Colocasia Royal Hawaiian ‘Waikiki,’ also known as taro or elephant ear, is a gorgeous tropical plant known for its dramatic, heart-shaped leaves in hues of pink, white, and green. This eye-catching plant is easy to grow both indoors and outdoors with the right care Follow this complete guide to successfully grow Colocasia ‘Waikiki’ in your home or garden.
Overview of Colocasia Royal Hawaiian ‘Waikiki’
Native to Southeast Asia Colocasia ‘Waikiki’ is a compact, herbaceous perennial plant that can grow up to 3 feet tall and wide. This variety features dark green foliage with striking white and pink central veins that resemble the colors of a Hawaiian sunset. The leaves emerge folded up and unfurl as they mature showcasing their vibrant colors.
Colocasia ‘Waikiki’ grows best in USDA zones 8-11 and thrives in warm, humid environments. It can be grown as an annual in colder climates. This plant does well in both full sun and part shade exposure. Its glossy foliage and tropical look make it an excellent choice for beds, borders, containers, and pond margins.
How to Plant Colocasia ‘Waikiki’
Colocasia ‘Waikiki’ can be planted from container-grown plants, rhizome divisions, or tubers. It grows best in rich moist well-draining soil. Amend clay soils with compost or peat moss to improve drainage. Here are some tips for getting it established
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Plant in spring after the last frost. Space plants 2-3 feet apart.
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Dig a hole twice as wide and deep as the root ball or rhizome. Place it in the hole and backfill with soil.
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Water thoroughly after planting. Apply a 2-4 inch layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture.
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Plant tubers 4-6 inches deep and 12-24 inches apart in early spring once the soil has warmed.
How to Care for Colocasia ‘Waikiki’
Caring for Colocasia ‘Waikiki’ mainly involves watering, fertilizing, pruning, and overwintering. Here are some key care guidelines:
Watering
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Water Colocasia deeply and regularly, about 1-2 inches per week. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
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Increase watering in summer heat. Allow the top few inches of soil to dry between waterings.
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Reduce watering in fall and winter. Water only when the top inch of soil is dry.
Fertilizing
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Fertilize Colocasia monthly in spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength.
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Discontinue fertilizer after September to allow the plant to harden off for winter dormancy.
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In spring, apply a slow-release granular fertilizer formulated for bulbs and roots.
Pruning
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Remove dead, damaged, or unsightly leaves and stems as needed to maintain an attractive appearance.
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Cut back leaf stalks and stems to the ground after the first frost. mulch the roots for winter.
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Divide congested rhizomes and tubers every 2-3 years in early spring if needed.
Overwintering
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In zones 8-11, Colocasia can remain in the garden year-round. Mulch the roots to protect from freezing.
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In colder zones, dig up the entire plant and store the rhizomes or tubers indoors over winter. Replant outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.
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Alternatively, dig up the rhizomes and store them in a cool place like a basement or unheated garage over winter. Replant in spring.
Troubleshooting Common Colocasia Problems
Colocasia ‘Waikiki’ is susceptible to a few insect pests and diseases. Watch for these common issues and take action promptly:
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Aphids, mealybugs – Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Remove severely infested leaves.
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Leaf spots and blights – Improve air circulation and avoid wetting the foliage. Remove and destroy affected leaves.
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Root and crown rot – Allow soil to dry between waterings. Discard severely affected plants. Improve drainage.
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Leaf scorch – Move plant to a shadier location. Increase watering frequency. Mulch roots.
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Small or stunted growth – Increase light exposure. Apply balanced fertilizer monthly. Repot into larger containers.
Tips for Growing Colocasia ‘Waikiki’ Successfully
Follow these tips to keep your Colocasia ‘Waikiki’ healthy and looking its best:
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Site in full sun to partial shade. Morning sun is ideal in hot climates.
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Provide consistently moist, fertile, well-draining soil. Add compost and mulch.
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Water 1-2 inches per week. Avoid wetting the foliage.
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Stake or support large leaves and mature plants.
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Grow in containers for maximum portability and winter protection.
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Bring indoors before first frost. Acclimate to indoor conditions gradually.
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Propagate by dividing rhizomes or tubers in early spring. Discard any diseased portions first.
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Remove spent flowers and faded bracts to encourage new growth and extend bloom period.
With the proper care, Colocasia ‘Waikiki’ will reward you with stunning tropical foliage and create an exotic focal point in your garden or containers. Its relatively compact size also makes it an excellent choice for smaller yards and patio planters. Give this eye-catching plant a try this season!
How to fertilize Colocasia Royal Hawaiian® ‘Waikiki’
Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.
It’s likely that your plant will need a bigger pot by the time it’s used up all the nutrients in its soil.
Repot your Colocasia Royal Hawaiian® Waikiki when it doubles in size or once a year, whichever comes first. This will give the plant new nutrients.
Colocasia Royal Hawaiian® Waikiki prefers for the soil to dry out between waterings and should be watered regularly. You can use our water calculator to get personalized watering advice based on your area, or you can download Greg to get more detailed advice for all of your plants.
Colocasia Royal Hawaiian® Waikiki may have difficulty thriving and will drop leaves without ample sunlight. Place it less than 3 feet from a window to maximize the potential for growth. Just pick your area to see how the current weather there affects the placement in your home
Greg does not have confirmed data on this plant’s toxicity. If you, a family member, or a pet eats plant matter that you don’t know is poisonous, you should always talk to a doctor.
If you or someone else ingested this plant, call Poison Control at US (800) 222-1222. If a pet consumed this plant, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA at US (888) 426-4435.
Colocasia Royal Hawaiian® Waikiki doesn’t require additional humidity. Because plants take in water through their roots rather than their leaves, watering the soil is the best way to keep your plants moist.
Colocasia Royal Hawaiian® Waikiki does best in well-draining soil. A good soil will have a lot of organic matter, like coco coir, and perlite or vermiculite to help water drain away. Adding a handful of perlite to regular store-bought potting soil should do the trick!.
When Colocasia Royal Hawaiian® Waikiki plants double in size or once a year, whichever comes first, they should be moved to a new pot. Fresh potting soil has all the nutrients your plant needs, so you shouldn’t need to use fertilizer as long as you change it every year. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not fertilizer!.
Colocasia Royal Hawaiian® Waikiki is native to Southeast Asia.
To fix a houseplant that looks sad, first look for signs of distress in its leaves, like yellowing, browning, or drooping ones. This could mean that the plant is getting too much water or not enough nutrients.
Inspect the soil moisture; too dry or too wet soil can cause problems.
Check to see how much light the plant is getting. Too much or too little light can hurt the plant.
Finally, consider environmental factors like temperature and humidity, and adjust care routines accordingly to revive your plant.
Finding light for Colocasia Royal Hawaiian® ‘Waikiki’ in your home
Colocasia Royal Hawaiian® Waikiki may have difficulty thriving, and will drop leaves , without ample sunlight.
Place it less than 3 feet from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.
Choose your area to see how the current weather affects where to put the Colocasia Royal Hawaiian® Waikiki in your home
Colocasia ROYAL HAWAIIAN Waikiki
FAQ
How do you care for Colocasia Royal Hawaiian?
Does Colocasia like full sun or shade?
How tall does Colocasia Royal Hawaiian get?
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Height:
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24 to 36-inches 61 to 91-centimeters
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Spread:
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24 to 36-inches 61 to 91-centimeters
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Foliage Colors:
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Dark Green, Dark Purple, Green
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Light Levels:
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Full-Sun, Partial-Sun, Semi-Shade
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General:
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How do you care for Colocasia in pots?