The Mojito Elephant Ear (Colocasia esculenta ‘Mojito’) is a striking plant prized for its distinctive foliage. Its large, heart-shaped leaves display a unique pattern of chartreuse green flecked, spotted, and streaked with deep purple to black. This dramatic coloration makes it a popular selection for gardeners. It is also known for its vigorous growth, quickly becoming a focal point in mixed beds, borders, or container plantings.
Essential Growing Conditions
Mojito Elephant Ears are tuberous, frost-tender perennials that require suitable foundational conditions for successful establishment, whether grown in the ground or in containers.
Light Requirements
Mojito Elephant Ears prefer partial shade or dappled sunlight. They can tolerate full shade, though foliage color may be less intense. In hotter climates, afternoon shade prevents leaf burn. The thin leaves of ‘Mojito’ are prone to burning in intense, direct light.
Soil Preferences
Mojito Elephant Ears thrive in organically rich, moist to wet soils with good drainage. For containers, an ideal mix is 60% topsoil, 20% peat moss, and 20% compost or dehydrated cow manure. In garden beds, amend soil with organic matter like peat moss or compost to improve quality and moisture retention. A neutral to mildly acidic pH (5.6-7.3) is suitable.
Watering Needs
Mojito Elephant Ears require consistent moisture and should not dry out. They are well-suited for wet areas and can grow in up to 6 inches of standing water, making them excellent for water gardens. After planting, water thoroughly, keeping the soil very moist. Container plants may need daily or twice-daily watering in warm weather.
Ongoing Maintenance and Care
Once established, consistent care helps Mojito Elephant Ears maintain their vibrant appearance and vigorous growth. Regular attention to nutritional and environmental needs encourages a healthy plant.
Fertilization
Mojito Elephant Ears are heavy feeders, benefiting from regular fertilization during their active growing season. Apply a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-5 or 20-10-10) every two to three weeks or monthly to boost growth. For container plants, a diluted liquid feed every four watering sessions in spring and summer is suitable. Discontinue fertilization during cooler months.
Humidity and Temperature
These tropical plants prefer warm, humid environments, thriving between 50°F and 86°F (10°C to 30°C). In drier climates or indoors, maintain adequate humidity. Protect them from strong winds to prevent damage to their large leaves and stems.
Pruning and Grooming
Pruning Mojito Elephant Ears maintains health and appearance. Remove yellowing, damaged, or dying leaves at the stem base with sharp, disinfected shears. Removing aged or drooping leaves encourages new growth and improves vigor. This grooming also helps prevent pests and diseases.
Winter Dormancy and Storage
In regions colder than USDA Hardiness Zones 8-10, Mojito Elephant Ears are grown as annuals or require overwintering care due to frost sensitivity. The plant enters dormancy as temperatures drop, signaling preparation before the first frost. This ensures corms can be preserved and replanted.
When evening temperatures consistently fall into the low 50s Fahrenheit, or after the first frost, lift the corms. Trim foliage to about 6 inches above the corm, and clean off excess soil. Cure corms in a warm, dry, well-ventilated location for one to two days to prevent rot.
For storage, place cleaned, cured corms in a plastic bag or ice chest with moist peat moss, or in a cardboard box with newspaper. Store them in a dark, cool, frost-free location (45°F-55°F), like a basement or garage. Periodically check corms for rot or dryness, ensuring they remain firm until spring.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Mojito Elephant Ears are generally robust, but common issues can affect their health. Prompt identification and action help resolve problems, often stemming from environmental factors or pests.
Environmental stress often causes yellowing or drooping leaves. Overwatering can lead to root rot and yellowing, while underwatering causes wilting and dry leaves. Consistent, but not waterlogged, soil moisture is crucial; adjust watering based on seasonal needs. Too much direct sunlight can also cause leaf burn, leading to yellowed or crispy edges.
Common pests include spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs, causing distorted growth. Regular inspection, especially of undersides, helps early detection. Minor infestations can be managed by wiping leaves with a damp cloth or using neem oil. Fungal diseases, like leaf blight, appear as dark, fuzzy spots, often linked to excessive moisture or poor air circulation. Remove affected foliage and apply a copper-based fungicide to control fungal issues.
Propagation Techniques
Propagating Mojito Elephant Ears is straightforward, primarily through corm division. This method allows gardeners to multiply their collection. Corms naturally produce offsets, or “pups,” that can be separated from the parent plant.
Divide corms in spring as new growth emerges, or in fall when lifting for winter storage. Carefully dig around the main plant to expose corms, avoiding damage. Gently pull apart smaller offsets; some detach easily, others may need a clean cut. Ensure each separated section has at least one “eye” or growth point and some roots.
Plant divided corms in pots or the garden, covering with 4-6 inches of soil, pointy side up. Keep soil consistently moist; new growth should appear within four to six weeks.
Toxicity and Safety
Mojito Elephant Ear plants, like other Colocasia esculenta varieties, are toxic if ingested. This toxicity is due to calcium oxalate crystals found throughout the plant (leaves, stems, corms). Ingestion can cause irritation of the mouth, throat, and digestive tract, leading to burning, swelling, and difficulty swallowing.
Gardeners should exercise caution when handling plants, especially during pruning or dividing, as sap can cause skin irritation. Wear gloves to prevent direct contact. Keep Mojito Elephant Ear plants out of reach of children and pets (dogs, cats, horses). In case of accidental ingestion, seek immediate medical or veterinary attention.