The Philodendron ‘Paradiso Verde’, or “Paradiso Plant,” is a popular houseplant known for its striking, variegated foliage. This tropical Aroid adds an exotic touch to indoor spaces. This guide provides information to help you cultivate a thriving Paradiso Plant.
Characteristics of Paradiso Plant
The Philodendron ‘Paradiso Verde’ has elongated, deeply lobed leaves up to 10 inches long. These leaves display remarkable variegation, with shades of green often mottled or streaked. This unique coloration and leaf shape distinguish it from other philodendron varieties.
This plant has a vining or climbing growth habit, naturally seeking support. While it can cascade from a hanging planter, a moss pole or trellis encourages larger, more vibrant leaves. It can grow rapidly, sometimes several feet in a single season, though indoor growth typically reaches 15 to 20 inches in height.
Comprehensive Care for Paradiso Plant
Light
The Paradiso Plant thrives in bright, indirect light, mimicking its natural habitat. An east-facing window provides gentle morning light, or a few feet from a south or west-facing window with filtered light works well. Insufficient light can lead to muted variegation or leggy growth. Direct sunlight can scorch leaves, causing brown spots and stressing the plant.
Watering
Allow the top half of the soil to dry out between waterings. Check soil moisture regularly with a finger or moisture meter. Overwatering causes root rot, so ensure the plant is not sitting in standing water. Underwatering can cause drooping leaves and brown tips.
Soil
The Paradiso Plant requires a well-draining, airy potting mix that retains some moisture. An aroid mix, with ingredients like orchid bark, perlite, and coco coir, is ideal. This chunky composition ensures proper root aeration and drainage. Adding charcoal or pumice can further enhance drainage.
Temperature and Humidity
This tropical vine thrives in warm, humid conditions (65-85°F / 18-29°C). It is sensitive to cold drafts and sudden temperature fluctuations, so position it away from vents or drafty windows. Humidity levels of 60-70% are preferred; use a humidifier, group plants, or place the pot on a pebble tray to increase ambient humidity.
Fertilizer
During its active growing season (spring and summer), fertilize the Paradiso Plant regularly. A liquid houseplant fertilizer, diluted to half strength, applied every four to eight weeks is sufficient. Begin fertilizing when new growth appears in early spring and stop as temperatures cool in the fall. Over-fertilization can lead to yellow leaves, curling leaves, or brown tips.
Support
A moss pole or trellis supports the Paradiso Plant’s climbing habit. This encourages vertical growth and larger, more mature leaves as aerial roots attach. Keeping the moss pole moist helps aerial roots latch on more effectively.
Propagating Paradiso Plant
Propagating the Paradiso Plant is done through stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem with at least one node (where roots and new growth emerge). Use clean, sharp shears to cut just below this node, ensuring the cutting has one or two leaves.
Cuttings can be rooted in water or a moist medium like sphagnum moss or soil. For water rooting, submerge the node while keeping leaves above the waterline, placing the container in bright, indirect light. For soil propagation, plant the node into a well-draining potting mix, keeping it consistently moist. Roots typically develop within weeks, and new leaf growth indicates success.
Repotting Paradiso Plant
Repot the Paradiso Plant when it becomes root-bound, indicated by roots growing out of drainage holes or filling the soil surface. The best time is during spring or summer when the plant is actively growing. Choose a new pot only one to two inches larger than the current one to avoid overwhelming the root system.
Use fresh, well-draining soil mix. Gently remove the plant from its old container, being careful not to damage the roots. Place it in the new pot, filling around the root ball with fresh soil. After repotting, water thoroughly to help the new soil settle.
Common Issues with Paradiso Plant
Yellowing leaves often signal a watering issue, such as overwatering or insufficient drainage. Soggy soil can cause root rot. Conversely, yellowing older leaves might indicate underwatering. Adjusting watering frequency and ensuring proper drainage can resolve these concerns.
Browning leaf tips or edges can be caused by low humidity or over-fertilization. Increase humidity through misting or a humidifier, or reduce fertilizer strength/frequency. Pests like spider mites and mealybugs can also affect the plant; treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Paradiso Plant Toxicity
The Paradiso Plant, like other philodendron varieties, contains calcium oxalate crystals, making it toxic if ingested. These crystals can cause irritation to the mouth, throat, and digestive tract in humans and pets. Symptoms may include oral pain, swelling, difficulty swallowing, and vomiting. Keep the Paradiso Plant out of reach of children and pets.