Several flowering houseplants share the peace lily’s signature white spathe and glossy foliage, including anthuriums and spathiphyllum cultivars. If you are searching for plants that look like peace lilies but want a different color, size, or level of care, you have plenty of excellent options. Many of these lookalikes come from the same Araceae family, which explains their similar flower structure and leaf shape.
Peace lilies are beloved for their elegant white blooms and forgiving nature. However, they can be toxic to pets and sometimes struggle with low humidity. The good news is that several other plants offer that same lush, tropical aesthetic without the exact same drawbacks. Below, you will find a list of the best alternatives that mimic the peace lily’s appearance.
Why Do Some Plants Resemble Peace Lilies?
Most plants that look like peace lilies belong to the arum family. This botanical group shares a unique flowering structure called a spathe and spadix. The spathe is the white, leaf-like bract that people often mistake for a petal. The spadix is the central spike that holds the tiny, real flowers.
Because they share this anatomy, many arums look strikingly similar at first glance. The main differences usually appear in the color of the spathe, the shape of the leaves, or the plant’s overall size. Understanding this helps you pick the right lookalike for your space.
Plants That Look Like Peace Lilies
Here are the top houseplants that can easily be mistaken for a peace lily. Each one has its own unique twist, whether it is a pink bloom, a darker leaf, or a more compact growth habit. Consider your lighting conditions and how much time you want to spend on care.
Anthurium (Flamingo Flower)
Anthuriums are the most common lookalike you will find in garden centers. They have the same glossy, dark green leaves and a similar spathe-and-spadix flower. The easiest way to tell them apart is the flower color. Anthuriums typically produce red, pink, or orange spathes, though white varieties exist.
- Leaf shape: Anthurium leaves are usually heart-shaped and more rigid than peace lily leaves.
- Flower texture: The spathe is waxy and shiny, almost plastic-like in appearance.
- Light needs: They prefer brighter light than peace lilies to bloom consistently.
- Blooming season: Can flower almost year-round with proper care.
If you want a plant that looks like a peace lily but with a pop of color, anthurium is your best bet. They are slightly more demanding regarding humidity but are not difficult for a beginner.
Spathiphyllum ‘Sensation’
This is actually a peace lily cultivar, but it looks different enough to warrant its own mention. The ‘Sensation’ variety is a giant among peace lilies. Its leaves can grow up to 3 feet long, making it a dramatic floor plant. It produces the same white flowers but on a much larger scale.
If you love the classic peace lily look but need a larger statement piece, this is the one. It is often labeled simply as “Giant Peace Lily” in stores. The care is identical to a standard peace lily, which makes it a safe choice if you already know the basics.
Spathiphyllum ‘Domino’
Another peace lily cultivar, ‘Domino’ features variegated leaves. The foliage is splashed with white and cream streaks, which adds visual interest even when the plant is not blooming. It has the same white flowers as a standard peace lily but offers more personality in the leaves.
This variety is perfect for someone who finds standard green leaves a bit boring. It grows slightly slower than other peace lilies but is just as easy to care for. The variegation means it needs a bit more light to maintain its pattern.
Calla Lily (Zantedeschia)
Calla lilies have a similar elegant, trumpet-shaped flower. However, their spathe wraps around the spadix much more tightly than a peace lily’s. The leaves are also different, being arrow-shaped and often speckled with white dots. Calla lilies are usually grown outdoors or as seasonal indoor plants.
- Flower shape: The spathe curls into a tight funnel, unlike the open, flat spathe of a peace lily.
- Growth habit: They grow from rhizomes and often go dormant after flowering.
- Color range: Available in white, yellow, pink, and deep purple.
- Sun needs: They prefer more direct sunlight than peace lilies.
Calla lilies are a good choice if you want a plant that looks like a peace lily but is more structured. They are not evergreen, so expect them to die back for a rest period.
Ornithogalum (Star Of Bethlehem)
This plant is a bit of a wildcard. It is not in the arum family, but its white, star-shaped flowers cluster together in a way that can mimic a peace lily’s bloom from a distance. The foliage is grassy and strap-like, which is quite different from the broad leaves of a peace lily.
If you are looking for a plant with white flowers and a similar upright silhouette, this works. However, it is not a true lookalike in terms of leaf structure. It is better suited for gardeners who want a similar flower color but do not mind a different overall shape.
White Anthurium (Anthurium Andraeanum)
This is a specific cultivar of the flamingo flower that produces pure white spathes. It looks almost identical to a peace lily from across the room. The key difference is the spadix. In peace lilies, the spadix is usually white or pale green. In white anthuriums, the spadix is often yellow or pink.
This plant is perfect for those who want the classic white look but with a more robust, waxy flower that lasts longer. Anthurium flowers can stay fresh for up to eight weeks, which is much longer than a peace lily bloom.
Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia)
Dieffenbachia does not have white flowers that look like peace lilies, but its foliage is very similar. It has large, oval, glossy leaves that grow from a central stem. The leaves are usually variegated with white or cream centers, which gives a similar visual weight to a peace lily plant.
If you care more about the foliage than the flowers, this is a great alternative. It is also much more tolerant of low light and neglect. The main downside is that it rarely flowers indoors, so you will not get the signature white spathe.
Clivia (Kaffir Lily)
Clivia has dark, strap-like leaves that form a fan shape. It does not look like a peace lily in the leaves, but its flowers are similar in shape. The blooms are trumpet-shaped and appear in clusters on tall stems. They are usually orange or yellow, not white.
