Colocasia esculenta ‘Mojito’

Origin of Colocasia esculenta ‘Mojito’

‘Mojito’ arose as a spontaneous branch mutation of ‘Midnight’. Ty Richard Strode selected it in Apopka, Florida, in 2007.

Growing Colocasia esculenta ‘Mojito’ indoors

Give ‘Mojito’ plenty of bright filtered light. Gentle direct sun can be introduced gradually, while a sheer curtain helps where stronger sun reaches the leaves. Keep it warm and out of cold draughts, with extra humidity if the room air is dry.

Its fast growth is best supported by rich potting compost that stays evenly moist and drains freely. Water deeply when the surface begins to dry, let the excess drain and feed with a balanced liquid fertiliser according to the label while new leaves are forming.

In lower light, growth can slow noticeably. Keep the compost lightly moist and pause feeding until the plant starts producing new growth again.

A crowded rootball, roots at the drainage holes or compost drying much faster than usual are signs that it is time to repot. Choose a slightly larger pot with drainage holes and keep the plant at the same depth.

Problems and solutions for Colocasia esculenta ‘Mojito’

• The plant droops while the compost is still wet, or the base feels soft: Root or corm rot may be present. Stop watering, empty any standing water and check that the drainage holes are open. If the plant keeps declining or the base feels soft, wear gloves and inspect the roots and corm. Cut rotten roots or soft corm tissue back to firm, healthy tissue with a clean tool, discard the rotten material and old compost, disinfect the tool and repot in fresh compost that drains freely. Discard the plant if the base is soft throughout.
• The rootball is dry and the foliage hangs down: The plant needs water. Water well and let the pot drain. If the compost has pulled away from the sides and is difficult to wet, soak the pot briefly before draining it.
• Fine pale speckling, webbing or small white-winged insects appear: Check beneath the leaves for spider mites or whitefly. Isolate the plant and rinse the foliage thoroughly. If the pest remains, use an indoor insecticidal soap labelled for use on this plant and pest, and repeat only as directed on the label.
• A white crust develops on the pot or compost while leaf tips turn brown: Fertiliser or mineral salts may be accumulating. Remove the crust and flush the compost with plain water, then let it drain well.

Colocasia esculenta ‘Mojito’ is toxic to people and pets

• Keep this plant away from children, cats and dogs.
• Its leaves and stems contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can irritate the mouth, throat, skin and eyes.
• Chewing may cause burning pain, drooling, swelling, vomiting or difficulty swallowing. Contact a veterinarian or medical professional after exposure, especially if swelling or breathing problems occur.

Where does the name Colocasia esculenta come from?

Colocasia comes from ancient Greek kolokasion, a name for an edible, corm-bearing plant. Esculenta means edible, reflecting taro’s long history as a food plant.

Heinrich Wilhelm Schott established the genus Colocasia in 1832 in Meletemata Botanica, page 18.

Carl Linnaeus first described it as Arum esculentum in 1753 in Species Plantarum, page 965. Heinrich Wilhelm Schott later placed it in Colocasia as Colocasia esculenta in 1832 in Meletemata Botanica, page 18.