What is the difference between Colocasia Nancy’s Revenge and White Lava?

Colocasia plants are known for their beautiful foliage and unique petioles. While both ‘White Lava’ and ‘Nancy’s Revenge’ are varieties of Colocasia, they have distinct differences, particularly in the color of their petioles.

1. Petiole Color:
– ‘White Lava’: As the name suggests, this variety of Colocasia produces glossy red petioles. These vibrant red petioles stand out against the lush green foliage, adding a striking contrast to the overall appearance of the plant.
– ‘Nancy’s Revenge’: In contrast, ‘Nancy’s Revenge’ has green petioles. This variety lacks the red coloration seen in ‘White Lava’, resulting in a more subdued and traditional look.

2. Foliage:
– ‘White Lava’: The leaves of ‘White Lava’ are typically heart-shaped and have a glossy texture. The color of the leaves can vary from deep green to shades of purple, with some varieties featuring splashes of white or silver. The combination of the colorful petioles and attractive foliage makes ‘White Lava’ a visually appealing choice for gardens and landscapes.
– ‘Nancy’s Revenge’: Similarly, ‘Nancy’s Revenge’ also features heart-shaped leaves with a glossy appearance. However, the foliage of this variety tends to be predominantly green, lacking the purple or variegated patterns seen in some ‘White Lava’ varieties.

3. Growth Habit:
– ‘White Lava’: Colocasia ‘White Lava’ typically grows to a medium size, with mature plants reaching a height of around 2-3 feet. This compact growth habit makes it suitable for both indoor and outdoor cultivation. It is a relatively low-maintenance plant that thrives in moist soil and partial shade.
– ‘Nancy’s Revenge’: Similarly, ‘Nancy’s Revenge’ also has a compact growth habit, usually growing to a similar height as ‘White Lava’. It is adaptable to various growing conditions, but like most Colocasia varieties, it prefers moist soil and partial shade.

4. Preferences and Hardiness:
– ‘White Lava’: This variety of Colocasia is known for its tolerance to a wide range of growing conditions, including both heat and humidity. It can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 8-11, making it suitable for many regions.
– ‘Nancy’s Revenge’: ‘Nancy’s Revenge’ also exhibits similar preferences when it comes to growing conditions. It is generally hardy in USDA zones 8-11, but it may require additional protection or care during colder months in cooler regions.

The main difference between Colocasia ‘White Lava’ and ‘Nancy’s Revenge’ lies in the color of their petioles. While ‘White Lava’ showcases glossy red petioles, ‘Nancy’s Revenge’ has green petioles. Other factors such as foliage patterns, growth habits, and preferences for growing conditions are relatively similar for both varieties. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preferences and the desired aesthetic for your garden or landscape.

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Caroline Bates

Caroline is a Miami-based landscaper who specializes in drought-tolerant landscapes. She is the mother of two young children and also enjoys writing for GreenPacks.org in her spare time. Caroline takes great pride in her work, and loves being able to share her knowledge with others through her writing.