This plant is a good option if you want a similar flower shape but prefer a more colorful display. Clivia is also very long-lived and can thrive for decades with minimal care. It prefers to be root-bound and does not like to be repotted often.
Peace Lily ‘Piccolino’
This is a miniature peace lily cultivar. It stays small, reaching only about 10 inches tall. It produces the same white flowers and green leaves but in a compact form. It is perfect for desks, shelves, or small terrariums. If you have limited space but love the peace lily look, this is the ideal choice.
The care is the same as a standard peace lily, but it needs more frequent watering because its small pot dries out faster. It is a great gift plant for office workers or students.
Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera Deliciosa) – Young Specimens
This might surprise you, but a young monstera looks remarkably like a peace lily. The leaves are solid, glossy, and heart-shaped before they develop the characteristic holes and splits. If you buy a small monstera, it will have the same upright, leafy appearance as a peace lily.
As it matures, it will start to develop fenestrations (the splits). If you want a plant that looks like a peace lily now but will become a large, dramatic climber later, this is a fun option. It is also more tolerant of dry air than a peace lily.
How To Tell The Difference Between Peace Lilies And Lookalikes
It can be tricky to identify these plants at a glance. Here is a simple step-by-step guide to help you tell them apart. Look closely at the flower and the leaves to make a quick determination.
- Check the spadix: If the central spike is white or pale green, it is likely a peace lily. If it is yellow, pink, or red, it is an anthurium.
- Feel the spathe: Peace lily spathes are soft and matte. Anthurium spathes are waxy and shiny.
- Look at the leaves: Peace lily leaves are thin and flexible. Anthurium leaves are thicker and more leathery.
- Examine the leaf base: Peace lily leaves emerge directly from the soil on long stems. Dieffenbachia leaves have a visible main trunk.
- Check for variegation: If the leaves have white splashes, it is likely a ‘Domino’ peace lily or a dieffenbachia.
- Look at the flower shape: If the spathe is tightly rolled like a funnel, it is a calla lily, not a peace lily.
Using these steps, you can confidently identify any plant you find at the nursery. This will help you avoid buying the wrong plant for your home.
Care Differences Between Peace Lilies And Their Lookalikes
While these plants look similar, their care needs can vary. It is important to know what you are buying so you can provide the right environment. Here is a quick comparison of the main care differences.
Watering Needs
Peace lilies are very dramatic when they need water; they droop quickly. Anthuriums are less forgiving and prefer to stay slightly moist. Calla lilies need a dry period after blooming. Dieffenbachia likes to dry out slightly between waterings. Always check the specific plant tag for watering instructions.
Light Requirements
Peace lilies thrive in low to medium indirect light. Anthuriums need bright, indirect light to produce flowers. Calla lilies need full sun to bloom well. Clivia prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light. Dieffenbachia is very tolerant of low light but will grow slower.
Humidity And Temperature
All of these plants prefer warm temperatures above 60°F. Peace lilies and anthuriums love high humidity. Calla lilies are less picky. Clivia prefers cooler temperatures in the winter to initiate blooming. If your home is dry, consider using a pebble tray or a humidifier for the tropical lookalikes.
Fertilizing
Peace lilies are light feeders. Anthuriums benefit from a high-phosphorus fertilizer to encourage blooms. Calla lilies need regular feeding during the growing season. Clivia should be fed only during the spring and summer. Over-fertilizing any of these plants can cause brown leaf tips.
Which Lookalike Is Right For You?
Choosing the right plant depends on your space and experience level. If you are a beginner, stick with a peace lily cultivar like ‘Sensation’ or ‘Domino’. If you want color, go with an anthurium. If you have a bright, sunny window, try a calla lily. If you want a low-maintenance foliage plant, choose a dieffenbachia.
Consider your pet situation as well. All plants in the Araceae family contain calcium oxalate crystals, which are toxic to cats and dogs. If you have pets, keep these plants out of reach or choose a safer alternative like a spider plant or a parlor palm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Closest Plant To A Peace Lily?
The anthurium is the closest lookalike. It has the same spathe-and-spadix flower structure and similar glossy leaves. The main difference is the waxy texture of the anthurium flower and its colored spathe, which is often red or pink.
Are Peace Lilies And Anthuriums The Same?
No, they are different genera. Peace lilies are in the Spathiphyllum genus, while anthuriums are in the Anthurium genus. Both belong to the Araceae family, which is why they look similar. They also have slightly different care requirements.
Can I grow a peace lily lookalike in low light?
Yes, peace lily cultivars like ‘Domino’ and ‘Sensation’ are excellent for low light. Dieffenbachia also tolerates low light well. However, anthuriums and calla lilies will not bloom well without brighter light. If you want flowers in a dark room, stick with a true peace lily.
Why Is My Peace Lily Lookalike Not Flowering?
Most likely, it is not getting enough light. Anthuriums and calla lilies need several hours of bright, indirect light daily. Peace lilies need at least a few hours of medium light to bloom. Also, check if the plant is root-bound, as this often encourages flowering in these species.
Are These Plants Safe For Pets?
No, most of these plants are toxic to cats and dogs. They contain insoluble calcium oxalates, which can cause oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting if ingested. Keep them on high shelves or in rooms that your pets cannot access. If you have curious pets, consider a non-toxic alternative like a cast iron plant or a banana plant.
Choosing a plant that looks like a peace lily is a great way to diversify your indoor garden. Whether you want a giant floor plant, a colorful bloom, or a variegated leaf, there is an option for you. Remember to match the plant to your lighting and humidity levels for the best results. With the right care, these lookalikes will reward you with lush growth and beautiful, exotic flowers.