Looking to bring the graceful, air-cleaning presence of a peace lily into your home but want more variety? You’re in luck. Several stunning plants that look like peace lily offer similar elegance with their own unique twists. They share that beloved combination of lush, dark green foliage and often a striking floral display, making them perfect for creating a serene, purified atmosphere in your living space.
These lookalikes can thrive in similar light and care conditions, giving you more options to play with. Whether you’re drawn to the peace lily’s sculptural leaves or its clean-air reputation, this guide will introduce you to the best alternatives. You’ll learn how to identify, care for, and style these beautiful plants to enhance your indoor jungle.
Plants That Look Like Peace Lily
The peace lily (Spathiphyllum) is beloved for its simple beauty. Its glossy, lance-shaped leaves and distinctive white blooms, called spathes, set a standard. The plants we’ll discuss share key visual traits: primarily, broad, often pointed leaves that emerge from a central base. Many also produce their own version of a floral spathe. Knowing these similarities helps you choose the perfect stand-in or companion plant.
Key shared characteristics include:
* Growth Habit: Most grow in a clumping form, with leaves arching outwards.
* Leaf Shape: Generally oval or lance-shaped with a pronounced point.
* Leaf Texture: Often deep green and glossy, though some have matte or variegated leaves.
* Flower Form: Many produce a specialized leaf (spathe) surrounding a flower spike (spadix).
Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
The Chinese Evergreen is a top contender for its incredible adaptability and leaf variety. Its growth pattern and leaf shape are very reminiscent of a peace lily, though it tends to have somewhat broader leaves. The real appeal lies in its stunning variegation, with varieties showcasing shades of silver, red, pink, and cream against green.
Care for it is straightforward. It tolerates low light better than most plants, but medium, indirect light will maintain its vibrant colors. Water only when the top inch or two of soil feels dry. These plants are slow growers and are fantastic for purifying indoor air, tackling common toxins like benzene and formaldehyde.
Anthurium (Anthurium andraeanum)
Often called the Flamingo Flower, Anthurium is the peace lily’s more colorful cousin. They belong to the same plant family (Araceae), which explains the strong resemblance in leaf structure and growth. Instead of a white spathe, Anthuriums boast long-lasting, waxy blooms in brilliant red, pink, purple, or white.
They prefer bright, indirect light to bloom reliably. Keep their soil consistently moist but not soggy, and provide high humidity if possible. With proper care, an Anthurium can flower almost continuously throughout the year, providing a vibrant pop of color where a peace lily’s white bloom might be.
Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane)
Dieffenbachia features the same upright, clumping growth with large, beautifully patterned leaves. The leaves are typically broader than a peace lily’s and are marbled with creams, yellows, and whites. It makes a bold, architectural statement in any room.
A word of caution: all parts of Dieffenbachia are toxic and can cause intense mouth and throat irritation if ingested. Keep it away from pets and children. It enjoys medium to bright indirect light and likes its soil to dry out partially between waterings. Overwatering is a common mistake that leads to root rot.
Caladium
If you love the peace lily form but dream of more dramatic color, Caladiums are your answer. These plants are grown almost exclusively for their breathtaking, heart-shaped leaves that come in spectacular combinations of red, pink, white, and green. They provide a tropical flair that is hard to match.
Note that Caladiums are often grown from tubers and have a seasonal cycle. They thrive in warm, humid conditions with bright, indirect light and consistently moist soil. In many climates, they go dormant in the winter, with the foliage dying back until the next growing season.
White Flag (Spathiphyllum wallisii)
This might seem like a trick, but the White Flag is actually a specific species of peace lily, often smaller and more compact than the common hybrid varieties. It looks exactly like a peace lily because it is one! It’s worth mentioning because if you see a petite plant labeled “White Flag,” you’re getting the classic look in a neater package.
Its care is identical to standard peace lilies: indirect light, consistent moisture, and appreciation for humidity. It’s a perfect choice for desks or smaller side tables where a full-sized peace lily might be to large.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Hear me out. While the growth form is different (upright spears versus arching clumps), certain Snake Plant varieties, like the ‘Bantel’s Sensation’, have long, pointed leaves with elegant vertical variegation that can evoke the peace lily’s sleek lines. They share that modern, sculptural quality.
The huge benefit here is the Snake Plant’s legendary tolerance for neglect. It thrives in low light, requires infrequent watering, and is a champion air purifier, especially at night. It’s an excellent option if you love the aesthetic but need a tougher plant.
How to Choose the Right Lookalike for Your Home
Selecting the perfect plant depends on more than just looks. You need to consider your home’s environment and your own care habits. Matching the plant to its conditions is the secret to long-term success, not just picking the prettiest one.
Assess Your Light First
Light is the most important factor. Observe the spot where you want the plant to live over a full day.
* Low Light: Chinese Evergreen, Snake Plant.
* Medium, Indirect Light: Most peace lilies, Dieffenbachia, White Flag.
* Bright, Indirect Light: Anthurium, Caladium (for best color).
Consider Your Care Style
Be honest about your watering tendencies.
* If you sometimes forget: Snake Plant is your best friend. Chinese Evergreen and mature Dieffenbachia are also forgiving.
* If you’re consistent: Peace lilies, Anthuriums, and Caladiums will reward you.
* If you love to care for plants: Caladiums and Anthuriums appreciate the extra attention to humidity and moisture.
Think About Space and Size
Check the plant’s mature size on its label. A compact White Flag or Aglaonema is ideal for a shelf, while a large Dieffenbachia can fill an empty corner beautifully. Remember to leave room for growth.
Caring for Your Peace Lily Lookalikes
While each plant has its nuances, a general care framework applies to most of these tropical beauties. Getting the basics right will keep them healthy and elegant for years to come.
