Peace Lily vs Prayer Plant: Key Differences and Similarities

Torn between a peace lily and prayer plant? Here’s the quick truth: Peace lilies are tougher (they’ll droop dramatically when thirsty but bounce back fast), thrive in low light, and bloom white flowers—but are mildly toxic to pets. Prayer plants demand more attention (they need humid air, distilled water, and bright indirect light), won’t flower, but are pet-safe with stunning patterned leaves. Want the easy choice? Grab a peace lily. Prefer a challenge with dazzling foliage? Go prayer plant. We’ll explain exactly why—with science-backed care tips—so you leave knowing which one truly fits your life.
Table of Comparison between Spathiphyllum and Maranta leuconeura
Category 2676_6e3b23-cd> |
Peace Lily 2676_fdc14e-90> |
Prayer Plant 2676_b25fb7-5d> |
---|---|---|
Scientific Name 2676_65953f-41> |
Spathiphyllum spp. 2676_72389a-2c> |
Maranta leuconeura 2676_31a933-cc> |
Origin 2676_cb4722-e4> |
Tropical Americas 2676_e363e1-74> |
Brazilian rainforests 2676_2f9f77-fb> |
Appearance 2676_2b6c03-4d> |
Glossy leaves + white flowers 2676_630ce6-02> |
Red-veined leaves 2676_e366bc-b0> |
Light 2676_53bba6-a0> |
Low/medium indirect 2676_f51272-f5> |
Bright indirect 2676_f3d5ad-18> |
Water 2676_2a5d01-eb> |
When droops 2676_ea6ce5-ec> |
Keep soil moist 2676_30db56-79> |
Humidity 2676_84cffe-36> |
Tolerates average 2676_390666-e3> |
Needs >50% 2676_77a385-44> |
Soil 2676_3f5053-91> |
Well-draining 2676_5cbc9f-7b> |
Peat-based + perlite 2676_59f570-d3> |
Toxicity 2676_9044c3-8a> |
Mildly toxic 2676_f9de81-11> |
Pet-safe 2676_64921d-15> |
Air Purifying 2676_18f36a-a3> |
NASA-approved 2676_abd7db-39> |
Moderate 2676_6a52b2-a0> |
Blooms 2676_5af0c2-94> |
White spathes 2676_3942c6-0b> |
Rare/none 2676_f59b34-79> |
Lifespan 2676_6c75d7-07> |
5-10+ years 2676_f7e889-79> |
3-5 years 2676_43c7d5-13> |
Best For 2676_461bf9-4b> |
Beginners/offices 2676_1090ca-b2> |
Humid spaces/pet owners 2676_a5b3ec-d9> |
what about peace lily?
The peace lily is a top feng shui plant, believed to purify energy and promote tranquility with its lush dark green foliage and serene white flowers. Its upward-growing leaves symbolize growth, while its ability to thrive in low light aligns with feng shui’s balance principles.

Place it in bedrooms or offices to reduce stress and negativity—just avoid direct sunlight (it scorches leaves!) and keep it away from pets (mildly toxic). A perfect harmony of beauty and mindful energy!
what about prayer plant?
Meet the prayer plant (Maranta leuconeura)—a mesmerizing tropical indoor plant known for its variegated leaves that ‘pray’ by folding upward at night! Unlike the peace lily, it boasts stunning red-veined or patterned foliage (though it’s a non-flowering houseplant). This pet-safe beauty thrives in bright indirect light and high humidity—perfect for terrariums or bathrooms.

While it demands more attention (distilled water, no soggy soil!), its living artistry makes it a favorite among plant enthusiasts. Feng shui lovers value its rhythmic leaf movements for promoting positive energy flow!
Prayer Plant Versus Peace Lily
Physical Appearance
This statuesque beauty with spear-like, glossy dark leaves and those elegant white ‘flowers’ (actually a spathe hiding its true flower spike)? That’s your Peace Lily. Notice how its leaves stand proud but dramatically slump when thirsty—it’s the diva of houseplants. The white ‘flag’ of surrender when it needs water!
