Colocasia Royal Hawaiian ‘Waikiki’ – 2.5 Quart is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock. Qty
Colocasia esculenta Waikiki is a new variety of Colocasia being brought to us from the beautiful Royal Hawaiian® collection! Waikiki foliage is dazzling with deep-green, glossy foliage that appears to have been sprinkled with white markings. One thing no one will be able to miss is the eye-catching vivid pink veins throughout each elephant ear leaf. The veins are formed when the back of each leaf changes from purple to green, creating a purple dot in the center that will eventually flow into the veins.
Expect fully mature plants to reach a very manageable 3 tall x 3 wide when grown in adequate conditions. Full-sun, partial-sun, and semi-shade are all acceptable light levels as these are native to tropical climates! Bright sun and moist soil are BEST in humid climates.
Container gardens, borders and in mass are all great uses for this tropical beauty. Cold hardy in USDA zones 7b – 11 so they are able to withstand freezing temperatures down to 5°F, but keep in mind that they are deciduous plants. Remove dead leaves during the growing seasons.
Elephant ears can survive in a location that receives full sun or partial shade, but it is dependent upon other factors such as the areas water supply and weather. Both indoor and outdoor plants will prefer a large amount of filtered sunlight and have medium watering needs.
Water before planting and then dig hole 2x the width of the pot it was received in. Plant 1-2″ above ground soil level and backfill hole with soil. Water deeply to settle, add soil if need be and finally mulch around the plant sure to avoid areas closest to the stem.
Well-draining soil rich in organic matter, like compost or manure, are good options for Elephant Ears. A water-soluble 20-20-20 fertilizer is a good option that provides a good balance of nutrition. You can also use an all-purpose fertilizer high in nitrogen to feed your elephant ears.
The Colocasia Royal Hawaiian ‘Waikiki’ is a stunning tropical plant known for its large, colorful leaves This eye-catching elephant ear plant can add a touch of the tropics to any garden or patio container With the right care, the Colocasia ‘Waikiki’ will thrive and produce its signature heart-shaped leaves in shades of green, pink, and purple. Here’s everything you need to know about growing and caring for this exotic beauty.
Overview of Colocasia ‘Waikiki’
The Colocasia ‘Waikiki’ plant is a variety of the species Colocasia esculenta, also known as taro or elephant ear It is native to Southeast Asia and belongs to the Araceae family. This herbaceous perennial grows up to 3 feet tall and wide, making it a compact choice compared to other elephant ear varieties
The foliage is the star of this plant. The large leaves emerge with a deep green color and light green central veins. As the leaves mature, the veins take on a vivid pink to purple hue. This gives the foliage a multi-colored, painted look reminiscent of a Hawaiian sunset. The leaves are heart-shaped and grow on long petioles extending out from the central stalks.
Colocasia ‘Waikiki’ does best in USDA Hardiness Zones 8 to 11, where it can be grown as a perennial. In cooler zones, it can be planted as an annual. This plant thrives in warm, humid environments and needs plenty of moisture. It tolerates both full sun and partial shade exposures.
Planting Colocasia ‘Waikiki’
Colocasia ‘Waikiki’ can be planted in the garden from container-grown plants, rhizome divisions, or tubers. It requires rich, moist soil for optimal growth. Some tips for getting it established:
-
Plant in full to partial sun after the last frost date in spring, once temperatures have warmed up.
-
Space plants 2-3 feet apart to allow room for growth.
-
Amend heavy clay soils with compost or peat moss to improve drainage.
-
Dig a hole twice the width and depth of the root ball or rhizome. Place it in the hole and backfill with enriched soil.
-
Plant tubers 4-6 inches deep and 12-24 inches apart in spring once soil has warmed.
-
Water thoroughly after planting and apply 2-4 inches of organic mulch around the base to help retain soil moisture.
Caring for Colocasia ‘Waikiki’
Caring for Colocasia ‘Waikiki’ consists of adequate watering, fertilizing, pruning, and winter protection in cold climates. Here are some key care tips:
Watering
-
Water deeply and regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not saturated. About 1-2 inches per week is typical, adjusted for weather.
-
Increase watering frequency during summer’s heat. Allow the top few inches of soil to dry between waterings.
-
Reduce watering from fall through winter, watering only when the top inch of soil becomes dry. Avoid overwatering during cooler months.
Fertilizing
-
Fertilize monthly during the active growing season in spring and summer using a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half.
-
Discontinue fertilizer starting in September to allow the plant time to harden off for dormancy.
