Plants That Look Like Peace Lilies

If you love the look of peace lilies but want to try something different, you’re in the right place. There are many beautiful plants that look like peace lilies, offering similar elegance with sometimes easier care. This guide will help you identify those look-alikes and choose the perfect one for your home.

Peace lilies, with their glossy leaves and white blooms, are a classic. But their need for consistent moisture and indirect light isn’t always easy for every gardener. The good news is, several other houseplants share that lush, tropical appearance. Some even flower in a similar way.

We’ll look at options that thrive in lower light, ones that are more drought-tolerant, and even a few rare finds. You’ll learn how to tell them apart and how to care for them. Let’s find your next favorite green friend.

This list covers the most common and accessible peace lily alternatives. Each has its own personality and care requirements, so you can pick the best fit.

Anthurium (Flamingo Flower)

Often confused with peace lilies, Anthuriums are a fantastic alternative. They have the same glossy, heart-shaped leaves. The key difference is in the flower, called a spathe. While peace lilies have a white, hood-like spathe, Anthuriums boast bright red, pink, or even purple ones. They last for months.

Light: Bright, indirect light. Can tolerate medium light but may flower less.
Water: Let the top inch of soil dry out between waterings. They dislike soggy feet.
Key Similarity: Glossy foliage and a prominent spathe “flower.”
Key Difference: Colorful, long-lasting spathes and slightly more tolerance for drying out.

Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)

For a foliage-focused option, Chinese Evergreens are top contenders. Their leaves are often broad and lance-shaped, similar to some peace lily varieties. The beauty here is in the stunning leaf patterns—silver, red, cream, and green variegation. They are exceptionally tough and low-light tolerant.

Light: Low to bright indirect light. The more variegation, the more light it generally needs.
Water: Very forgiving. Water when the top couple inches of soil are dry.
Key Similarity: Leaf shape and lush, tropical clumping form.
Key Difference: Grown primarily for patterned foliage, not flowers. Much more drought-tolerant.

White Flag (Spathiphyllum Wallisii vs. Sensation)

This is a bit of a trick! The White Flag is actually a specific type of peace lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii), often smaller than the common ‘Mauna Loa’. The ‘Sensation’ variety, however, is gigantic with deeply ribbed leaves. It’s worth mentioning because people often think they’re different plants.

Light: Same as standard peace lilies: medium to low indirect light.
Water: Same as peace lilies: keep consistently moist but not wet.
Key Similarity: They are peace lilies, just different cultivars.
Key Difference: Size and leaf texture. ‘Sensation’ can have leaves over 5 feet long.

Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia)

Dumb Cane features the same upright growth habit and large, oval leaves. The stems are thick and cane-like, giving it a structural look. The leaves are beautifully speckled or edged in cream or white. A word of caution: its sap is toxic and can irritate, so keep it away from pets and children.

Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but adapts to medium light. Variegation may fade in low light.
Water: Allow the top inch of soil to dry. It’s susceptible to root rot.
Key Similarity: Large, broad leaves and a tropical, upright form.
Key Difference: Speckled foliage, thicker stems, and toxic sap.

Calathea (e.g., Calathea Orbifolia, Rattlesnake Plant)

While their leaf shapes can vary, many Calatheas have the same graceful, arching form as peace lilies. The Orbifolia has huge, striped silver-green leaves. The Rattlesnake Plant has wavy, patterned foliage. They are non-toxic but can be fussy about humidity and water quality.

Light: Medium, indirect light. Direct sun will scorch their beautiful leaves.
Water: Use distilled or rainwater if your tap water is hard. Keep soil lightly moist.
Key Similarity: Lush, clumping growth and dramatic foliage.
Key Difference: Intricate leaf patterns, more sensitive care, and leaves that move (nyctinasty).

Arrowhead Plant (Syngonium Podophyllum)

Young Arrowhead Plants look very much like peace lily starts, with arrow-shaped leaves. As they mature, they become vine-like. They come in many colors, from deep green to pink and almost white. They are easy to care for and fast-growing, making them a fun alternative.