Now this little showstopper? Those oval leaves painted with brushstrokes of red veins, like nature’s watercolor—that’s your Prayer Plant. Watch closely at dusk—its leaves will slowly rise like praying hands. No flowers here, just living art that dances daily.
Sun and Light Needs
Keep this one in your dimmest corner—it thrives in low light (north-facing windows are perfect). Morning sun? Fine. Afternoon sun? Its leaves will scream with brown burns. Water when it dramatically droops—it’s a terrible actor.
This drama queen needs bright indirect light (east/west windows). No direct sun—it’ll fade its red veins. Dark room? Its leaves will stop ‘praying’. Craves humidity—bathrooms or kitchens are its happy place.
Watering Needs
This one’s a thirsty drama queen. Water the peace lily when leaves droop like a fainting Victorian lady—usually once a week. Soak thoroughly until it drains out the bottom. But beware: soggy soil = root rot. Let it dry slightly between drinks.
This diva’s picky—water with distilled or rainwater (tap water leaves brown tips). Keep soil consistently moist (not wet!) every 5-7 days. Lift the pot—lightweight? Time to water. Crispy edges? More humidity, not more H2O.
Soil and Humidity
This one’s easygoing—any well-draining potting mix works, but toss in perlite for breathability. Keep it lightly moist, not swampy. Humidity? It tolerates average homes but perks up with occasional misting (bathrooms are its spa day).
This fussy artist needs airy, slightly acidic soil (mix peat moss + perlite + orchid bark). Humidity? Non-negotiable—below 50% and its leaves crisp like burnt paper. Terrariums/pebble trays are its lifeline.
Lifespan
Spathiphyllum lives 5–10 years (some reach 20+ with perfect care!). Older plants get leggy—divide them every 2–3 years to stay lush. Signs of aging? Yellowing lower leaves (just pluck ’em).
This one’s a 3–5 year performer. It grows fast but burns out quicker. Keep it thriving by propagating cuttings yearly—snip a stem, root in water, and replant for immortality!”
Death Alerts:
Peace Lily: Sudden collapse = root rot (overwatering).
Prayer Plant: Sparse growth + crispy leaves = exhausted (propagate or compost).
Air purifying Quality
For air purification, peace lilies are NASA-proven to remove toxins like formaldehyde and even oxygenate at night – ideal for bedrooms (but keep away from pets). Prayer plants offer gentler air cleaning while boosting humidity, plus they’re pet-safe. Place either plant every 100 sq ft for best results. For more plants to find the best one explore our guide on Madonna lily vs calla lily.
poisonous Behavior
Peace lilies are mildly toxic if eaten (can irritate pets’/kids’ mouths), so keep them elevated. Prayer plants are completely safe—the clear choice for pet owners. Always wash hands after handling peace lilies to prevent sap irritation.
Issues & Quick Fixes for Peace Lily & Prayer Plant
Peace Lily Problems:
- Yellow leaves: Overwatering or old age—let soil dry out between drinks.
- Brown tips: Low humidity or tap water chemicals—use filtered water + mist leaves.
- No blooms: Needs more indirect light or fertilizer—try a brighter spot + monthly feed.
Prayer Plant Problems:
- Curling leaves: Underwatered or low humidity—soak soil + use a pebble tray.
- Crispy edges: Dry air or tap water—switch to distilled/rainwater + boost humidity.
- Faded patterns: Too much direct sun—move to bright, indirect light.
Shared Enemies:
- Spider mites: Wipe leaves with neem oil spray.
- Root rot: Ensure pots drain well—no soggy soil!
Pro Tip: Observe leaves daily—they’ll tell you what’s wrong!
which one is best? Spathiphyllum or Prayer Plant
Choose a PEACE LILY if you:
- Want low maintenance – Forgiving if you forget to water (it droops as a reminder!).
- Have low light – Thrives in dim corners (north-facing rooms, offices).
