Plants That Look Like Peace Lilies

If you love the look of a peace lily but want to try something different, you’re in the right place. Several houseplants share the elegant, broad-leafed silhouette of the peace lily, offering similar beauty with different care needs. This guide will show you the best plants that look like peace lilies.

You might want a plant that’s safer for pets, thrives in lower light, or simply offers a new leaf pattern. We have options for every plant parent. Let’s look at some fantastic alternatives.

The peace lily, or Spathiphyllum, is famous for its dark green, glossy leaves and white, spoon-shaped blooms. Its classic look is what many people want. The plants listed here mimic that lush, tropical foliage. Some even produce similar flower-like structures.

Choosing one of these alternatives can help you fill your home with greenery that fits your specific conditions. Whether you need a non-toxic option or a plant that tolerates neglect, there’s a perfect match for you.

Anthurium (Flamingo Flower)

Anthuriums are often the first plant people think of when looking for a peace lily alternative. They have the same glossy, heart-shaped leaves and produce long-lasting, waxy flowers. The main difference is the flower color, which is typically bright red, pink, or white.

Care for an Anthurium is very similar to a peace lily. They enjoy bright, indirect light and consistent moisture. However, they prefer a bit more humidity. Their flowers can last for months, providing constant color.

Key Differences From Peace Lily

Flowers are colorful and waxy, not white and sail-like.
Leaves are often more heart-shaped and can have a velvety texture in some species.
Generally requires slightly higher humidity levels to thrive.

Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)

Chinese Evergreens are superb for their stunning, patterned leaves. They offer the same broad-leaf form as peace lilies but with incredible variegation. Colors range from silver and green to red and pink splashes. They are among the most tolerant houseplants available.

This plant is perfect for lower light areas where a peace lily might struggle to bloom. It’s a foliage-first plant, though mature specimens can produce a small, calla lily-like flower. Its easy-going nature makes it a favorite for offices and homes.

Care Tips for Chinese Evergreen

Water only when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Place in low to medium, indirect light. Avoid direct sun, which can scorch the leaves.
Use a well-draining potting mix to prevent root rot.

Calathea (Prayer Plant)

Calatheas are celebrated for their breathtaking leaf patterns. While their leaf shape can be similar to a peace lily, the undersides are often a striking purple or red. Their most famous trait is their nyctinasty—leaves move up at night, like praying hands.

They require a bit more attention than a peace lily, particularly regarding humidity and water quality. They prefer distilled or rainwater to avoid brown leaf tips from chemicals in tap water. If you enjoy a plant with daily movement, this is a great choice.

Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane)

Dieffenbachia features large, oblong leaves with beautiful cream and green variegation. It has a strong, upright growth habit that closely resembles a robust peace lily. It’s a fast grower and can become a large floor plant quickly.

A crucial note: Dieffenbachia is highly toxic if ingested. Its sap can also cause skin irritation. It should be kept well away from pets and children. For a safe household, consider other options on this list.

Safety Precautions for Dumb Cane

Always wear gloves when pruning or repotting to avoid sap contact.
Place the plant in an area inaccessible to curious pets like cats and dogs.
Wash your hands thoroughly after handling the plant, even if you wore gloves.

Philodendron Birkin

The Philodendron Birkin is a stunning cultivar with dark green leaves adorned with pinstripe white lines. Its leaves are the same general shape and size as a young peace lily. The Birkins compact growth makes it ideal for tabletops and shelves.

It’s relatively easy to care for, thriving in typical household conditions. The variegation is stable, but the plant can sometimes revert to solid green or produce a different leaf type. Simply prune any reverted growth to maintain its signature look.

Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra Elatior)

True to its name, the Cast Iron Plant is nearly indestructible. Its long, arching, dark green leaves are very similar in form to peace lily foliage, though often narrower. This is the plant for the most forgetful waterer or the darkest corner.