Light: Medium to bright indirect light for best color.
Water: Water when the top inch of soil is dry. Tolerates occasional under-watering.
Key Similarity: Juvenile leaf shape and glossy texture.
Key Difference: Vining habit as it ages, wider range of leaf colors.

How to Choose the Right Look-Alike for You

Picking the right plant depends on your home’s conditions and your care style. Ask yourself these questions.

What’s your light like? For low light, choose Chinese Evergreen or a Dumb Cane. For brighter spots, consider Anthurium or Arrowhead.
How often do you remember to water? If you sometimes forget, Chinese Evergreen or Dumb Cane are forgiving. If you’re consistent, Anthurium or Calathea could work.
Do you have pets or kids? Avoid Dumb Cane due to toxicity. Peace lilies themselves are mildly toxic. For a safe option, Calathea or Chinese Evergreen are non-toxic.
Do you want flowers or just foliage? For long-lasting color, Anthurium is your best bet. For stunning leaves, look at Calathea or Chinese Evergreen.

Caring for Your Peace Lily Look-Alikes

General care tips apply to most of these tropical plants. Here’s a simple guide to keep them thriving.

Light and Placement

Nearly all these plants prefer indirect sunlight. A spot near an east-facing window is ideal. A north-facing window works too. If you only have south or west light, place the plant a few feet back from the window or use a sheer curtain. Direct sun will often burn their leaves, causing brown spots or bleached areas.

Watering and Humidity

This is where plants differ most. A good rule is to check the soil with your finger.

For Anthurium, Dumb Cane, Arrowhead: Let the top inch dry out.
For Chinese Evergreen: Let the top two inches dry out.
For Calathea: Keep it lightly moist but never soggy.

Most enjoy higher humidity. Grouping plants together, using a pebble tray, or a small humidifier can help, especially in winter. If leaf edges turn brown and crispy, the air is too dry.

Soil and Feeding

A well-draining potting mix is essential. A standard houseplant mix with a handful of perlite added works well. Feed your plants during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half strength. Do this about once a month. In fall and winter, stop feeding and reduce watering slightly as growth slows.

Common Problems and Solutions

Even with good care, issues can pop up. Here’s how to fix common ones.

Yellow Leaves: Usually means overwatering. Check the soil and ensure the pot drains well.
Brown Leaf Tips: Often caused by low humidity, fluoride in tap water, or under-watering. Try using filtered water and increasing humidity.
Drooping: This is typically a thirst signal. Water the plant, and it should perk up in a few hours. If the soil is wet and it’s drooping, you may have root rot.
No New Growth: The plant might be dormant (in winter), need more light, or need a nutrient boost with fertilizer during the growing season.

FAQ: Plants Similar to Peace Lilies

What plant is commonly mistaken for a peace lily?

The Anthurium, or Flamingo Flower, is most commonly mistaken. Its shiny leaves and colorful spathe look very similar to a peace lily in bloom, just in a different color.

Is there a plant that looks like a peace lily but is taller?

Yes. The Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia) can grow quite tall and upright. Also, the peace lily ‘Sensation’ cultivar itself is much taller than standard peace lilies, with huge, textured leaves.

What are some low-light plants like peace lilies?

The Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema) is arguably better than peace lilies in low light. Some Dumb Cane varieties also handle lower light well. Just remember, in lower light, all plants grow slower and need less water.

Are any of these plants safer for cats than peace lilies?

Peace lilies are mildly toxic. For a pet-safe option with a similar vibe, consider Calathea or the Chinese Evergreen (which is non-toxic but can cause mild irritation in some pets if ingested). Always check with the ASPCA list for the most current information.

Why are the leaves on my look-alike plant turning yellow?

Yellow leaves are most often a sign of to much water. Let the soil dry out more between waterings. It could also be a sign of natural aging, where older leaves yellow and die off as the plant grows new ones.

Finding plants that look like peace lilies opens up a world of possibilities for your indoor garden. Whether you choose the colorful Anthurium, the tough Chinese Evergreen, or the dramatic Calathea, you can enjoy that peaceful, tropical aesthetic with a twist. Each plant brings its own unique charm and set of care instructions. Start with one that matches your environment, and you’ll have a beautiful, healthy companion for years to come. Remember, observing your plant is the best way to learn what it needs.