Is Peace Lily a Succulent? The Surprising Truth You Need to Know

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Peace lilies are very popular indoor plants, which are renowned for their dark green, glossy leaves and elegant white flowers. If you already have one or are thinking of buying one, then you should know in detail about this plant’s features and background. 

Like some planters, I also thought that  is peace lily a succulent or not?

Is Peace Lily a Succulent

Today, I will talk about the similarities, differences, and misconceptions about peace lilies and succulents. So, let’s get started on the journey.

Main Facts:

  • Peace lilies are not a succulent plant.
  • There are some key differences between peace lily and succulent. 
  • Succulents have specialized water-storage tissues in their fleshy leaves.

Is Peace Lily A Succulent?

So,  is peace lily a succulent? The direct answer is no; peace lilies are not succulent plant. Peace lilies are very popular house plants that can brighten up any indoor space. These beneficial plants can also purify the air and absorb extra noise. 

Peace lilies are evergreen tropical plants, which are native to the tropical rainforest of Central and south america. Here, they grow in the moist soil of the forest floor with humid and shady environments. They can thrive indoors if you are successful in replicating their ideal conditions.

Is Peace Lily A Succulent

The main reason peace lilies aren’t succulent is they have glossy and green foliage and unlike succulents, they do not have specialized water-storing abilities.

Succulents have thick and fleshy leaves or stems that store water. As they can store water in their leaves, they can survive in dry conditions. While other plants store water in their roots, succulents store in their leaves. This results in them having thick and fleshy leaves, which peace lilies do not have. 

On the other hand, peace lilies just can do better if they are underwatered compared to when they are overwatered, they will not survive very low moisture. Their leaves will start drooping, and they will not survive.

Succulents can easily endure low moisture without showing any negative side effects. Hence, if you think your peace lily is also a succulent and treat them as a succulent, then it won’t survive too long. 

Are There Similarities Between Peace Lilies And Succulents?

Both genetically and habitually peace lily and succulent plants are different. But you may be surprised to know that these popular houseplants still have some similarities. And these similarities create the misconception that peace lily is a succulent. 

Are There Similarities Between Peace Lilies And Succulents

But it’s totally wrong. Let’s see the similarities that you can find your both peace lily and succulents: 

  • Both peace lilies and succulents are easy to grow and care for indoors. Both of them can thrive in bright indirect light to low light and moderate watering. 
  • Another similarity is that both peace lilies and succulents can purify the air and remove toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene.
  • Both peace lilies and succulents have modified leaves that are not true flowers. The white blooms of the peace lily and the colorful bract of the succulent are actually specialized leaves that surround the true flowers, which are the yellow spadix and the tiny blooms on the succulent. 

Note: While they have these similarities, it doesn’t mean that peace lilies and succulents are related or have the same needs. Also, peace lilies are toxic to pets and humans, while succulents are generally safe to touch and ingest.

Difference Between Succulent And Peace Lily

Even though both succulents and peace lilies are easy to maintain and thus are great as indoor houseplants. But the interesting fact is there are some key differences between them. Before deciding to get either, you should be well informed about both to see which one suits you better. Let’s see the differences: 

CharacteristicSucculent PlantPeace Lily Plant
FamilyVarious families, such as Crassulaceae, Cactaceae, and AizoaceaeThey belong to araceae family. 
OriginArid and semi-arid regions, such as deserts and steppesTropical regions, such as Central America and Asia
Leaf ShapeThick and fleshy, often with spines, hairs, or waxy coatingsGlossy and green, oval-shaped leaves. 
Leaf FunctionThey can store water for long periods of timeThen do not store water, even need moist soil and humid air
FlowerColorful bracts that surround tiny bloomsWhite spathes that surround yellow spadix
ToxicityGenerally safe to touch and ingestToxic to pets and humans
Water RequirementLow and infrequent, avoid overwatering your plants. Moderate and regular, avoid underwatering
Light RequirementBright and direct lightFiltered and indirect light

Do Peace Lilies Require Similar Watering Schedules As Succulents?

