Philodendron Melanochrysum: Disease
If widespread water and soil issues weren’t enough for the philodendron melanochrysum plant, this beloved houseplant is facing another challenge: plant diseases.
It’s a troubling development for something known as an “easy-care” plant — and keeping your philodendron melanochrysum healthy just got a lot harder!
Fortunately, there are ways to keep the diseases at bay and help ensure you get the beautiful foliage for which this healthy plant is known.
Let’s tell you all about protecting your philos from disease, what signs to look out for in case they become infected, and how to treat them if they fall ill.
Yellowing and Browning Leaves
Philodendron melanochrysum is a healthy and beautiful houseplant choice, boasting lovely heart-shaped leaves that make a remarkable statement in any indoor space.
Unfortunately, many happy owners have found themselves stumped at times when the dark green color of their black gold philodendron melanochrysum’s leaves starts to turn yellow or brown.
How to Fix It
To solve this issue, be sure you’re using light soil high in organic matter, such as sphagnum peat moss, so that the philodendron melanochrysum can gain much-needed nutrition – and keep your healthy philodendron melanochrysum looking gorgeous!
Leggy Growth
The unmistakable beauty of a healthy philodendron melanochrysum is something to behold. Its majestic, heart-shaped leaves struck a powerful presence against its tall, leggy growth.
If you want your philodendron melanochrysum to reach its full potential, it’s essential to take the time and give it the best care possible.
How to Fix It
Namely, provide healthy potting soil–something like sphagnum moss mixed with vermiculite can give your philodendron plants everything it needs to thrive. These steps can help ensure your philodendron melanochrysum plant has healthy growth and live up to its full potential!
Bacterial Leaf Spot and Root Rot
Bacterial leaf spot and root rot can heavily damage philodendron melanochrysum, but fortunately, these issues can be addressed.
How to Fix It
Start by testing the pH and improving drainage in the container or soil; consider investing in a potting mix rich in organic material to reduce soil compaction.
If possible, prune wilted or rotting foliage to encourage new healthy growth; consider sterilizing your pruning tools with rubbing alcohol before use.
As an added measure of protection, keep the leaves of your philodendron melanochrysum as clean as possible with occasional wiping; removing dust and dirt not only helps to keep up the beauty but also aids in preventing infections from bacterial leaf spots and root rot.
With vigilance and diligence, you can help protect this treasured tropical plant!
The Bottom Line
If you follow these tips, you will have healthy and happy melanos! Remember to give them plenty of sun, water them regularly, and fertilize them monthly. With some care, your melanos will thrive and add beautiful color to your home.
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