-
In early spring, apply a slow-release granular fertilizer formulated for bulbs and roots to provide nutrients.
Pruning
-
Prune off any dead, damaged, or unsightly leaves and stems as needed to keep the plant looking its best.
-
Cut back leaf stalks and stems to the ground after the first frost in fall.
-
Divide crowded rhizomes and tubers every 2-3 years in early spring if they need to be rejuvenated.
Overwintering
-
In Zones 8-11, Colocasia can stay in the garden as a perennial. Mulch the roots in winter to protect from freezing.
-
In colder zones, dig up the entire plant including roots and store it dormant over winter. Repot and transplant back outside the following spring after danger of frost has passed.
-
Alternatively, dig up just the rhizomes after first frost and store them over winter in a cool place like a basement or unheated garage. Replant the rhizomes in spring.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Colocasia ‘Waikiki’ is prone to a few pests and diseases to watch out for:
-
Aphids, mealybugs – Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil sprays. Remove badly infested leaves.
-
Leaf spots, blights – Improve air circulation and avoid wetting the foliage. Remove and destroy affected leaves.
-
Root or crown rot – Allow soil to dry out between waterings. Discard severely affected plants. Improve drainage.
-
Leaf scorch – Move to a shadier spot, increase watering frequency, and mulch the roots.
-
Small or stunted growth – Increase light exposure, fertilize regularly, and repot into larger containers.
Growing Colocasia ‘Waikiki’ Successfully
Here are some top tips for growing happy, healthy Colocasia ‘Waikiki’ plants:
-
Site in full sun to part shade. Morning sun is ideal in hot, sunny climates.
-
Provide rich, consistently moist but well-draining soil amended with compost. Mulch to retain moisture.
-
Stake larger varieties to support the substantial leaves and prevent breakage.
-
Grow in containers for maximum portability and overwintering ease.
-
Gradually acclimate indoor plants to outdoor conditions before transplanting outside.
-
Bring containers indoors before first frost in fall. Allow indoor plants to adjust slowly to lower light.
-
Propagate by dividing rhizomes or tubers in early spring and replanting the healthiest sections.
-
Remove spent flowers and faded bracts to encourage new growth and extend the foliage display.
With proper care, the eye-catching Colocasia Royal Hawaiian ‘Waikiki’ will reward you with exotic, tropical flair in your garden beds or patio containers. The colorful foliage and compact size make it a stunning yet easy-to-manage addition to any outdoor space.
Getting Started: Understanding Your New Plant
Review your plants information on our website or the tag that comes with it. Be mindful of sunlight preferences, soil type, and spacing needs.
Our plants are adaptable but grow best in the correct USDA Zones. Click here to learn more about your USDA Zone.
First, dig a hole three times the width of the root ball of your plant. This makes it easier for the root system to spread out quickly. Dig the hole deep enough that your plant will sit level with or slightly above the ground around it.
Mix your native soil with rich gardening soil to provide extra nutrients and support plant growth. If your soil is clay-heavy, we recommend mixing your native clay soil with equal parts of Pine Bark mulch to improve drainage and the overall breathability of your soil.
Examine the roots. If they appear tightly bound, gently coax them apart; this ensures they can spread into the new soil. Place your plant in the hole so the top of the rootball is even with the surrounding soil—Backfill around it with the amended soil mixture. The roots need access to oxygen for your plant to thrive, so do not cover the rootball; place soil around it.
Top the soil beneath your plant with 3-4 inches of mulch to help it retain moisture. Be careful not to cover the rootball – your new plants roots need access to oxygen.
Soak the plant with a hose afterward to hydrate the plant, as well as get the soil and mulch situated. Develop a regular watering schedule based on your plants needs and local weather patterns. Remember, over watering is just as, if not more, harmful than under watering.
Spacing Your Waikiki Colocasia
Plant your Waikiki colocasia 2-3 feet apart to create a lush waterfall of tropical texture along pathways or in mixed tropical beds. Plant 4+ feet apart to allow space between your plantings.
- Scientific Name Colocasia esculenta ‘Waikiki’
- Hardiness Zone 8, 9, 10, 11
- Sun Exposure Full Sun to Part Shade
- Evergreen or Deciduous Deciduous
- Features Variegated
- Feature Color Green, Multi-Color, Pink
- Uses Houseplant, Accent, Coastal, Container, Mixed Garden Bed, Specimen
- Water Needs Medium
- Bloom Season –
Colocasia Royal Hawaiian series
0