Colocasia ‘Mojito’ – A Speckled Tropical Masterpiece

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Few plants turn heads quite like the Colocasia ‘Mojito’. With its lime-green leaves splashed and speckled with deep purple to almost-black markings, it looks like something nature painted by hand. Each leaf is different — no two patterns are ever the same — giving this plant an incredible, one-of-a-kind character. Whether grown indoors or outdoors, ‘Mojito’ instantly brings a wild, tropical energy to any space.

Where It Comes From

Colocasia ‘Mojito’ is a cultivar of Colocasia esculenta, the same species that gave rise to many popular elephant ear varieties like Black Magic and Hawaiian Punch. Colocasias are native to Southeast Asia and India, where they naturally grow in warm, humid wetlands and near rivers. The ‘Mojito’ variety is a modern hybrid developed in Hawaii — and it carries that tropical island flair perfectly.

What Makes ‘Mojito’ Special

‘Mojito’ gets its name from its minty green color and splashy patterning, reminiscent of the muddled mint and lime of the famous cocktail. Its stems are streaked with deep purple as well, continuing the spotted pattern all the way down.

It’s a medium-sized Colocasia, usually reaching about 60–90 cm tall, making it great for pots, garden beds, and water features. The leaves grow wide and slightly upward, catching light in a way that highlights the bold color contrast.

Is It Pet and Reptile Safe?

Like all Colocasias, ‘Mojito’ is not safe for cats, dogs, or humans to eat. The plant contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation if chewed or ingested.

However, it is reptile-safe, making it a great choice for tropical or bioactive terrariums. Reptiles like geckos, anoles, and frogs benefit from the humidity and shelter it provides — just keep it away from hot lights and heating elements that could burn the leaves.

Indoor or Outdoor Plant?

‘Mojito’ is happy both indoors and outdoors, depending on your setup:

• Outdoors: Thrives in warm, humid environments with partial shade. Perfect near ponds, in damp garden beds, or in pots that stay consistently moist.

• Indoors: Adds a stunning touch of the tropics to bright rooms. It prefers steady moisture and high humidity, so bathrooms, sunrooms, or bright kitchens are ideal.

If you live in a cooler region, it can easily be overwintered indoors — just cut back on watering when growth slows.

Sunlight Requirements

Colocasia ‘Mojito’ prefers bright filtered light or partial shade. A few hours of soft morning sun helps bring out deeper leaf colors, but strong direct sunlight can burn or fade the patterning.

Indoors, place it near a bright window with plenty of indirect light. If the leaf color starts looking pale or less vibrant, it’s a sign that it needs more light.

Watering & Moisture

This variety, like all Colocasias, loves moisture. There are two easy ways to grow it successfully depending on your conditions:

1. As a semi-aquatic plant:

   
   

   You can place the pot in a shallow tray or pond where the bottom few centimeters stay submerged. It thrives in soil that’s always damp or lightly waterlogged. Just keep the crown (where the stems emerge) above the water to prevent rot.

2. As a houseplant:

   
   

   Indoors, water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist. Don’t let it dry out completely — the leaves will quickly droop if the soil gets too dry.

💧 Tip: If you struggle to keep up with watering, sit the pot on a tray filled with water and pebbles. This helps raise humidity and gives the plant a small, steady water supply from below.

Soil & Potting Mix

‘Mojito’ loves rich, moisture-retaining soil. A good mix for pot culture includes:

• Cocopeat or peat moss for water retention

• Compost or worm castings for nutrition

• A little perlite or aquatic soil for structure

Avoid dry, sandy, or fast-draining mixes — they’ll dry out too fast and cause stress. You want soil that stays evenly damp but doesn’t become stagnant.

Repotting

Repot every 1–2 years, ideally in spring or early summer. Colocasias grow from corms that multiply over time, producing small pups around the main plant. You can separate these to grow new plants or leave them attached for a fuller display.

Choose a pot with drainage holes (even if it sits in water) to prevent root rot and use a nutrient-rich, moisture-holding mix. After repotting, water well and keep the plant warm and humid while it adjusts.

Fertilising

Feed every 2–3 weeks during the growing season with a diluted liquid fertiliser. Colocasias are fast growers and heavy feeders, especially when grown in moist or semi-aquatic setups. Look for a fertiliser that’s rich in nitrogen and balanced in trace minerals to support bold leaf growth and vivid color.

Temperature & Humidity

• Temperature: Warm and tropical — ideally between 18°C and 28°C. Protect from cold drafts or frost.

• Humidity: Loves high humidity. If kept indoors, consider misting occasionally or keeping a humidity tray nearby.

In cooler months, the plant may go semi-dormant. You can reduce watering slightly but don’t let it dry out completely.

Sun, Shade, and Water Summary

Light: Bright, indirect or partial shade

Soil: Moist, rich, and airy

Water: Keep soil consistently moist; can tolerate shallow standing water

Temperature: 18-28°C

Humidity: High

Sun Tolerance: Morning sun only; avoid harsh direct light.

Final Thoughts

Colocasia ‘Mojito’ is a plant that refuses to be ignored — bold, artistic, and full of personality. Its speckled patterning makes it a conversation piece wherever it’s placed, whether that’s by a pond, in a shaded garden corner, or in a bright indoor space.

Keep it moist, warm, and bright (but not sunny), and you’ll be rewarded with a plant that looks like it came straight out of a tropical rainforest. If you’re a collector or simply love unique foliage, ‘Mojito’ is a must-have addition to your Colocasia lineup.