Waikiki Elephant Ear
Colocasia esculenta 'Waikiki'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
42 inches
Width
36 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
8, 9
Water
Consistently moist
Humidity
High
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
South Asia
Toxicity
Toxic if ingested
The Story
Plant Bio
Colocasia esculenta, commonly known as taro or elephant ear, is a tuberous, frost-tender perennial prized for its large, heart-shaped to arrow-shaped leaves. It thrives in rich, moist to wet soils, creating a bold, tropical effect in landscapes and containers. 'Waikiki' is a distinctive cultivar featuring glossy, deep green, ruffled leaves that develop a dramatic white center and vibrant pink to red veins as they mature. This striking variegation makes it a focal point in tropical-themed gardens.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck rhizomes into moist, well-draining soil in spring.
- Water regularly to keep soil consistently moist.
- Place in partial shade for optimal growth.
- Fertilize monthly during active growing season.
- Mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
- Divide every 2-3 years in early spring to propagate.
Pro Tip
Ensure consistent moisture and partial shade for vibrant foliage.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water deeply during dry periods 🌱
- Apply balanced fertilizer monthly
- Mulch to conserve moisture
Don't
- Avoid full sun which can scorch leaves ❌
- Do not let soil dry out completely
- Avoid over-fertilizing which can cause leaf burn
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Lift Store | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Waikiki Elephant Ear questions
What zones can Waikiki Elephant Ear grow in?
Waikiki Elephant Ear is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Waikiki Elephant Ear deer resistant?
Yes — Waikiki Elephant Ear is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Waikiki Elephant Ear bloom?
Waikiki Elephant Ear typically blooms in summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Waikiki Elephant Ear need full sun?
Waikiki Elephant Ear does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
More Colocasia to compare
Black Runner Taro
Colocasia esculenta 'Black Runner'
Black Beauty Taro
Colocasia esculenta 'Black Beauty'
Taro
Colocasia esculenta
Elephant Ear
Colocasia esculenta 'Chicago Harlequin'
Black Magic Taro
Colocasia esculenta 'Black Magic'
Pink China Elephant Ear
Colocasia esculenta 'Pink China'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Waikiki Elephant Ear with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