It grows extremely slowly and rarely flowers indoors. Its strength is its resilience to low light, low humidity, and irregular watering. If you’ve killed a peace lily from overwatering, the Cast Iron Plant might be your perfect match.

White Bird Of Paradise (Strelitzia Nicolai)

For a dramatic, large-scale alternative, consider the White Bird of Paradise. Its leaves are enormous, paddle-shaped, and split by the wind, creating a very tropical look. While much bigger, the leaf shape and glossy texture recall a giant peace lily.

This plant needs space and bright, indirect light to thrive. It’s a statement piece that can grow very tall indoors. Be prepared for a plant that demands more room and light than a typical peace lily.

Space and Light Requirements

Provide a spot with several hours of bright, filtered sunlight.
Ensure the ceiling is high enough to accomodate its vertical growth.
Rotate the pot regularly to ensure even growth, as leaves will lean toward the light source.

Snake Plant (Sansevieria Laurentii)

While the leaf shape is different, the upright, architectural growth of some Snake Plants can give a similar visual weight as a peace lily. The Laurentii variety, with its yellow edges, provides a striking contrast like a variegated peace lily might.

This is the ultimate low-maintenance alternative. Snake Plants thrive on neglect, preferring to dry out completely between waterings. They are excellent air purifiers and are safe for homes with pets, unlike peace lilies which are toxic.

Alocasia Polly (African Mask Plant)

Alocasia Polly features dramatic, arrow-shaped leaves with prominent, light-colored veins. The glossy texture and deep green color are reminiscent of peace lily leaves, but the shape is distinctly geometric and striking.

This plant can be a bit more finicky. It requires consistent warmth, high humidity, and regular watering. It’s prone to spider mites, so check the leaves often. For an experienced plant owner, it’s a rewarding challenge.

Dracaena Fragrans (Corn Plant)

The Corn Plant has a woody stem with a cluster of long, arching leaves at the top. The ‘Massangeana’ variety has a central yellow stripe, offering a variegated look. The leaf clusters can resemble a very tall, tree-like peace lily.

Dracaenas are tolerant of lower light and irregular watering. They are sensitive to fluoride in water, which can cause brown leaf tips. Using filtered water can help keep the leaves looking their best.

How to Choose the Right Alternative for You

With so many options, picking one can feel overwhelming. The key is to match the plant’s needs with your home environment and your care habits. Ask yourself a few simple questions first.

Consider Your Light Conditions

Light is the most important factor. Assess the spot where you want the plant to live. Is it a bright room with indirect sun, or a dim corner? Some plants are far more adaptable than others.

Low Light: Chinese Evergreen, Cast Iron Plant, some Dracaenas.
Medium to Bright Indirect Light: Anthurium, Philodendron Birkin, Peace Lily itself.
Bright Light: White Bird of Paradise, some Snake Plants.

Evaluate Your Watering Habits

Be honest about how often you remember to water. Do you tend to over-love with water, or do you frequently forget? Your answer will point you to plants that can handle your style.

For the Forgetful Waterer: Snake Plant, Cast Iron Plant, Dracaena.
For the Consistent Waterer: Peace Lily, Anthurium, Calathea.
Plants that Like Moist Soil: Peace Lily, some Ferns (not listed here, but good companions).

Check Pet And Child Safety

This is a critical step. Many beautiful houseplants, including peace lilies, are toxic if ingested. If you have curious pets or young children, prioritize non-toxic options.

Pet-Safe Options: Spider Plant, Boston Fern, some Peperomias, Cast Iron Plant (mildly toxic but generally not appealing to pets).
Toxic Options (Keep Out of Reach): Peace Lily, Dieffenbachia, Alocasia, Dracaena.

Always double-check with the ASPCA’s plant database for the most accurate safety information.

Caring for Your Peace Lily Look-Alike

Once you’ve chosen your plant, proper care will keep it looking its best. While each species has specific needs, some general guidelines apply to most of these tropical foliage plants.

