Waikiki Elephant Ear (Colocasia ‘Waikiki’) Care Guide

Introduction

The Waikiki Elephant Ear is a showstopping tropical plant prized for its striking foliage. A cultivar of Colocasia esculenta, ‘Waikiki’ stands out with large, heart-shaped leaves in deep green, boldly accented by creamy white veins and a rich, pink-purple center. Its name and look evoke island vibes, and it’s perfect for creating a lush, exotic feel in your garden or home.

Originally native to tropical Asia, Colocasias are often referred to as “taro” or “elephant ears” because of the massive size and shape of their leaves. The ‘Waikiki’ variety is compact and ideal for containers or smaller garden spaces, making it more manageable than some of its larger relatives.

Whether you’re growing it indoors as a houseplant or outdoors during the warmer months, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

1. Planting and Location

Sunlight Requirements

Outdoors: Waikiki elephant ears thrive in partial shade to full sun, but they prefer bright indirect light for best color. In hotter climates, some afternoon shade helps prevent leaf scorch.
Indoors: Place near a bright window with filtered light. East or north-facing windows are ideal, or use sheer curtains to diffuse harsh direct sun.

Soil Requirements

Colocasias love moist, rich, well-draining soil. A loamy mix enriched with compost or organic matter works well. The soil should retain moisture but never be soggy.
Ideal pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (5.5–7.0).

Planting Time

Outdoors: Wait until all danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures are consistently above 60°F (15°C).
Containers: Can be started indoors earlier and moved outside in spring.

Spacing

Space plants 2 to 3 feet apart if planting multiple.
They grow to about 2–3 feet tall and wide, making them perfect for beds, borders, or pots.

2. Watering and Moisture

Waikiki elephant ears are thirsty plants—consistent moisture is key to success.

Watering Frequency: Water regularly to keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Daily watering may be necessary during hot weather or in containers.
Indoor Watering: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid letting the plant sit in standing water unless it’s being grown as a water plant.

Humidity

This plant loves humidity. Mist regularly, group with other tropicals, or use a humidity tray if indoors.
Ideal humidity is above 60%, but they can tolerate average household humidity with extra attention.

3. Temperature and Climate

USDA Hardiness Zones: 8–11

In zones 8 and above, Waikiki can be grown outdoors year-round.
In cooler zones, it’s grown as an annual or overwintered indoors.

Ideal Temperature Range: 65–85°F (18–29°C)

Avoid exposing the plant to temps below 50°F (10°C). Frost will damage or kill the foliage.

4. Fertilizing

To support vigorous growth and large leaves, Waikiki needs regular feeding.

Type of Fertilizer: Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (e.g., 20-20-20) or a fertilizer high in nitrogen to promote leaf development.
Frequency: Every 2–4 weeks during the active growing season (spring through summer).
Slow-release option: You can also use a granular, slow-release fertilizer at the beginning of the season for steady nutrition.

5. Repotting and Containers

When grown in pots, Waikiki elephant ears benefit from occasional repotting.

Repot When: Roots are poking out the bottom, or the plant becomes top-heavy. Usually every 1–2 years.
Container Tips: Choose a pot with drainage holes. Colocasias don’t like sitting in stagnant water unless grown in aquatic conditions.
Use a rich, moisture-retaining potting mix with added compost or peat moss.

6. Pruning and Maintenance

Waikiki elephant ears are low-maintenance but appreciate occasional tidying.

Prune Damaged Leaves: Remove any yellowing, torn, or spent leaves to keep the plant looking fresh.
Support: Although compact, large leaves may need staking in windy areas.
Cleaning Leaves: Wipe leaves gently with a damp cloth to keep them free of dust (especially indoors).

7. Pests and Diseases

While fairly pest-resistant, Waikiki can still encounter some common problems.

Pests:

Spider Mites: Appear in dry conditions. Look for fine webbing under leaves. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Aphids and Mealybugs: May cluster on new growth. Wipe off or spray with a gentle soap solution.
Fungus Gnats (indoors): Usually a sign of overly wet soil. Let the top inch of soil dry out between waterings and use sticky traps.

Diseases:

Root Rot: Caused by overwatering or poorly draining soil. Ensure good drainage and avoid soggy soil.
Leaf Spot: Fungal or bacterial spots may appear in high humidity. Remove affected leaves and improve airflow.

8. Propagation

Waikiki elephant ears are usually propagated via tuber division.

In late fall (or when bringing indoors), dig up the corm (tuber) and gently divide it if offsets or “pups” have formed.
Replant divisions in spring or pot them and grow indoors over winter.

Propagation from seed is not common for this cultivar, especially as it is hybridized for specific traits.

9. Overwintering (Cold Climates)

In zones colder than 8, the plant must be protected over winter.

Option 1: Bring Indoors

Before the first frost, dig up the corms, shake off soil, and store in a cool, dry place (like a paper bag in a basement) at around 50–60°F.
Replant in spring once soil warms up.

Option 2: Grow Indoors

If in a pot, simply bring the container inside.
Reduce watering in winter, allowing the plant to rest. Resume regular watering and feeding in spring.

10. Landscape and Decorative Uses

Waikiki elephant ears make a bold statement wherever they’re grown.

Great Uses:

Focal Plant: Their colorful, oversized foliage draws attention in tropical-themed gardens.
Container Gardening: Stunning on patios, porches, and balconies.
Water Gardens: Can be grown near ponds or even in shallow standing water.
Understory Planting: Beautiful beneath taller palms or bananas.

Pair it with other tropicals like caladiums, canna lilies, coleus, or begonias for a lush paradise vibe.

Conclusion

The Waikiki elephant ear is an absolute standout for gardeners and indoor plant lovers alike. With its bold, tricolor leaves and tropical energy, it’s perfect for anyone wanting to bring vibrant, exotic flair to their space.

By giving it consistent moisture, warmth, and occasional feeding, your Waikiki Colocasia will reward you with lush growth and eye-catching foliage all season long. Whether in a container on your patio or in a shady garden bed, this plant turns heads and brings a taste of the tropics wherever it grows.