- Need air purification – Best for removing toxins (NASA-approved).
- Love flowers – White blooms add elegance (sporadically year-round).
- Don’t have pets – Mildly toxic if eaten (keep away from cats/dogs).
Peace Lily
$ 25
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Cleans indoor air naturally – removes toxins while adding calm to your space
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Grows up to 36″ tall – lush, upright shape perfect for corners or tabletops
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Great for low-light homes – thrives in partial sun or indirect light
- 4.1★ with 7,800+ reviews – highly rated Costa Farms bestseller
Description
If your home feels dull or you’re craving a calm, refreshing vibe, the Peace Lily is your perfect plant. Its deep green leaves and graceful white blooms create instant elegance. Plus, it quietly cleans the air, helping you breathe better and feel more grounded—without adding to your to-do list.
Peace Lily Quick Facts
Feature 3572_b5276b-fd> |
Detail 3572_a5c2b4-01> |
---|---|
Botanical Name 3572_686258-fd> |
Spathiphyllum wallisii 3572_6d1965-43> |
Brand 3572_d9f33b-08> |
Costa Farms 3572_d2caeb-f6> |
Plant Type 3572_0152b4-56> |
Shrub / Live Indoor Plant 3572_f07517-ae> |
Indoor/Outdoor Use 3572_e25d8e-cc> |
Indoor only 3572_4e252a-fb> |
Light Needs 3572_254e31-a7> |
Partial sun / Bright indirect light 3572_43096f-1a> |
Blooming Season 3572_5e5c47-66> |
Summer 3572_ad41ba-7a> |
Pet Friendly 3572_e64515-d7> |
No – mildly toxic to pets 3572_f7def4-8b> |
USDA Hardiness Zone 3572_e114bb-ee> |
10b–11 3572_171c55-dd> |
Watering Needs 3572_a19d33-c8> |
1 cup weekly / Keep soil slightly moist 3572_25ec7c-e0> |
Height at Maturity 3572_f2a500-a5> |
Up to 36 inches 3572_83f281-09> |
Item Height (Shipped) 3572_0d477d-4a> |
Approx. 15 inches 3572_5fdb72-de> |
Material 3572_f3538d-b8> |
Natural décor pot with decoration 3572_a4fb66-27> |
Item Weight 3572_e25228-18> |
2 lbs 3572_8ca77e-11> |
Best Seller Rank 3572_c0a36a-b0> |
#147 in Garden Pots on Amazon 3572_0b6a54-a9> |
Reviews 3572_413646-a1> |
4.1 out of 5 stars (7,802 ratings) 3572_e58e21-f1> |
Care Instructions
The Proper Peace lily Care include to Place it in a spot with soft, indirect light—no harsh sun needed. Water once a week with about a cup of water, allowing excess to drain. Keep your Spathiphyllum away from cold drafts and mist occasionally to mimic its native humidity. It doesn’t need much, but it gives a lot.
Why Trust This Pick
We handpicked this Peace Lily after comparing dozens of listings, checking reviews, and making sure you’re getting real value. It’s sold by Costa Farms—known for healthy plants and top-rated customer service—with over 80–90% positive feedback. We’ve done the hard research so you don’t have to. Trust us—you’re getting a plant that looks amazing and performs beautifully.
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- Can give attention – Needs humidity, distilled water, and bright indirect light.
- Want visual drama – Red-veined leaves move daily (like living art!).
- Have pets – 100% non-toxic (safe for curious cats/dogs).
- Live in humid climates – Loves bathrooms or kitchens (or use a humidifier).
- Prefer foliage over flowers – Rarely blooms, but leaves steal the show.

Still Unsure? Ask Yourself:
- “Do I often forget to water?” → Peace Lily.
- “Do I love watching plants move?” → Prayer Plant.
- “Is my room dark?” → Peace Lily.
- “Do I own a humidifier?” → Prayer Plant.
Final Tip: Start with a peace lily if you’re a beginner; try a prayer plant once you’re confident!
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