Peace Lily vs. Chinese Evergreen : How to Distinguish Their Unique Features

Can’t tell a Peace Lily vs. Chinese Evergreen? Learn simple ways to spot the differences between these two loved houseplants. Find out about their leaves, flowers and care needs to pick the right one for your home.

Houseplants can make our homes look nice and feel more alive. Two plants that many people like are Peace Lily vs. Chinese Evergreen. But sometimes, it’s hard to tell them apart. This article will help you see the differences between these plants. We’ll use easy words and give you clear tips to know which is which. Whether you’re new to plants or have been growing them for a while, this guide will help you understand these two popular houseplants better.

Why People Like These Plants

Before we talk about how to tell them apart, let’s see why these plants are so popular:

Peace Lily

Here is a completed chart with detailed information about the Peace Lily:

• It can clean the air in your home
• It has pretty white flowers
• It’s easy to take care of

Chinese Evergreen

Here is a completed chart with detailed information about the Chinese Evergreen:

• It can live in low light
• It has colorful leaves
• It’s also easy to grow

Now, let’s learn how to tell these plants apart.

How to Tell Peace Lily and Chinese Evergreen Apart

Look at the Leaves

The leaves are the easiest way to see the difference:

Peace Lily Leaves

• Shape: Long and pointed
• Color: Dark green and shiny
• Texture: Smooth

Chinese Evergreen Leaves

• Shape: Oval or lance-shaped
• Color: Can be green with silver or pink marks
• Texture: Thicker and waxy

Learn more about plant leaf types from the University of Illinois Extension

Check for Flowers

Flowers are another big difference:

Peace Lily Flowers

• Has white, spoon-shaped flowers
• Flowers stand up on long stems
• Blooms several times a year

Chinese Evergreen Flowers

• Rarely flowers indoors
• If it does, has small, greenish-white flowers
• Flowers are close to the base of the plant

Notice the Growth Pattern

How the plant grows can help you tell them apart:

Peace Lily Growth

• Grows in clumps
• Leaves come up from the base
• Can get quite tall, up to 3 feet or more

Chinese Evergreen Growth

• Grows outward more than up
• New leaves come from the stem
• Usually stays shorter, about 1-2 feet tall

Feel the Leaves

If you can touch the plant, feel the leaves:

Peace Lily Leaf Feel

• Thin and flexible
• Smooth to the touch

Chinese Evergreen Leaf Feel

• Thicker and stiffer
• Waxy or rubbery feeling

Care Needs: How They’re Different

Knowing how to care for each plant can also help you tell them apart:

Water Needs

Peace Lily Watering

• Likes to be kept moist
• Droops when it needs water
• Needs water about once a week

Chinese Evergreen Watering

• Can handle drying out between waterings
• Doesn’t show clear signs when thirsty
• Water every 1-2 weeks

Find watering tips for houseplants from the Missouri Botanical Garden

Light Preferences

Peace Lily Light Needs

• Likes medium to low light
• Can handle some direct sun, but not too much
• Does well in offices with fluorescent lights

Chinese Evergreen Light Needs

• Happy in low light
• Can live far from windows
• Some types like brighter light

Humidity Requirements

Peace Lily Humidity Needs

• Likes high humidity
• Does well in bathrooms
• Might need misting in dry homes

Chinese Evergreen Humidity Needs

• Okay with normal home humidity
• Doesn’t need extra misting
• Can handle dry air better than Peace Lily

Common Mistakes in Identifying These Plants

People often mix up these plants. Here’s why:

• Both have green leaves
• Both can live in low light
• They’re about the same size when young

To avoid mistakes, always check the leaf shape and texture.

Choosing the Right Plant for Your Home

Now that you know the differences, how do you pick the right one?

Choose a Peace Lily If:

• You want a plant that flowers
• You can water regularly
• You have a spot with medium light
• You like plants that clean the air

Choose a Chinese Evergreen If:

• You want colorful leaves
• You sometimes forget to water
• You have a dark corner to fill
• You want a plant that’s very hard to kill

Caring for Your Chosen Plant

Once you pick a plant, here’s how to keep it happy:

Peace Lily Care Tips

1. Water when the top of the soil feels dry
2. Keep away from cold drafts
3. Clean leaves with a damp cloth
4. Feed with houseplant fertilizer every few months

Chinese Evergreen Care Tips

1. Let soil dry between waterings
2. Keep in a warm spot, above 60°F (15°C)
3. Wipe leaves to remove dust
4. Fertilize lightly in spring and summer

Get more indoor plant care tips from the National Garden Bureau

When to Ask for Help

If you’re still not sure which plant you have:

• Take a clear picture of the plant
• Show it to someone at a garden center
• Ask in online plant groups
• Look for plant identification apps on your phone

Don’t be shy about asking for help. Plant lovers are usually happy to share what they know!

Wrapping Up

Telling Peace Lilies and Chinese Evergreens apart doesn’t have to be hard. By looking at the leaves, checking for flowers, and thinking about how they grow, you can figure out which plant you have. Remember, Peace Lilies have pointed leaves and white flowers, while Chinese Evergreens have oval leaves with patterns and rarely flower indoors. Both are great plants that can make your home look nice. Choose the one that fits your lifestyle and enjoy watching it grow!

Happy plant parenting!

For more gardening tips and plant care guides, visit gardenersschool.com