Caring for Your Colocasia Royal Hawaiian ‘Waikiki’ Plant

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.

• Make a hole that is twice as wide and deep as 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.

• After planting, give the plants a lot of water and put 2 to 4 inches of organic mulch around the base to help the soil stay moist.

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

• It can stay in the garden as a perennial in Zones 8–11. Mulch the roots in winter to protect from freezing.

• Dig up the whole plant, including the roots, and store it dormant over the winter in colder places. Move the plants back outside in the spring after the risk 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.