It is a bit of a trap. I bought Philodendron melanochrysum years back but realised later it was the scandens. It's grown quite large and I like it anyway.

Yes that's what happened to me. However after having grown the true melanochrysum it was obvious that it wasn't the real thing.

The problem with buying immature philodendrons is that the leaves are very different from their mature form which gives unprincipled traders the opportunity to sell misnamed species that the uninitiated will not be aware of until too late.

I know they are readily available in the States but the cost/legal requirements make it an unrealistic route.

I will keep looking.

Tell

smbody just posted about purchase from NSE Tropicals in FL and i went and looked at their plants. And noticed that they have the Philo you're looking for

NSE Tropicals

Thanks for that I will have look

Tell