Philodendron melanochrysum facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Philodendron melanochrysum |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Philodendron
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| Species: |
melanochrysum
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| Synonyms | |
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Philodendron andreanum Devansaye |
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Philodendron melanochrysum is a beautiful flowering plant that belongs to the Araceae family. It naturally grows in the wet Andean mountains of Colombia. You can find it about 500 meters (around 1,640 feet) above sea level in places like Chocó and Antioquia. Because of its stunning looks, many people grow it as a houseplant all over the world.
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What's in a Name?
The name "melanochrysum" has a cool meaning. It comes from two Greek words: "melano" which means "black," and "chrysum" which means "gold." So, the name means "black gold." This name describes the plant perfectly! When the dark, almost black leaves of a grown plant catch the sunlight, you can sometimes see tiny golden sparkles on them. It's like having a little bit of black gold right in your home.
Where Does It Come From?
This plant is endemic to Colombia. This means it only grows naturally in that specific country. It loves the warm, wet conditions found in the foothills of the Andes mountains.
A Bit of History
People outside of South America have been growing Philodendron melanochrysum since at least 1886. A famous plant nursery called Veitch & Son first showed it to Europeans. They called it Philodendron andreanum back then.
They described it as a truly amazing plant for decorating. They said its large leaves were as impressive as those of other famous plants like Anthurium veitchii and Anthurium warocqueanum.
When the leaves first appear on a young plant, they are a reddish-brown color. As they get older, they turn a bronze-red. Finally, they become a bright, velvety green, which is the color of the mature leaves. A white line down the middle and white veins make the colors stand out even more.
This plant was so special that it won awards! It received a "First Class Certificate" in June 1886 at a big show in Liverpool. It also got a "Certificate of Merit" two years earlier.
What It Looks Like
The leaves of Philodendron melanochrysum are shaped like hearts. They are usually about 25 centimeters (about 10 inches) long. But if the plant is very happy, its leaves can grow much, much longer!
When new leaves first unroll, they have a beautiful copper-gold color with a velvety feel. As they get older and settle in, they turn a dark, almost black-green color. The veins on these older leaves stay a pale green, which creates a lovely contrast.
Growing Your Own
If you want your Philodendron melanochrysum to grow big and beautiful, you can help it. Giving it a moss pole to climb on is a great idea. This helps the plant grow upwards, just like it would in its natural home. Keeping the air around it humid (moist) also helps it develop perfectly.
Like many plants, Philodendron melanochrysum can sometimes get tiny bugs called spider mites. It's good to check your plant regularly to make sure it stays healthy and happy!
See also
In Spanish: Philodendron melanochrysum para niños
