Elephant's Ear Care (Colocasia esculenta 'Mojito')

Colocasia esculenta 'Mojito' thrives with bright, indirect light and some gentle direct sun.

• Provide 3–5 hours of morning sun with filtered or dappled light the rest of the day; avoid harsh afternoon sun that can scorch leaves.
• Plant outdoors in partial shade; aim for bright shade or light under high tree canopy, especially in hot summer climates.
• In cooler seasons, move containers or position plants where they still receive bright indirect light, or growth and variegation may weaken.

This plant prefers consistently moist soil and does not like to dry out completely.

• Keep soil evenly moist so the top 1–2 cm just begins to feel slightly dry before watering again; do not let it turn dusty or pull from the pot edges.
• Use rich, well-draining soil that still holds moisture; avoid standing water in saucers or low spots to reduce root rot risk.
• In hot summer weather, expect to water more often and watch for wilting or drooping edges, while yellowing, limp leaves and a sour smell indicate possible overwatering.

This cultivar grows best in warm, frost-free conditions with stable temperatures.

• Aim for 70–85°F (21–29°C) for active growth; it can tolerate up to about 90°F (32°C) if soil stays moist and roots are shaded.
• Protect from cold; growth slows below 60°F (16°C), and tissue damage can occur near 40°F (4°C), with true frost likely killing foliage.
• In regions with winters below 50°F (10°C), treat it as a tender perennial by lifting tubers or growing Elephant's Ear in containers that can be moved to a frost-free area.

This cultivar prefers consistently high humidity to keep foliage large and healthy.

• Aim for 60–80% humidity; it tolerates brief dips lower but performs poorly in very dry air.
• Crisping leaf edges, brown tips, and leaf curl signal low humidity stress in Elephant's Ear.
• Increase humidity with grouped plants, a room humidifier, or a wide pebble tray placed directly under the container.

Colocasia esculenta 'Mojito' grows best in moisture-retentive yet aerated soil.

• Use a rich, loamy mix with high organic content, such as 50% peat or coco coir, 30% compost, and 20% perlite or fine bark.
• Soil should drain slowly but never stay stagnant; water should seep out within a few minutes rather than pooling on top.
• Aim for slightly acidic to neutral pH around 6.0–7.0 to support nutrient uptake and vigorous foliage growth.
• Avoid dense, heavy clay or pure sand; improve structure with compost for moisture and perlite or bark for better aeration.

This species is well suited to container growing when moisture and stability are managed carefully.

• Choose a wide, heavy container to counterbalance tall foliage and prevent tipping in wind or on balconies.
• Select a pot that is deep enough for thick, spreading roots so the plant can hold moisture without staying waterlogged at the surface.
• Use a container material that matches your climate: plastic to retain moisture in hot, dry areas or unglazed clay to reduce constant sogginess in cooler regions.

Colocasia esculenta 'Mojito' responds well to consistent nutrition during its warm growing season.

• Use a balanced liquid fertilizer (around 10-10-10 or 20-20-20) diluted to 1/2 strength every 2–3 weeks in spring and summer.
• For container plants, combine light liquid feeding with a small amount of slow-release fertilizer in early spring.
• In rich garden soil, supplement with a thin layer of compost around the root zone once or twice per season.
• Stop feeding or reduce to 1/4 strength once a month in fall and winter when caring for Elephant's Ear growth slows.

Pruning for Colocasia esculenta 'Mojito' focuses on removing aging foliage and maintaining tidy growth.

• Best time for pruning is during active growth in spring and summer, or as individual leaves decline.
• Cut yellowing, torn, or diseased leaves at the base of the petiole with clean, sharp pruners or scissors.
• Remove crowded or inward-growing leaves to improve airflow and reduce fungal issues around the clump.
• Discard any soft, rotten tissue promptly to limit spread of rot and keep new growth vigorous.

Repotting or transplanting aims to give this Elephant's Ear more root space and fresh, nutrient-rich substrate.

• Look for roots circling the pot, emerging from drainage holes, or a noticeable slowdown in growth as signs to move it.
• Plan repotting or transplanting in mid to late spring once soil and air are consistently warm.
• Typically shift to a container 2–5 cm wider every 1–2 years, using moisture-retentive but well-draining soil.
• Water thoroughly after moving, keep in bright shade for 3–5 days, and maintain even moisture to reduce root stress.

New Colocasia esculenta 'Mojito' plants are most often produced by division of the main clump and its offsets.

• Carry out division in late spring or early summer when soil is warm and growth is active.
• Lift the clump gently and separate tubers or offsets, ensuring each piece has at least one growing point and some roots.
• Plant divisions into moist, well-draining soil and keep evenly damp, never waterlogged.
• Provide warm temperatures (70–85°F) and bright, indirect light to encourage rapid establishment of new plants.

Cold management is important, as this cultivar is sensitive to freezing conditions in much of the US.

• In zones warmer than about 8–9, apply a 5–10 cm mulch layer over the root zone after foliage dies back.
• In colder regions, dig tubers after the first light frost, trim foliage, and dry briefly in a shaded, airy place.
• Store tubers in slightly moist peat or sawdust at 45–55°F, checking monthly for rot or complete drying.
• For container plants, move pots indoors to a cool, bright, frost-free space and water just enough to keep soil barely moist.