Plant comparison
Pothos vs Peace lily
A no-fuss trailing vine vs a flowering classic — which is more forgiving of your watering and light?
| Pothos | Peace lily | |
|---|---|---|
| Botanical name | Epipremnum aureum | Spathiphyllum wallisii |
| Light | Medium indirect light (a couple of metres from a window) | Medium indirect light (a couple of metres from a window) |
| Water | When the top half of the soil is dry, every 7-10 days | As soon as the leaves start to droop slightly, usually every 5-7 days |
| Soil | Standard potting compost with extra perlite | Standard potting compost with added perlite |
| Humidity | 40-60% | 50-60% |
| Temperature | 18-27°C (65-80°F) | 18-24°C (65-75°F) |
| USDA hardiness | 10-12 (indoor-only in most US homes) | 11-12 (indoor-only) |
| RHS hardiness | H1b | H1b |
| Mature size | Vines reach 3-6 m indoors with a support | 40-90 cm tall and wide |
| Growth habit | Trailing or climbing evergreen vine | Clumping rosette evergreen |
| Toxicity (cats/dogs) | Toxic to pets | Toxic to pets |
Which one should you choose?
- Choose Pothos — Pothos if you prefer its trailing or climbing evergreen vine habit at vines reach 3-6 m indoors with a support indoors.
- Choose Peace lily — Peace lily if you prefer its clumping rosette evergreen habit at 40-90 cm tall and wide indoors.
Either way, the full care brief lives on each plant's own page: Pothos care and Peace lily care. For pet-safety detail see Pothos and Peace lily.
Pothos vs Peace lily — frequently asked questions
Is Pothos the same as Peace lily?
No — Pothos is Epipremnum aureum and Peace lily is Spathiphyllum wallisii. A no-fuss trailing vine vs a flowering classic — which is more forgiving of your watering and light? The look can be similar, but their light, water and toxicity needs are not interchangeable.
Which is easier to care for, pothos or peace lily?
Easier comes down to your conditions. Pothos wants medium indirect light (a couple of metres from a window) and to be watered when the top half of the soil is dry, every 7-10 days. Peace lily wants medium indirect light (a couple of metres from a window) and watering as soon as the leaves start to droop slightly, usually 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 pothos or peace lily safer for cats and dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Pothos is toxic to pets and Peace lily is toxic to pets. Either way, place them out of reach of curious chewers if pets share the home.
How big do pothos and peace lily get indoors?
Pothos matures to vines reach 3-6 m indoors with a support, with a trailing or climbing evergreen vine habit. Peace lily reaches 40-90 cm tall and wide, clumping rosette evergreen. Plan for the eventual size, not the size in the nursery pot.
Can pothos and peace lily 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. Pothos needs medium indirect light (a couple of metres from a window); Peace lily 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.