Peace Lily vs Calathea (Prayer Plant)
Choosing between the Peace Lily and the Calathea (Prayer Plant)? Both are popular houseplants, but they differ in care effort, light needs, and pet safety. Here is a clear side-by-side comparison to help you decide.
📊Side by side
| Feature | Peace Lily | Calathea (Prayer Plant) |
|---|---|---|
| Watering | Every 5–9 days | Every 4–7 days |
| Light | Medium, bright indirect | Medium, bright indirect |
| Difficulty | Easy | Fussy |
| Humidity | High | High |
| Mature size | 40–100 cm (16–39 in) | 40–90 cm (16–35 in) |
| Growth rate | Moderate | Moderate |
| Pet safety | Toxic to pets | Pet-safe |
| Care effort | Medium | High |
🏆Which one should you choose?
The Peace Lily is the easier plant: it is rated Easy and wants water only every 9 days, while the Calathea (Prayer Plant) is rated Fussy.
If you have cats or dogs, the Calathea (Prayer Plant) is the safer choice — it is non-toxic, while the Peace Lily is toxic to pets.
Both reach a similar indoor size (up to about 100 cm), so space will not decide this one.
Their light needs are similar (Medium, bright indirect), so the same spot suits both.
Choose the Peace Lily if…
- Tolerates low light
- Hard to kill; great for beginners
- Popular air-freshening pick
- Flowers indoors
Choose the Calathea (Prayer Plant) if…
- Non-toxic to cats and dogs
❓Frequently asked questions
Which is easier to care for: Peace Lily or Calathea (Prayer Plant)?
The Peace Lily is the easier plant: it is rated Easy and wants water only every 9 days, while the Calathea (Prayer Plant) is rated Fussy.
Is the Peace Lily or the Calathea (Prayer Plant) better for homes with pets?
If you have cats or dogs, the Calathea (Prayer Plant) is the safer choice — it is non-toxic, while the Peace Lily is toxic to pets.
Can I care for the Peace Lily and the Calathea (Prayer Plant) the same way?
Mostly yes — both like Medium, bright indirect and watering roughly every 9 days, so they can share one routine.