Plant comparison
Peace lily vs Anthurium
Both Araceae with a coloured spathe; one is low-light tolerant, the other needs more.
| Peace lily | Anthurium | |
|---|---|---|
| Botanical name | Spathiphyllum wallisii | Anthurium andraeanum |
| Light | Medium indirect light (a couple of metres from a window) | Bright indirect light (just back from a sunny window) |
| Water | As soon as the leaves start to droop slightly, usually every 5-7 days | When the top 3 cm of soil is dry, every 5-7 days |
| Soil | Standard potting compost with added perlite | Chunky aroid mix |
| Humidity | 50-60% | 60-80% |
| Temperature | 18-24°C (65-75°F) | 18-27°C (65-80°F) |
| USDA hardiness | 11-12 (indoor-only) | 11-12 (indoor-only) |
| RHS hardiness | H1b | H1b |
| Mature size | 40-90 cm tall and wide | 30-60 cm tall and wide |
| Growth habit | Clumping rosette evergreen | Clumping epiphytic evergreen |
| Toxicity (cats/dogs) | Mildly toxic to pets | Toxic to pets |
Which one should you choose?
- Choose Peace lily — Peace lily if your spot has less light — it tolerates medium indirect light (a couple of metres from a window), where Anthurium prefers bright indirect light (just back from a sunny window).
- Choose Anthurium — Anthurium if you prefer its clumping epiphytic evergreen habit at 30-60 cm tall and wide indoors.
Either way, the full care brief lives on each plant's own page: Peace lily care and Anthurium care. For pet-safety detail see Peace lily and Anthurium.
Peace lily vs Anthurium — frequently asked questions
Is Peace lily the same as Anthurium?
No — Peace lily is Spathiphyllum wallisii and Anthurium is Anthurium andraeanum. Both Araceae with a coloured spathe; one is low-light tolerant, the other needs more. The look can be similar, but their light, water and toxicity needs are not interchangeable.
Which is easier to care for, peace lily or anthurium?
Easier comes down to your conditions. Peace lily wants medium indirect light (a couple of metres from a window) and to be watered as soon as the leaves start to droop slightly, usually every 5-7 days. Anthurium wants bright indirect light (just back from a sunny window) and watering when the top 3 cm of soil is dry, every 5-7 days. Match the species to the brightest spot you actually have and how often you remember to water — both can be the easier pick for the right home.
Is peace lily or anthurium safer for cats and dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Peace lily is mildly toxic to pets and Anthurium is toxic to pets. Either way, place them out of reach of curious chewers if pets share the home.
How big do peace lily and anthurium get indoors?
Peace lily matures to 40-90 cm tall and wide, with a clumping rosette evergreen habit. Anthurium reaches 30-60 cm tall and wide, clumping epiphytic evergreen. Plan for the eventual size, not the size in the nursery pot.
Can peace lily and anthurium live in the same room?
Yes — both can share a room as long as you give each one a spot that matches its light requirement. Peace lily needs medium indirect light (a couple of metres from a window); Anthurium needs bright indirect light (just back from a sunny window). Group them only if their watering and humidity needs are also close, otherwise keep them on different schedules.