Colocasia esculenta ‘Mojito’
 
Common Names Mojito Elephant Ear, Variegated Taro, Speckled Taro
 
Zones 8–11 (outdoors); Zone 7B+ with protection
 
Colocasia ‘Mojito’ is a bold, variegated cultivar with chartreuse-green leaves dramatically flecked with irregular black and deep purple markings. Discovered as a mutation of ‘Midnight’ in Florida, this cultivar offers a painterly, unpredictable pattern on each leaf, making it a favorite for collectors and designers seeking high-impact foliage.
 
Key Features
Growth Habit: Upright clump-forming; spreads via tubers
Height: 4–5 ft. tall; 4–5 ft. wide
Trunk: Herbaceous; no true trunk
Leaves: Heart-shaped; chartreuse with black/purple flecks; 24–30 in. long
Petiole: Light green with dark purple streaks fading to pink
Inflorescence: Rare; pale yellow spathe and spadix in summer
Fruit: Not typically produced
Ecology: Cultivar of Colocasia esculenta, native to Southeast Asia; selected for ornamental variegation
 
Growing Conditions
Light: Full sun to part shade; best color in bright light
Watering: High water needs; thrives in moist soil or shallow standing water
Soil: Rich, humusy mix; tolerates wet conditions
Temperature: 65–90°F (18–32°C); protect from frost
Humidity: High humidity preferred; misting recommended indoors
Propagation: Division of tubers or offsets
Tolerance: Sensitive to cold and drought; moderate pest resistance
 
Landscape Use Ideal for tropical borders, pond margins, rain gardens, and large containers. Pairs well with Colocasia ‘Coffee Cups’, Canna ‘Pretoria’, and Cyperus alternifolius for layered texture and color.