How to Grow Elephant Ear Mojito
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Elephant Ear Mojito
Colocasia esculenta 'Mojito'
vegetableElephant Ear Mojito is an ornamental and edible taro cultivar prized for its striking variegated foliage with cream-white and green patterns resembling mint leaves. The large, heart-shaped leaves reach 12-24 inches long and add dramatic tropical flair to gardens and containers. Both the decorative leaves and starchy corms (underground tubers) are valued in tropical and Asian cuisines.
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Example Elephant Ear Mojito timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Elephant Ear Mojito
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Elephant Ear Mojito
Around Oct 14≈ 180 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Elephant Ear Mojito dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9-12; can be grown in cooler zones as an annual or in containers brought indoors during winter
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Dormancy/Planting
2-4 weeksCorms are planted in warm soil or started indoors; no visible growth yet
Plant after soil temperature reaches 65°F consistently. Start indoors 6-8 weeks before outdoor planting for faster growth. Keep soil warm and moist.
Emergence & Establishment
3-4 weeksFirst shoots emerge, unfurling small leaf clusters with variegation pattern becoming visible
Keep soil consistently moist. Provide warm conditions (70°F+). Begin light fertilizing once leaves fully emerge. Mulch around base to retain moisture.
Vegetative Growth
8-16 weeksRapid leaf expansion with large variegated heart-shaped leaves emerging on tall petioles; foliage is the main attraction
Maintain consistent moisture and warmth. Fertilize every 2-3 weeks with balanced or nitrogen-rich fertilizer. Remove any yellow or damaged leaves. Stake if stems become leggy.
Flowering (Uncommon)
2-4 weeksInconspicuous spathe flowers may appear in midsummer; not particularly ornamental
Flowering diverts energy from foliage and corm production. Remove flowers to encourage leaf and tuber development.
Maturation & Dormancy
8-12 weeksLeaf growth slows; foliage begins yellowing in fall as plant enters dormancy in response to cool temperatures or shortened day length
Stop fertilizing in late summer. Reduce watering as plant prepares for dormancy. In warm zones, growth may continue year-round. Corms continue developing underground.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase humidity, spray foliage with water, apply neem oil or insecticidal soap if severe
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Remove with alcohol-soaked cotton swabs, apply insecticidal soap, isolate infested plants
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Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings, use yellow sticky traps, apply beneficial nematodes
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Improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering, reduce soil moisture, remove infected foliage, apply fungicide if needed
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Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; remove heavily infested leaves
Uses
Taro Root Staple
CulinaryThe starchy corms are a dietary staple in tropical and Asian cuisines, boiled, roasted, fried, or made into flour. Young leaves (cooked thoroughly to remove oxalates) are eaten as greens in many traditional dishes. [source]
Texture & Flavor Profile
CulinaryCorms have a mild, slightly nutty flavor and creamy texture when cooked, similar to potato but with unique taste. Often used in soups, curries, and desserts. [source]
Traditional Medicine
MedicinalIn Ayurvedic and traditional medicine systems, taro root is believed to support digestion, boost immunity, and provide nutrients. Contains minerals like potassium, manganese, and vitamin E. [source]
Ornamental Foliage Plant
HouseholdThe striking variegated leaves with cream and green patterns make Mojito an exceptional houseplant, tropical garden accent, or container specimen that adds bold architectural interest to shaded spaces. [source]
Moisture Garden Habitat
WildlifeThe large leaves and moist growing conditions attract beneficial insects, provide shelter for pollinators, and support humid-zone garden ecosystems. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
For ornamental foliage, simply enjoy year-round in warm zones; pinch off old leaves to encourage new growth. For corms (tubers), harvest in fall or winter after foliage dies back naturally—lift entire plant and separate mature corms from soil. In zones 8 and colder, dig corms before first frost and store indoors at 50-60°F in dry peat moss or sand for replanting next season. Smaller corms can be left in ground to multiply if protected.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Elephant Ear Mojito gets its name from the cocktail—the cream-and-green variegated pattern resembles fresh mint leaves in a mojito drink.
- 🌱 Taro is one of the oldest cultivated crops, with evidence of cultivation dating back over 10,000 years in Southeast Asia and Africa.
- 🌱 The plant's heart-shaped leaves are sometimes called 'elephant ears' because of their large size and shape; a single mature leaf can reach 2 feet long and 1.5 feet wide.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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