🌿 Colocasia esculenta 'Mojito' Overview

Colocasia esculenta 'Mojito', commonly called Mojito Elephant Ear, is a spectacular tropical plant prized for its large, heart-shaped leaves covered in unpredictable dark purple, black, and burgundy speckles and splashes. No two leaves develop exactly the same pattern, giving the plant an almost hand-painted appearance. Fast-growing in warmth and moisture, 'Mojito' can create an incredible tropical statement indoors or outdoors during the warm growing season.

✨ Appearance

• Large, heart-shaped to shield-shaped Elephant Ear foliage
• Bright to medium green leaves dramatically splashed and speckled with dark purple, burgundy, and nearly black markings
• Variegation varies considerably from leaf to leaf
• Dark coloration may appear as tiny freckles, large blotches, streaks, or marbling
• Upright stems support large, outward-facing foliage
• Develops into a bold, lush tropical plant under ideal conditions

☀️ Light

• Prefers very bright light
• Outdoors, grows well in partial sun to full sun when properly acclimated
• Indoors, place near a bright window with plenty of indirect light
• Some gentle direct sunlight can encourage strong growth
• Gradually acclimate plants before exposing them to intense outdoor sun to prevent leaf scorch

💧 Water

• Unlike many houseplants, Colocasia appreciates plenty of moisture
• Keep soil consistently moist during active growth
• Water thoroughly whenever the upper surface begins to dry
• Do not allow the plant to remain completely dry for extended periods
• Large plants may become surprisingly thirsty during warm weather

⚠️ Watering Warning
'Mojito' is not a plant that wants to dry out completely between waterings. Colocasia naturally appreciates moisture and can decline quickly if repeatedly allowed to become bone-dry. Keep the soil consistently moist while still using a pot with drainage. During hot summer weather, check container-grown plants frequently—they can drink a surprising amount of water!

🌡️ Temperature & Humidity

• Loves warm temperatures
• Ideal temperature: approximately 65–90°F
• Prefers moderate to high humidity
• Growth accelerates during warm, humid weather
• Protect from frost and freezing temperatures
• Growth may slow significantly or the plant may enter dormancy when temperatures cool

🌱 Soil

• Prefers rich, fertile soil that retains moisture while still providing some drainage
  • Quality potting soil
  • Coco coir or peat-based material for moisture retention
  • Perlite or pumice for aeration
  • Compost or organic matter can help support vigorous growth
• Unlike many aroids, the mix does not need to become nearly dry between waterings

🌿 Growth & Care

• Fast grower during warm, bright conditions
• Heavy feeder compared with many indoor plants
• Fertilize regularly but appropriately during active spring and summer growth
• Remove yellow or damaged older leaves at the base as needed
• Produces underground structures and offsets that can eventually create a fuller clump
• Can be grown outdoors during warm weather and overwintered appropriately in colder climates
• Give it room—healthy plants can become substantial!

🐾 Pet Safety

• Toxic to pets if ingested
• Contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause significant mouth and digestive irritation
• Keep away from curious cats and dogs that chew plants

💚 Why Collectors Love It

• Incredible purple-and-green camouflage-like foliage
• Every leaf develops a different pattern
• Large, dramatic Elephant Ear leaves
• Fast-growing under warm, moist conditions
• Creates an instant tropical look
• Can become a spectacular statement plant in a single growing season
• Basically looks like someone took a paintbrush full of purple ink and flicked it across every leaf 🌿💜

Plant Nerd Note: Although Colocasia and Alocasia are both commonly called Elephant Ears, they're different genera with somewhat different care preferences. One of the biggest differences for customers to remember is water: Colocasia esculenta generally enjoys much wetter conditions than most Alocasias and should not be treated like a plant that needs to dry substantially between waterings.