The Calla Lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica) and Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii) belong to different plant families. Calla Lily is part of the Araceae family, specifically the Zantedeschia genus, which includes several species native to southern Africa. In contrast, the Peace Lily is also in the Araceae family but falls under the Spathiphyllum genus, comprising about 40 species native to tropical regions of the Americas and Southeast Asia.
Leaves: Calla Lily leaves are arrow-shaped (sagittate), glossy, and typically dark green, growing directly from the rhizome. Peace Lily leaves are elongated, lanceolate, and have a prominent central vein, emerging from a central stem in a rosette pattern.
Flowers: The Calla Lily’s "flower" is actually a spathe (a modified leaf) surrounding a spadix (a spike of tiny flowers). The spathe is often white but can be yellow, pink, or purple. Peace Lily flowers also consist of a spathe and spadix, but the spathe is usually pure white and hood-like, turning green as it ages.
Calla Lilies are perennial rhizomatous plants, growing up to 2–3 feet tall outdoors, with some cultivars reaching 4 feet. They thrive in moist soils and can be grown as marginal aquatic plants. Peace Lilies are clump-forming perennials, typically smaller (1–4 feet tall), and prefer well-drained soil. They are often grown as compact indoor plants due to their tolerance for low light.
Light: Calla Lilies prefer full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 6 hours of sunlight for optimal flowering. Peace Lilies thrive in low to medium indirect light and can suffer in direct sunlight, which scorches their leaves.
Water: Calla Lilies need consistently moist soil and can even grow in shallow water, mimicking their natural marsh habitats. Peace Lilies prefer evenly moist soil but are sensitive to overwatering, which causes root rot.
Temperature: Calla Lilies are hardy in USDA zones 8–10 and may go dormant in colder climates. Peace Lilies are tropical plants, thriving in zones 11–12 and preferring temperatures above 60°F (16°C).
Both plants contain calcium oxalate crystals, making them toxic if ingested. However, Calla Lilies are more potent, causing severe mouth irritation, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Peace Lilies are less toxic but can still cause mild symptoms like drooling or skin irritation.
Calla Lilies bloom in late spring to early summer, with flowers lasting several weeks. They require a dormant period in winter with reduced watering. Peace Lilies bloom sporadically year-round indoors, especially in humid conditions, and benefit from regular misting and fertilizing during growing seasons.
Calla Lilies are popular in cut flower arrangements and garden borders due to their striking blooms. Peace Lilies are favored as indoor air-purifying plants, known for removing toxins like formaldehyde and benzene from the air.
