Peace lily varieties range from the compact Sensation to the tall Mauna Loa, each with distinct leaf sizes and bloom shapes. If you are looking for a low-maintenance houseplant that purifies the air, the peace lily is a top contender. But did you know there are dozens of cultivars to choose from?
Most people just grab the first green plant they see at the garden center. That is a mistake. Different types have different growth habits, light tolerances, and even flower fragrances. Let us break down the most popular peace lily varieties so you can pick the perfect one for your home.
Peace Lily Varieties
Before we get into the specific names, you should know that all peace lilies belong to the Spathiphyllum genus. They are not true lilies, but their white spathes look like elegant flowers. The actual flowers are the tiny spikes on the central spadix. The white part is just a modified leaf that protects the bloom.
Here is a quick list of the most common peace lily varieties you will encounter. We will go into detail on each one below.
- Sensation
- Mauna Loa
- Domino
- Piccolino
- Sweet Chico
- Wallisii
- Golden Delicious
- Jetty
Sensation Peace Lily
If you have a dark corner that needs filling, the Sensation is your best friend. This is the largest peace lily variety you can buy. Its leaves can reach up to 20 inches long and 10 inches wide. The plant itself can grow to a towering 4 to 6 feet tall.
Because of its size, the Sensation is not ideal for a small shelf. It works best as a floor plant in a large pot. It also needs a bit more water than smaller varieties because of its massive leaf surface area. You will notice the leaves droop dramatically when thirsty, but they perk up within hours of watering.
One thing to watch for is dust accumulation. The big, flat leaves collect dust quickly. Wipe them down with a damp cloth every two weeks to keep the pores open for photosynthesis.
Mauna Loa Peace Lily
The Mauna Loa is the classic peace lily that most people picture. It is a medium-sized variety that grows to about 2 to 3 feet tall. The leaves are a deep, glossy green and the white spathes are large and plentiful. This is the variety you often see in hotel lobbies and office waiting rooms.
Mauna Loa is very forgiving. It tolerates low light better than most other houseplants. However, you will get more blooms if you place it in bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight will scorch the leaves, so keep it a few feet away from a sunny window.
This variety is also known for its dramatic wilting. If you forget to water it for a few days, the whole plant will flop over. Do not panic. Just give it a good drink and it will recover within a day.
Domino Peace Lily
Now we are getting into the more interesting peace lily varieties. The Domino has variegated leaves with white and cream splashes. This is a genetic mutation that was stabilized through selective breeding. The variegation is not uniform, so each leaf looks slightly different.
Because of the white patches, the Domino needs more light than solid green varieties. The white parts of the leaf cannot photosynthesize, so the plant needs extra light to compensate. Place it in a spot with medium to bright indirect light. Too little light will cause the variegation to fade and the leaves to turn mostly green.
The Domino is a smaller plant, reaching about 1 to 2 feet tall. It is perfect for a desk or a small side table. It also produces smaller, more delicate white blooms that contrast nicely with the patterned foliage.
Piccolino Peace Lily
If you are short on space, the Piccolino is a true dwarf variety. It rarely exceeds 8 to 10 inches in height. This makes it ideal for terrariums, small desks, or as a table centerpiece. The leaves are compact and narrow, but they still produce the classic white peace lily flowers.
Piccolino is a great choice for beginners because it is very forgiving. It does not need repotting as often as larger varieties. You can keep it in a small 4-inch pot for years. Just make sure the soil does not stay soggy, as this can lead to root rot.
One drawback is that the blooms are quite small. They are still beautiful, but they do not have the same dramatic presence as the larger varieties. If you want a statement plant, go for the Sensation instead.
Sweet Chico Peace Lily
The Sweet Chico is a compact variety that is known for its abundant flowering. It grows to about 12 to 18 inches tall. The leaves are a lighter green than the Mauna Loa, and the plant tends to stay bushy and full. It produces multiple blooms at once, giving you a nice display of white flowers.
This variety is also one of the more fragrant peace lilies. Most peace lilies have a very faint scent, but Sweet Chico has a noticeable, sweet fragrance, especially in the morning. If you are sensitive to smells, this might be a good choice for you.
Sweet Chico is a reliable bloomer. It will flower several times a year if you give it enough light and feed it with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 6 to 8 weeks during the growing season.
Wallisii Peace Lily
The Wallisii is one of the original species that was used to create many modern hybrids. It is a smaller, more delicate plant with slender leaves that arch outward. It grows to about 12 to 16 inches tall. The blooms are smaller and more elongated than the larger hybrids.
This variety is very hardy and can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures. It is a good choice for a room that gets a bit drafty in the winter. It also tolerates lower humidity better than other peace lilies, making it suitable for dry indoor environments.
Wallisii is often used in dish gardens or mixed planters because it stays compact and does not overpower other plants. It is also a great choice for a bathroom with a small window.
Golden Delicious Peace Lily
This is a rare and unique variety. The Golden Delicious has leaves that emerge with a yellow or chartreuse tint. As the leaves mature, they gradually turn to a darker green. This gives the plant a beautiful, ever-changing appearance.
Because of the yellow pigmentation, this variety needs more light than others to maintain its color. In low light, the new leaves will just be green. Place it in a spot with bright, indirect light to see the golden hues.
