If you’re trying to decide between the calla lily vs peace lily, then you’re in the right place.
Both are popular lilies – although technically not true lilies – that can be grown both inside and outside if the conditions allow. Peace lilies always have white flowers, whereas calla lilies come in a variety of different flower colors.
This is just the start of comparing these two plants, so stay tuned to learn about all the similarities and differences between the calla lily vs peace lily to see which is best for you.
Before we jump into the comparison, here’s a quick overview of both plants.
Contents
Calla Lily Overview
Calla lilies are elegant, beautiful flowers that can add a touch of sophistication to your garden.
They originate from Africa and are not true lilies but belong to the Arum family. If you’re looking to grow them, it’s good to know that calla lilies are perennial plants and can thrive in various settings.
These charming flowers typically grow between one and three feet in height, with heart-shaped petals in various colors, such as pink, orange, and yellow.
In addition to their stunning appearance, calla lilies are low-maintenance plants that grow quickly.
They prefer well-draining soil, so they are not too demanding in terms of water. To keep your calla lilies looking their best, provide them with regular, even moisture, and avoid overwatering to prevent problems like mold and root rot.
Peace Lily Overview
Peace lilies, scientifically known as Spathiphyllum, are popular houseplants known for their attractive, glossy green leaves and elegant white flowers.
Unlike their name suggests, Peace lilies are not true lilies from the Lilium genus but belong to the Araceae family.
Peace lilies are low-maintenance and easy-to-grow plants, I’ve kept them for years, and they are one of my favorite plants.
They can thrive in low and medium light conditions, making them versatile for various spots around your home. Moreover, they can grow quite large, reaching up to six feet in height and spreading anywhere up to 5 feet.
When it comes to care, you’ll want to ensure that the soil remains consistently moist but well-drained, as peace lilies are sensitive to both overwatering and underwatering.
Differences
Let’s take a look at the key differences between the calla lily vs peace lily.
Flower Appearance
While both calla lilies and peace lilies produce beautiful flowers, they have distinct differences.
Calla lily flowers have a trumpet-like structure, while peace lily flowers have a white petal-like spathe surrounding a central spadix.
Calla lilies also have a much larger variety of flower colors.
Leaves And Foliage
The leaves of these two plants also differ in shape and size.
Calla lilies have arrow-shaped leaves, whereas peace lilies have broad, elliptical leaves. Moreover, peace lilies’ glossy foliage is usually a rich, dark green.
Size And Growth Patterns
In terms of size, calla lilies grow up to 3 feet tall and wide, with flowers and leaves growing directly from underground rhizomes. They have a clumping habit, which means they grow in tight clusters.
On the other hand, peace lilies can reach an impressive height of up to 6 feet, with a spread from 1 to 5 feet. Like calla lilies, they also clump, with foliage and flowers arising from the crown.
Calla Lilies Are Invasive
One crucial difference is the invasive nature of calla lilies, particularly in places like California and Australia.
They can spread rapidly in some areas, taking over your garden and displacing native plants. Be cautious when planting them, and ensure you manage their growth.
Peace lilies, on the other hand, are not classified as invasive.
Calla Lilies Can Tolerate More Direct Sunlight
When it comes to light requirements, calla lilies are more tolerant of direct sunlight compared to peace lilies.
Although both species thrive in bright, indirect light, calla lilies can handle more sunlight than peace lilies, which prefer shaded locations.
Peace Lilies Prefer To Be Slightly Root Bound
An interesting characteristic of peace lilies is their preference for slightly root-bound conditions.
This means they prefer to be confined within their pots rather than having ample room to grow. On the other hand, calla lilies don’t have this preference and enjoy more room to grow.
USDA Zones
The last difference we’ll cover is the USDA grow zones for each plant if you want to keep them outside.
Calla lilies thrive in USDA zones 8 to 10, while peace lilies prefer zones 10 to 11.
Similarities
Now that the differences are out of the way let’s see what is similar between these two popular plants.
Both Grow From Rhizomes
Calla and peace lilies grow from rhizomes, which are underground stems that produce roots, shoots, and flowers.
This means that they are also propagated in the same way by dividing their rhizomes.
Toxicity For Pets
Unfortunately, both calla lilies and peace lilies are toxic to pets, as per the ASPCA.
If your furry friends ingest any part of these plants, they may experience symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. To keep your pets safe, ensure these plants are placed where they cannot be easily reached.
Toxicity For Humans
Both plants are also toxic to humans as well if ingested. This is much less of a risk, but still worth knowing.
Soil Type And Drainage
Both calla lilies and peace lilies thrive in well-draining soil.
They prefer moist, but not soggy, conditions. If the soil retains too much moisture, it can lead to overwatering, which can kill the plants if not addressed quickly.
To achieve this, consider mixing some perlite or small gravel into the soil, which helps improve drainage. Both plants also appreciate slightly acidic soil, with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5.
Both Can Be Grown Indoor Or Outdoor
One of the great advantages of calla lilies and peace lilies is their versatility.
Depending on your preference and available space, you can grow both plants indoors or outdoors. Keep the USDA zones in mind if you plan to grow them outside.
Which One Should You Pick?
It comes down to personal preference when picking between the calla lily vs peace lily.
Both can be grown indoors or outdoors as long as the conditions allow, and they produce flowers regularly. Peace lilies tolerate more shade, while calla lilies do better with more direct sunlight.
Both are toxic to pets, which can be a deal breaker if you have animals.
Here’s a quick review of both plants to help you decide:
Calla Lily
- Elegant trumpet-shaped flowers
- Available in various colors
- Requires well-draining soil and adequate sunlight
Peace Lily
- Delicate white flowers and glossy leaves
- Good for indoor use and air purification
- Low-maintenance and shade-tolerant
- Prefers moist soil but not overwatering
In Summary
So that’s it!
Hopefully, this guide has given you a better idea of what to expect between the calla lily vs peace lily – both are great options that require minimal care; it all depends on which you prefer!
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