Peace lily vs anthurium
Peace lily has a white, sail-like spathe and elongated leaves. Anthurium has a waxy, often colorful spathe and heart-shaped leaves. Both are toxic to pets.
Side by side
| Peace lily | Anthurium | |
|---|---|---|
| Plants compared | Spathiphyllum wallisii | Anthurium andraeanum |
| Showy flower structure | White, sail-like spathe that can turn green | Waxy, often red, pink or white spathe |
| Leaves | Elongated, glossy green leaves | Glossy, heart-shaped leaves |
| Family | Araceae, the arum family | |
| Light | Low light tolerant | Bright, indirect light |
| Watering | Every 6 to 8 days (summer), every 11 to 17 days (winter) | |
| Pet safety | Toxic to cats and dogs | |
Which should you choose?
Peace lily
Choose peace lily for green foliage and white spathes. Protect it from direct sun and keep the soil moist without leaving it soggy. Check the soil before watering a drooping plant.
Anthurium
Choose Anthurium andraeanum for heart-shaped leaves and waxy, colorful spathes. Give it a warm, humid place with indirect light and a loose mix that drains well.
Check the plant label before choosing care. Similar common names can refer to different species.
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Bird of paradise vs banana plantCommon questions
Is a peace lily an anthurium?
No. Spathiphyllum and Anthurium are different genera in the arum family. The colorful or white structure around the flower spike is a modified leaf called a spathe.
Why does my peace lily flower turn green?
Peace lily spathes can turn green as they age. This color change alone does not mean the plant has become an anthurium or needs a treatment.
Are peace lily and anthurium safe for pets?
Peace lily is toxic to cats and dogs. Anthurium andraeanum is toxic to cats and dogs. Keep both out of reach and call your vet if a pet chews either plant.
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