Golden Delicious is a medium-sized plant, growing to about 2 feet tall. It is a bit more expensive than common varieties due to its rarity. If you are a collector, this is a must-have.
Jetty Peace Lily
The Jetty is a relatively new hybrid that is gaining popularity. It is known for its very dark, almost black-green leaves. The leaves have a slight sheen to them, which makes the white blooms pop even more. It grows to a medium height of about 2 to 3 feet.
Jetty is a vigorous grower and produces many offsets, or baby plants, around the base. This makes it easy to propagate. You can divide the plant when you repot it and get several new plants for free.
This variety is also more tolerant of tap water than some others. Many peace lilies are sensitive to the chlorine and fluoride in tap water, which causes brown tips. Jetty seems to handle it better, though it is still best to use filtered water if you can.
How To Choose The Right Variety
Now that you know the main peace lily varieties, how do you decide? Here are a few factors to consider.
Consider Your Available Space
Measure the spot where you plan to put the plant. If you have a tall floor stand, go for the Sensation. If you have a small shelf, choose the Piccolino or Wallisii. The Mauna Loa is a good middle ground for most rooms.
Consider Light Conditions
All peace lilies prefer indirect light, but variegated varieties like Domino and Golden Delicious need more. If your room is dark, stick with the solid green varieties like Mauna Loa or Sensation. They can handle lower light levels without losing their color.
Consider Your Watering Habits
If you are forgetful with watering, choose a variety that is more forgiving. The Mauna Loa and Wallisii are very resilient. They will droop when dry but bounce back quickly. The Sensation, with its large leaves, will suffer more damage if you let it dry out completely.
Care Tips For All Varieties
Regardless of which peace lily variety you choose, they all share similar care requirements. Here are the basics.
Watering Schedule
Water your peace lily when the top inch of soil feels dry. Do not follow a strict calendar schedule. Stick your finger in the soil to check. When you water, water thoroughly until it drains out the bottom of the pot. Empty the saucer after 30 minutes to prevent root rot.
Light Requirements
Place your plant in bright, indirect light. A north-facing window is ideal. An east-facing window is also good. Avoid south or west windows without a sheer curtain, as direct sun will burn the leaves.
Humidity And Temperature
Peace lilies love humidity. If your home is dry, especially in winter, mist the leaves regularly or place the pot on a tray of wet pebbles. Keep the temperature between 65°F and 80°F. Avoid cold drafts from windows or air conditioning vents.
Fertilizing
Feed your peace lily every 6 to 8 weeks during the spring and summer. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength. Do not fertilize in the winter when the plant is resting. Too much fertilizer can cause brown leaf tips.
Repotting
Peace lilies like to be slightly root-bound. Only repot when you see roots coming out of the drainage holes or when the plant starts to wilt quickly after watering. This usually happens every 1 to 2 years. Move it to a pot that is only 1 to 2 inches larger in diameter.
Common Problems And Fixes
Even with good care, you might run into a few issues. Here is how to fix them.
Brown Leaf Tips
This is usually caused by fluoride in tap water or over-fertilizing. Switch to filtered or distilled water. Flush the soil with clean water to wash out excess salts. Trim the brown tips with scissors, following the natural shape of the leaf.
Yellow Leaves
Yellow leaves usually mean overwatering. Check the soil. If it is soggy, let it dry out completely before watering again. If the roots are mushy, you may need to repot in fresh, well-draining soil and remove the rotten roots.
No Flowers
If your peace lily is not blooming, it is likely not getting enough light. Move it to a brighter location. You can also try giving it a weak dose of fertilizer high in phosphorus, which encourages flowering. Be patient, as it can take a few months to respond.
Drooping Leaves
This is a classic sign of underwatering. Give the plant a good soak. It should perk up within a few hours. If it does not, check for root rot, which can also cause wilting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions people have about peace lily varieties.
What Is The Largest Peace Lily Variety?
The Sensation is the largest. It can grow up to 6 feet tall with leaves over 20 inches long. It is a dramatic floor plant.
Are There Variegated Peace Lily Varieties?
Yes, the Domino is the most common variegated type. It has white and cream splashes on the leaves. The Golden Delicious has yellow-tinted new growth.
Which Peace Lily Is Best For Low Light?
The Mauna Loa and the Wallisii are the most tolerant of low light. They will survive in darker corners, though they may not bloom as much.
Do All Peace Lily Varieties Have White Flowers?
Yes, all true peace lilies have white spathes. Some may have a slight green tint as the bloom ages, but the base color is always white.
How Fast Do Peace Lilies Grow?
Growth speed depends on the variety and light. The Mauna Loa grows moderately fast, adding a few inches per year. The Sensation grows faster but needs more space. Dwarf varieties like Piccolino grow very slowly.
Final Thoughts
Choosing from the many peace lily varieties does not have to be overwhelming. Start with a common one like the Mauna Loa if you are a beginner. If you want something unique, try the Domino or the Jetty. All of them are forgiving, beautiful, and great for improving your indoor air quality.
Remember to match the plant to your light conditions and space. With the right variety and a little care, your peace lily will reward you with elegant white blooms for years. Just keep the soil moist, the light bright but indirect, and you will be fine.
Do not be afraid to experiment. Many people end up collecting several different types. Once you see how easy they are, you will understand why they are one of the most popular houseplants in the world. Go ahead and pick your favorite, your home will thank you.