Plant comparison
Peace lily vs Calathea
Two moisture-loving foliage plants — one flowers and tolerates low light, one is fussier but pet-safe.
| Peace lily | Calathea | |
|---|---|---|
| Botanical name | Spathiphyllum wallisii | Calathea (Goeppertia) spp. |
| Light | Medium indirect light (a couple of metres from a window) | Medium indirect light (a couple of metres from a window) |
| Water | As soon as the leaves start to droop slightly, usually every 5-7 days | When the top 1-2 cm of soil is just dry, every 4-7 days |
| Soil | Standard potting compost with added perlite | Moisture-retentive aroid mix |
| Humidity | 50-60% | 60-80% |
| Temperature | 18-24°C (65-75°F) | 18-24°C (65-75°F) |
| USDA hardiness | 11-12 (indoor-only) | 11-12 (indoor-only) |
| RHS hardiness | H1b | H1b |
| Mature size | 40-90 cm tall and wide | 40-60 cm tall and wide |
| Growth habit | Clumping rosette evergreen | Clumping rhizomatous evergreen |
| Toxicity (cats/dogs) | Toxic to pets | Pet-safe |
Which one should you choose?
- Choose Peace lily — Peace lily if you prefer its clumping rosette evergreen habit at 40-90 cm tall and wide indoors.
- Choose Calathea — Calathea if pets share your home — it is non-toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA), while Peace lily is toxic to pets.
Either way, the full care brief lives on each plant's own page: Peace lily care and Calathea care. For pet-safety detail see Peace lily and Calathea.
Peace lily vs Calathea — frequently asked questions
Is Peace lily the same as Calathea?
No — Peace lily is Spathiphyllum wallisii and Calathea is Calathea (Goeppertia) spp.. Two moisture-loving foliage plants — one flowers and tolerates low light, one is fussier but pet-safe. The look can be similar, but their light, water and toxicity needs are not interchangeable.
Which is easier to care for, peace lily or calathea?
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. Calathea wants medium indirect light (a couple of metres from a window) and watering when the top 1-2 cm of soil is just dry, every 4-7 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 calathea safer for cats and dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Peace lily is toxic to pets and Calathea is pet-safe. Calathea is the pet-safer choice.
How big do peace lily and calathea get indoors?
Peace lily matures to 40-90 cm tall and wide, with a clumping rosette evergreen habit. Calathea reaches 40-60 cm tall and wide, clumping rhizomatous evergreen. Plan for the eventual size, not the size in the nursery pot.
Can peace lily and calathea 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); Calathea needs medium indirect light (a couple of metres from a window). Group them only if their watering and humidity needs are also close, otherwise keep them on different schedules.