Light and Placement
Avoid direct, hot sun, which can scorch the leaves of almost all these plants. A spot near an east or north-facing window is often ideal. Sheer curtains can filter the harsh light from south or west windows. Rotate your plant a quarter turn every time you water to ensure even growth.
Watering Practices
This is where many plant owners stumble. The goal is moist, not wet, soil.
1. Check the soil moisture by sticking your finger about an inch deep.
2. For most plants (like peace lily, Anthurium), water when the top inch feels dry.
3. For drought-tolerant types (Snake Plant, Dieffenbachia), let the top 2 inches dry out.
4. Always water thoroughly until it runs from the drainage holes.
5. Empty the saucer after 15 minutes to prevent the roots from sitting in water.
Soil and Potting Needs
A well-draining potting mix is non-negotiable. A standard indoor potting mix amended with some perlite or orchid bark for aeration works well. Repot every 1-2 years in spring if the plant has become root-bound. Choose a pot only 1-2 inches larger in diameter to avoid excess wet soil.
Fertilizing for Growth
Feed your plants during their active growing season (spring and summer). Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength, applied about once a month. There’s no need to fertilize in the fall and winter when growth slows down. Over-fertilizing can harm the roots.
Common Problems and Solutions
Even with great care, issues can pop up. Here’s how to troubleshoot common problems.
Yellowing Leaves:
This often signals overwatering. Check the soil. If it’s soggy, let it dry out more between waterings. It can also indicate a need for fertilizer or, in rare cases, too much direct sun.
Brown Leaf Tips:
The classic sign of low humidity or chemical sensitivity. Try using distilled or filtered water, and consider placing a humidifier nearby or grouping plants together. You can also trim the brown tips with clean scissors, following the leaf’s natural shape.
Lack of Flowers (on Anthurium/Peace Lily):
Insufficient light is the most common culprit. Move the plant to a brighter location (still indirect). Also, ensure you are feeding it regularly during the growing season. Some plants just need to reach a certain maturity before they bloom.
Pests:
Keep an eye out for mealybugs (cottony masses) or spider mites (fine webbing). Wipe leaves regularly with a damp cloth to prevent infestations. If pests appear, treat them early with insecticidal soap or neem oil, applied according to the product instructions.
Styling Tips for Maximum Impact
These plants are naturally elegant, but a few styling tricks can elevate your space even further.
Create Groupings
Cluster several lookalike plants together at varying heights. Place a tall Dieffenbachia in the back, a peace lily in the middle, and a Chinese Evergreen in front. This creates a lush, layered effect that feels like a mini indoor garden.
Choose Complementary Pots
Let your plant’s foliage be the star. Choose pots in neutral tones like white, black, terracotta, or soft gray. A simple, clean pot highlights the plant’s form and color without competing for attention. Make sure every pot has a drainage hole.
Use Them as Focal Points
A large, healthy specimen like a mature Anthurium or a variegated Dieffenbachia can stand alone as a stunning focal point on a plant stand, in an empty corner, or beside a piece of furniture. It draws the eye and anchors the room.
Mix Textures
While these plants share a similar form, their leaf textures differ. Pair the glossy leaves of a peace lily with the matte, patterned leaves of a Chinese Evergreen. The subtle contrast adds depth and visual interest to your arrangement.
Air-Purifying Benefits Explained
One of the biggest reasons people love peace lilies is their ability to clean the air. The good news is, many of their lookalikes share this talent. NASA’s Clean Air Study highlighted several of these plants for removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene.
Plants purify air through their leaves and roots. Microbes in the soil also play a helpful role in breaking down toxins. While plants alone can’t completely purify your home’s air, they are a valuable part of creating a healthier environment. They also increase humidity and simply being around greenery can reduce stress.
Top air-purifying choices from our list include:
* Peace Lily / White Flag
* Chinese Evergreen
* Snake Plant (notable for producing oxygen at night)
* Dieffenbachia
* Anthurium
For the best effect, aim for at least one medium-to-large plant per 100 square feet of space. Remember, healthy, clean leaves work best, so wipe off dust regularly to let them breathe.
FAQ Section
Q: What plant is commonly mistaken for a peace lily?
A: The Anthurium is very often mistaken for a peace lily, especially when it’s not in bloom. Their leaf structure is almost identical. The main difference is the flower color—Anthuriums come in reds and pinks, while peace lilies are typically white.
Q: Are there any plants with white flowers like a peace lily?
A: Yes, the White Flag is a peace lily variety with white flowers. Outside of the Spathiphyllum family, the Anthurium can have white blooms, and the occasional Calla Lily (though its care is different) offers a similar elegant, white spathe.
Q: Which peace lily lookalike is easiest to care for?
A: For low maintenance, the Chinese Evergreen and Snake Plant are the easiest. They tolerate lower light and are more forgiving of irregular watering than the others, making them perfect for beginners or busy plant owners.
Q: Can I put these plants in my bedroom like a peace lily?
A: Absolutely. Plants like the Snake Plant and Chinese Evergreen are excellent for bedrooms. The Snake Plant is particularly good as it releases oxygen at night. Just ensure they get some indirect light during the day.
Q: Do all these plants help clean the air like peace lilies do?
A: Many of them do. According to research, Chinese Evergreens, Snake Plants, and Dieffenbachias all have noted air-purifying qualities. They help remove common household toxins, contributing to better indoor air quality.
Bringing the serene beauty of peace lily-like plants into your home opens up a world of elegant options. From the colorful drama of a Caladium to the rugged resilience of a Snake Plant, there’s a perfect match for every space and skill level. By understanding their simple needs for light, water, and a little humidity, you can enjoy their lush foliage and air-cleaning benefits for a long time. Start with one that suits your lifestyle, and you might just find yourself curating a whole collection of these graceful, green companions.