Colocasia ‘Inferno Falls’

Colocasia ‘Inferno Falls’ is a breathtaking tropical elephant ear known for its dramatic foliage with fiery red stems and deep green leaves. Each leaf is heart-shaped, slightly cupped, and often has a glossy sheen that highlights its prominent veins. The most striking feature is the contrast between the dark green leaf blades and the intense red, almost flame-like petioles and veins, giving the plant a dynamic, cascading appearance — like a tropical waterfall of color, which inspired its name.

Origin

‘Inferno Falls’ is a cultivated hybrid of Colocasia esculenta, selected for its vibrant foliage and sculptural growth habit. Like all Colocasias, it is descended from Southeast Asian and Indian ancestors that naturally thrive in humid, tropical regions near rivers and wetlands. ‘Inferno Falls’ was bred specifically for collectors who want bold, dramatic color in a manageable tropical plant.

What Makes ‘Inferno Falls’ Special

The fiery red stems and veins of ‘Inferno Falls’ set it apart from other Colocasias. Its leaves are slightly upright, creating an elegant, cascading effect that makes it ideal for indoor display or as a striking garden focal point. Compared to darker-leaved varieties like ‘Black Magic’ or ‘Kona Coffee’, Inferno Falls brings warmth and vibrancy with its red highlights, while still maintaining the tropical drama characteristic of Colocasias.

Care

‘Inferno Falls’ thrives in moist, nutrient-rich soil. Keep the soil evenly damp but not waterlogged. Indoor plants should be watered deeply once or twice a week, adjusting for humidity and temperature. Outdoors, it enjoys consistently moist soil or shallow standing water, making it suitable for ponds or wet garden beds. For indoor growth, placing the pot on a shallow tray with water and pebbles can maintain humidity and support vibrant foliage.

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

Repot every 1–2 years using a moisture-retentive, well-draining mix such as cocopeat, compost, and perlite. Fertilize every 2–3 weeks during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer to promote healthy leaf growth. Reduce feeding in cooler months when the plant slows down.

Temperature & Humidity

‘Inferno Falls’ loves warm temperatures (18–28°C) and high humidity. Indoor plants benefit from misting or a pebble tray to maintain consistent moisture. Outdoors, it thrives in partial shade and consistently damp soil, particularly in tropical and subtropical climates.

Pet and Reptile Safety

Like all Colocasias, ‘Inferno Falls’ is not safe for pets or humans due to calcium oxalate crystals. It can irritate the mouth, throat, and digestive system if ingested. It is reptile safe for display in terrariums where animals do not consume the foliage.

Indoor or Outdoor Use

‘Inferno Falls’ works well both indoors and outdoors. Indoors, it makes a striking statement plant in bright, humid rooms. Outdoors, it thrives in partially shaded garden beds, near ponds, or in moist patio containers. While it prefers consistently damp soil, it does not require permanent standing water, though a water tray indoors is a helpful option to maintain humidity.

Comparison to Other Colocasias

• Leaf Color: Dark green leaves with fiery red stems and veins; contrasts with pure dark-leaved varieties like ‘Black Magic’.

• Visual Impact: Red highlights create a warm, dynamic look; darker Colocasias are more dramatic and moody.

• Growth Habit: Upright and slightly cascading, giving an elegant waterfall effect.

Summary Care

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

• Water: Keep evenly damp; water 1–2 times per week; can tolerate shallow standing water

• 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

Final Thoughts

Colocasia ‘Inferno Falls’ is a tropical masterpiece that brings bold color, elegance, and drama to any space. Its deep green leaves and fiery red stems create a striking, waterfall-like appearance that draws the eye instantly. With consistent moisture, bright indirect light, and warm temperatures, it thrives indoors and outdoors alike. For collectors and tropical plant enthusiasts, ‘Inferno Falls’ adds dynamic warmth and tropical flair to any garden or indoor collection, standing out beautifully alongside both bright and dark-leaved Colocasias.