Peace lilies and calla lilies look alike, and it’s easy to mix them up. But trust me, they’re totally different! After growing both, I’ve learned their care, looks, and even meanings couldn’t be more different. If you’re trying to decide which one is right for you, I’ve got you covered.
So, what’s the difference between a peace lily and a calla lily?
Peace lilies are lush indoor plants with big, glossy leaves and white spathes. They clean the air and thrive in low light. Calla lilies, however, have elegant, trumpet-shaped flowers in different colors, prefer bright light, and are more toxic to pets. Their watering and soil needs also vary.
Want to make the right choice? Let’s dive into their care, symbolism, and which one fits your space best!
Peace Lily vs. Calla Lily – What’s the Difference?
Botanical Classification
- Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum): Part of the Araceae family, but not a true lily.
- Calla Lily (Zantedeschia): Also part of the Araceae family, but not a true lily either!
Appearance: Flowers & Leaves
- Peace Lily: White spathe (a modified leaf) surrounds a yellow spadix. Leaves are wide, deep green, and glossy.
- Calla Lily: Trumpet-shaped flowers come in many colors (white, pink, yellow, purple). Leaves are narrow and arrow-shaped.
Growth & Size
- Peace Lily: Grows 1 to 4 feet tall, making it perfect for compact spaces.
- Calla Lily: Can reach 2 to 3 feet tall, with some outdoor varieties growing even larger.
Peace Lily vs. Calla Lily: Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Peace Lily | Calla Lily |
| Flower Type | White spathe | Trumpet-shaped |
| Leaf Shape | Broad, glossy | Narrow, arrow-shaped |
| Growth Habit | Bushy, compact | Upright, clumping |
| Best For | Indoor air purification | Weddings, decor, gardens |
| Toxicity | Mildly toxic | More toxic to pets & humans |
How to Care for Peace Lily vs. Calla Lily
Light Requirements
- Peace Lily: Thrives in low to medium indirect light. Too much sun can scorch its leaves.
- Calla Lily: Needs full sun to partial shade. Grows better outdoors or in a bright window.
Watering Needs
- Peace Lily: Likes moist soil but is sensitive to overwatering.
- Calla Lily: Prefers well-draining soil and requires less water.
Soil & Fertilizer
- Peace Lily: Prefers rich, well-draining soil. Fertilize every 6 weeks during growing season.
- Calla Lily: Needs slightly acidic, loose soil. Fertilize every 2-3 weeks while blooming.
Temperature & Humidity
- Peace Lily: Prefers 65-80°F and high humidity.
- Calla Lily: Thrives in warm temperatures (60-75°F) and moderate humidity.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Growth
- Peace Lily: Perfect indoor plant that improves air quality.
- Calla Lily: Ideal for gardens and outdoor containers, but can be grown indoors with bright light.
Air Purification – Which One is Better?
- Peace Lily: Recognized by NASA for removing toxins like benzene, formaldehyde, and carbon monoxide.
- Calla Lily: Not known for air purification but adds beauty to outdoor spaces.
Best for improving indoor air quality? → Peace Lily!
Toxicity & Pet Safety
Is Peace Lily Toxic to Pets?
- Contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause mouth irritation, drooling, and nausea if eaten by cats or dogs.
- Symptoms: Swelling, difficulty swallowing, excessive drooling.
Is Calla Lily Toxic to Pets?
- More toxic than peace lily. Ingestion can cause severe vomiting, difficulty swallowing, and drooling in pets.
- Symptoms: Pain, throat swelling, possible breathing issues.
Warning! If you have pets, it’s best to keep both plants out of reach.
Symbolism & Meaning
Peace Lily Symbolism
- Peace, healing, and sympathy.
- Often used in funeral arrangements and bereavement gifts.
- Represents spirituality and renewal in some cultures.
Calla Lily Symbolism
- Purity, elegance, and new beginnings.
- A popular flower in weddings and religious ceremonies.
- Symbolizes faith, rebirth, and prosperity.
Looking for a plant with deep symbolism? → Choose based on the occasion!
Peace Lily vs. Calla Lily: Propagation & Repotting
How to Propagate Peace Lily
- Division method: Carefully separate clumps and replant in fresh soil.
- Best time: Spring or early summer.
How to Propagate Calla Lily
- Rhizome division: Gently cut rhizomes and plant them in well-draining soil.
- Best time: Late summer or early fall.
Repotting
- Peace Lily: Repot every 1-2 years to refresh soil and encourage growth.
- Calla Lily: Repot only when necessary, as it prefers stable conditions.
Common Problems & Solutions
Peace Lily Issues
- Yellow Leaves: Overwatering or low humidity.
- Droopy Leaves: Underwatering or too much direct sun.
- Brown Leaf Tips: Dry air or too much fertilizer.
Calla Lily Issues
- No Flowers: Needs more sunlight or nutrients.
- Root Rot: Caused by overwatering.
- Fungal Spots: Treat with a mild fungicide.
Peace Lily vs. Calla Lily: Which One Should You Choose?
Best for Home & Office
Peace Lily is better for indoor spaces, low light areas, and air purification.
Best for Outdoor Gardens
Calla Lily thrives outdoors, adding color and elegance to landscapes.
Best for Special Occasions
Calla Lily is perfect for weddings, bouquets, and decorative floral arrangements.
FAQs About Peace Lily vs. Calla Lily
Which is Easier to Care For – Peace Lily or Calla Lily?
Peace Lilies are easier to maintain, thriving in low light and requiring less frequent care. Calla Lilies need more sunlight and well-drained soil but are still fairly low-maintenance.
Can I Grow Peace Lily and Calla Lily Together?
No, their light and water needs are too different to grow together successfully. Peace Lilies prefer low light and moist soil, while Calla Lilies need bright light and well-draining soil.
Do Peace Lilies and Calla Lilies Bloom at Different Times?
Yes! Peace Lilies bloom multiple times a year indoors, while Calla Lilies have a seasonal bloom cycle, typically from spring to summer.
Are Peace Lily and Calla Lily the Same?
No, they are different plants. Peace Lilies (Spathiphyllum) are evergreens. Calla Lilies (Zantedeschia) grow from rhizomes.
Can Calla Lilies Grow Indoors?
Yes, they can grow indoors with bright, indirect light and proper care.
Can You Keep Calla Lilies as a Houseplant?
Yes, but they need dormancy after blooming to stay healthy.
What’s the Difference Between a Lily and a Calla Lily?
True lilies (Lilium) grow from bulbs and have petal-like tepals. Calla lilies (Zantedeschia) grow from rhizomes and have a single petal-like spathe around a central spike.
How Many Years Does a Peace Lily Last?
Peace lilies can live 3–5 years on average, but with good care, they may last much longer.
Final Takeaways
- Choose Peace Lily if you want an indoor, low-light, air-purifying plant.
- Choose Calla Lily if you need a stunning outdoor flower or an elegant event decoration.
- Both plants are toxic, so keep them away from pets and children.
Curious about more plant comparisons? Take a look at our guides on:
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