As peace lilies and succulents have some similarities and both can grow indoors many growers think that their caring, especially watering, is also similar. But you should know that peace lilies and succulents do not require similar watering schedules as succulents.

In peace lilies native habitats, they thrive in consistently moist soil and prefer higher humidity levels. Unlike succulents, which have adapted to arid environments and are known for their water-storing capabilities in fleshy leaves, peace lilies have broad, green leaf that are not designed for water storage.

Do Peace Lilies Require Similar Watering Schedules As Succulents

Your lilies should be watered when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch, ensuring that the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering peace lilies can lead to root rot, so it’s essential to allow the soil to dry slightly between watering sessions. 

On the other hand, succulents, with their fleshy leaves, are more drought-tolerant and prefer infrequent but deep watering. This allows the soil to dry out almost completely between waterings.

The key to successful care for these plants is understanding their natural habitats and adapting your watering practices accordingly. It’s crucial to tailor the frequency and amount of water to the specific needs of each plant to promote optimal growth and prevent issues related to overwatering or underwatering.

Watering And Lighting Schedule Difference Between Peace Lily And Succulent

The watering and lighting schedules for peace lilies and succulents differ significantly due to their distinct natural habitats and adaptations. And it’s crucial to know for you to provide them adequately.

Watering Schedule

Peace Lilies

These tropical plants prefer consistently moist soil. You should water your peace lily plants when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch. Also, ensure that the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. A good rule of thumb is to water them once a week. 

Succulents

Succulents are adapted to arid environments and have specialized water-storage tissues in their fleshy leaves. They prefer infrequent but deep watering. You have to allow the soil to dry out almost completely between waterings to prevent issues like root rot. Overwatering is a common problem for succulents, so it’s crucial to let the soil dry thoroughly before watering again.

Lighting Schedule

Peace Lilies 

Peace lilies prefer bright, indirect light, but they can also tolerate lower light conditions. You should place them in a location with filtered sunlight. Direct sunlight can scorch their leaves burnt. They can thrive in office spaces or rooms with moderate lighting.

Succulents

Succulents generally thrive in bright sunlight. Many species of succulents prefer direct sunlight, and insufficient light can lead to elongated and leggy growth. You should place succulents in a location with plenty of sunlight, preferably a south- or west-facing window, to ensure they receive adequate light for healthy growth.

Common Misconceptions About Peace Lilies Being Classified As Succulents

Peace lily seams so simple but people get to confused about it a lot. There are some more misconceptions about pesace lily. Let’s learn about them too.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Can I Use Succulent Soil For Peace Lily?

Yes, you can use succulent soil for peace lilies. Succulent soil is a type of soil that has good drainage and aeration, which are important for peace lilies.

What Type Of Plant Is A Peace Lily?

A peace lily is a type of flowering plant that belongs to the genus Spathiphyllum and the family Araceae. It is native to tropical regions of the Americas and southeastern Asia. They are not  true lilies, but members of the same family.

Can Peace Lilies Thrive In Similar Conditions As Succulents?

No, peace lilies and succulents have different needs and preferences. Peace lilies are tropical plants that like moist soil and humid air, while succulents are desert plants that like dry soil and arid air

Conclusion

Now, I hope your misconceptions about is peace lily a succulent or not are cleared by reading this article. Both are popular indoor plants and drought tolerant with some similarities but they are not the same. 

Succulents are adapted to survive dry conditions because of their complex water-storing capabilities. On the contrary, as peace lilies can thrive in underwater conditions, they can’t store water in their leaves. 
Comparatively, succulents are more resilient than peace lilies, as they can also prefer bright, direct sunlight. I also explored their differences in light and watering schedules. To get more information visit Plant-Trick.

Raina Trick

Written by

Raina Trick

Meet Rayna Trick: Your Indoor Plant Whisperer! With her roots in environmental science and a passion for exotic succulents, she’s the Green Thumb of the Year. Rayna’s here to be your plant companion, sharing her expertise and nurturing your green oasis at PlantTrick. Let’s make your indoor space bloom, one leaf at a time, together!

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