Anthurium vs Peace Lily
Anthurium andraeanum vs Spathiphyllum wallisii
Both are Araceae-family spathe-flower plants and routinely mislabelled at florists.
Anthurium and Peace Lily are both Araceae-family flowering houseplants with glossy leaves and a colourful spathe — the modified leaf that looks like a flower. They are constantly mistaken for each other on Pinterest and at florists. The differences are in care difficulty (Peace Lily forgives more), light preference, and the colour of the spathe (red, pink, or orange vs white).
Quick verdict
| Use case | Winner |
|---|---|
| For pet households | Neither — try a different plant |
| For first-time plant owners | Peace Lily |
| For low-light rooms | Peace Lily |
| For drought / forgetful watering | Neither — try a different plant |
| For small spaces | Anthurium |
Side-by-side details
| Trait | Anthurium | Peace Lily |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Bright indirect | Medium indirect |
| Water frequency | Every 5–8 days | Every 7–10 days |
| Humidity needs | 60–80% | 50–70% |
| Drought-tolerant | No | No |
| Difficulty | Moderate | Easy |
| Mature height | 60 cm | 75 cm |
| Growth pattern | upright | upright |
| Pet safety | Toxic to cats and dogs | Toxic to cats and dogs |
Pet safety side-by-side
Anthurium
Toxic to cats and dogs
Cats: moderate severity
Dogs: moderate severity
Peace Lily
Toxic to cats and dogs
Cats: moderate severity
Dogs: moderate severity
Our take
Pick Peace Lily for a more forgiving plant that tolerates low light and recovers quickly from missed waterings; pick Anthurium for a more dramatic colour palette and longer-lasting flowers if you can give it bright indirect light.
Frequently asked questions
Which is easier to care for, Anthurium or Peace Lily?
Peace Lily is easier. Anthurium difficulty: moderate. Peace Lily difficulty: easy.
Is Anthurium or Peace Lily safer around cats and dogs?
Neither is pet-safe — pick a different plant. Anthurium: Toxic to cats and dogs. Peace Lily: Toxic to cats and dogs. Pet safety data is sourced from the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.
Can Anthurium or Peace Lily handle low light?
Peace Lily. Anthurium prefers bright indirect. Peace Lily prefers medium indirect.
How often should I water Anthurium compared to Peace Lily?
Anthurium: every 5-8 days. Peace Lily: every 7-10 days. Neither is drought-tolerant — both need consistent watering.