Colocasia esculenta ‘Paraiso’

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Colocasia esculenta ‘Paraiso’ is a tropical elephant ear prized for its vibrant, lush green leaves and bold, architectural form. The leaves are large, heart-shaped, and slightly cupped with a glossy surface, creating a dramatic tropical effect. The stems are often light green to pale pink, complementing the vivid foliage and giving the plant a sculptural, upright appearance. ‘Paraiso’ is a medium to large-sized Colocasia, making it a standout feature both in indoor pots and outdoor tropical gardens.

Origin

'Paraiso’ is a cultivar of Colocasia esculenta, originating from the tropics of Southeast Asia and India. It has been selectively bred for collectors and tropical plant enthusiasts who want lush green foliage with a manageable growth habit and striking architectural presence.

What Makes ‘Paraiso’ Special

The vibrant green leaves of ‘Paraiso’ are its defining feature. Compared to darker-leaved Colocasias like ‘Black Magic’ or ‘Kona Coffee’, it provides a fresh, bright tropical look. Its upright growth habit and glossy leaves give it an elegant, sculptural effect. This makes it perfect for creating contrast when paired with dark-leaved varieties or for adding bold greenery to indoor spaces.

Care‘Paraiso’ thrives in moist, nutrient-rich soil. Keep the soil consistently damp but avoid waterlogging. Indoor plants should be watered deeply once or twice a week, adjusting frequency based on humidity and temperature. Outdoors, it enjoys consistently moist soil or can be planted near ponds or other water features. A shallow water tray with pebbles underneath indoor pots helps maintain humidity and keeps foliage vibrant.

It prefers bright, indirect light, with some tolerance for gentle morning or late afternoon sun. Avoid harsh midday sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.

Repot every 1–2 years in a moisture-retentive, well-draining mix such as cocopeat, compost, and perlite. Fertilize every 2–3 weeks during the growing season to promote lush, healthy foliage. Reduce feeding in cooler months when growth slows.

Temperature & Humidity

‘Paraiso’ prefers warm temperatures (18–28°C) and high humidity. Indoor plants benefit from misting or a pebble tray. Outdoors, it thrives in partially shaded garden beds or patios, especially in tropical and subtropical climates.

Pet and Reptile Safety

Like all Colocasias, ‘Paraiso’ is not safe for pets or humans due to calcium oxalate crystals in the leaves and stems. It is reptile safe for display purposes if reptiles do not consume the foliage.

Indoor or Outdoor Use

‘Paraiso’ is versatile and thrives both indoors and outdoors. Indoors, it makes a striking statement plant in bright, humid spaces. Outdoors, it enjoys partial shade and consistently moist soil, making it ideal for patio containers, tropical garden beds, or near water features. While it prefers consistently damp soil, it does not require permanent standing water, though a water tray indoors is a useful option.

Comparison to Other Colocasias

• Leaf Color: Bright, lush green; contrasts beautifully with dark-leaved varieties like ‘Black Magic’ or ‘Kona Coffee’.

• Visual Impact: Fresh, vibrant tropical presence; ideal for adding brightness and contrast.

• Growth Habit: Upright, sculptural, and slightly cupped leaves; medium to large size.

Summary Care

• Soil: Moist, nutrient-rich, well-draining

• Water: Keep evenly damp; water 1–2 times per week

• Light: Bright indirect light; gentle morning or late sun

• Temperature: 18–28°C

• Humidity: High

• Fertilizer: Every 2–3 weeks during growing season

• Pet Safe: ❌ No

• Reptile Safe: ✅ With caution

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Final Thoughts

olocasia esculenta ‘Paraiso’ is a tropical showstopper, perfect for creating lush, vibrant greenery indoors or in shaded garden beds. Its bright green, glossy leaves and upright growth habit make it versatile for pots, patios, or tropical garden features. With consistent moisture, warm temperatures, and bright indirect light, ‘Paraiso’ thrives and adds a refreshing tropical flair to any space. It pairs beautifully with dark-leaved Colocasias, providing striking contrast and elevating the overall aesthetic of your plant collection.