Plant comparison
Peace lily vs Spider plant
A flowering classic vs a pet-safe trailer — the pet-toxicity difference is the deciding factor for many.
| Peace lily | Spider plant | |
|---|---|---|
| Botanical name | Spathiphyllum wallisii | Chlorophytum comosum |
| 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 2 cm of soil is dry, every 7-10 days |
| Soil | Standard potting compost with added perlite | Standard potting compost |
| Humidity | 50-60% | 40-60% |
| Temperature | 18-24°C (65-75°F) | 15-24°C (60-75°F) |
| USDA hardiness | 11-12 (indoor-only) | 9-11 (outdoors in mild climates, indoors elsewhere) |
| RHS hardiness | H1b | H2 (tender, indoor or summer outdoors) |
| Mature size | 40-90 cm tall and wide | 30-45 cm tall, plantlets trailing up to 60 cm |
| Growth habit | Clumping rosette evergreen | Clumping evergreen that produces dangling plantlets |
| 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 Spider plant — Spider plant 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 Spider plant care. For pet-safety detail see Peace lily and Spider plant.
Peace lily vs Spider plant — frequently asked questions
Is Peace lily the same as Spider plant?
No — Peace lily is Spathiphyllum wallisii and Spider plant is Chlorophytum comosum. A flowering classic vs a pet-safe trailer — the pet-toxicity difference is the deciding factor for many. The look can be similar, but their light, water and toxicity needs are not interchangeable.
Which is easier to care for, peace lily or spider plant?
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. Spider plant wants medium indirect light (a couple of metres from a window) and watering when the top 2 cm of soil is dry, every 7-10 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 spider plant safer for cats and dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Peace lily is toxic to pets and Spider plant is pet-safe. Spider plant is the pet-safer choice.
How big do peace lily and spider plant get indoors?
Peace lily matures to 40-90 cm tall and wide, with a clumping rosette evergreen habit. Spider plant reaches 30-45 cm tall, plantlets trailing up to 60 cm, clumping evergreen that produces dangling plantlets. Plan for the eventual size, not the size in the nursery pot.
Can peace lily and spider plant 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); Spider plant 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.