Watering Guidelines

Overwatering is the most common cause of houseplant death. The “finger test” is your best tool. Insert your finger into the soil up to the first knuckle. If the soil feels dry, it’s time to water. If it feels moist, wait a few more days.

Use room-temperature water and water thoroughly until it runs out the drainage holes. Never let your plant sit in a saucer of standing water, as this leads to root rot.

Light And Placement

Place your plant in the appropriate light for its species. North or east-facing windows often provide ideal indirect light. South or west-facing windows may need a sheer curtain to filter harsh afternoon sun.

Watch your plant’s leaves for signals. Yellowing leaves can mean too much light or overwatering. Leggy growth or small new leaves often indicates insufficient light.

Soil And Fertilizing Needs

A high-quality, well-draining potting mix is essential. You can often use a standard all-purpose mix, but for plants like Anthuriums or Alocasias, adding perlite or orchid bark improves drainage.

Fertilize during the active growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. Dilute it to half the recommended strength. Do not fertilize in the fall and winter when plant growth slows down.

Common Problems and Solutions

Even with the best care, issues can arise. Here’s how to troubleshoot common problems with these types of plants.

Brown Leaf Tips

This is a frequent issue, especially on plants like Calathea and Dracaena. It’s usually caused by low humidity, chemicals in tap water (fluoride, chlorine), or a combination of both.

Increase humidity around the plant with a pebble tray or humidifier.
Switch to using distilled, rainwater, or filtered water for watering.
Trim the brown tips with clean scissors, following the natural shape of the leaf.

Yellowing Leaves

Yellow leaves have several potential causes. The pattern of yellowing helps diagnose the problem.

Older leaves turning yellow: This is often natural aging. Simply pluck them off.
Many leaves turning yellow, especially new growth: Likely overwatering. Check the soil moisture and let the plant dry out more between waterings.
Yellow leaves with brown, crispy edges: Could be underwatering, low humidity, or too much direct sun.

Pest Infestations

Spider mites, mealybugs, and scale can affect these plants. Isolate any infested plant immediately to prevent spreading.

Wipe the leaves gently with a soft cloth dipped in a solution of mild soap and water.
For persistent problems, use an insecticidal soap or neem oil spray, following the product instructions carefully.
Check the plant regularly, especially under the leaves, for early signs of pests.

FAQ: Plants That Look Like Peace Lilies

What Plant Is Similar To A Peace Lily But Is Safe For Cats?

The true peace lily (Spathiphyllum) is toxic to cats. For a similar look that is non-toxic, consider the Boston Fern, some varieties of Calathea (like the Rattlesnake Plant), or the Spider Plant. While not identical, they offer lush, arching foliage.

Are There Any Plants With White Flowers Like A Peace Lily?

Yes, the Anthurium can produce long-lasting white flowers that are very similar. The White Bird of Paradise also produces a spectacular white and blue flower, though it is rare indoors. Some varieties of Chinese Evergreen also have white, calla-like blooms.

Which Plant That Resembles A Peace Lily Needs The Least Light?

The Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra) is the champion of low-light conditions. It can survive in very dim corners where a peace lily would not bloom and might struggle. The Chinese Evergreen is another excellent low-light option with more visual interest.

I Want A Big Plant Like A Peace Lily. What Are My Options?

For a large, statement plant, the White Bird of Paradise is an excellent choice. A mature Dracaena Fragrans (Corn Plant) or a large Dieffenbachia can also provide that tall, full look. Just ensure you have enough ceiling height and floor space.

Why Are The Leaves On My Peace Lily Alternative Turning Brown?

Brown leaves are usually a sign of a cultural issue, not disease. The most common causes are underwatering, over-fertilizing, or exposure to dry air or direct sunlight. Review your watering schedule and the plant’s placement to identify the cause. Adjusting your care routine can prevent further browning.