Your ‘Red Peace Lily’ Isn’t What You Think: It’s Actually an Anthurium

Introduction: The Red Peace Lily Confusion

If you’ve ever purchased a “red peace lily,” you may have assumed it’s just a colorful variety of the classic peace lily (Spathiphyllum). However, chances are your plant is actually an Anthurium, a tropical houseplant often sold under the misleading nickname “red peace lily.”

This distinction isn’t just a matter of botanical accuracy — it affects how you care for the plant. Anthuriums and peace lilies have different watering, light, and humidity needs, and misidentifying your plant can lead to disappointing blooms or unhealthy foliage. Understanding the differences ensures your plant thrives, producing vibrant flowers and glossy leaves that last. (homefortheharvest.com)

What Is a Red Peace Lily?

The term “red peace lily” is a misnomer often applied to Anthuriums, particularly Anthurium andraeanum, also known as flamingo flower or laceleaf. These tropical plants produce bright red, pink, or orange spathes — the leaf-like structures surrounding the plant’s central spike, or spadix — that superficially resemble peace lily blooms.

In contrast, true peace lilies have white spathes only. While occasionally slightly tinted, peace lilies never display the bold reds seen in these so-called red peace lilies. This common confusion arises because both plants belong to the Araceae family, but they are different genera. (edis.ifas.ufl.edu)

Correct identification is crucial. Caring for an Anthurium as if it were a peace lily — or vice versa — can lead to overwatering, under-fertilization, or insufficient humidity, all of which affect the plant’s health and flowering potential.

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Identifying Anthuriums vs. Peace Lilies

Flower Color and Structure

Peace Lily: Produces white spathes that cradle a spadix. Flowers are delicate and soft.
Anthurium: Produces red, pink, orange, or even green spathes with a waxy texture. Anthurium flowers are thicker, longer-lasting, and more tropical in appearance. (homesandgardens.com)

Leaf Shape and Texture

Peace Lily: Leaves are longer, thinner, and matte.
Anthurium: Leaves are heart-shaped, glossy, and firm, often giving the plant a more sculptural appearance. (gardening.alibaba.com)

Bloom Frequency

Peace Lily: Blooms are typically seasonal, appearing in spring and fall.
Anthurium: Blooms can appear year-round, though the plant may have pauses between flowering cycles. (trevallan.com)

Growth Habit

Anthuriums are generally more compact and upright, making them suitable for decorative indoor displays, while peace lilies can spread wider and tolerate lower light conditions.

Why Correct Identification Matters

Many indoor gardeners unknowingly treat Anthuriums as peace lilies. While the plants share some general care traits — like preferring bright, indirect light and tropical warmth — their specific water, light, and humidity requirements differ, which can lead to common problems such as:

Browning leaf tips due to low humidity
Root rot from overwatering
Sparse flowering due to insufficient light or incorrect fertilization

Proper identification ensures that you provide the correct care, helping your plant maintain healthy foliage and produce abundant, long-lasting blooms. (houseplantalley.com)

Caring for Anthuriums (“Red Peace Lily”)

If your plant is an Anthurium, here’s how to optimize care:

Light

Anthuriums thrive in bright, indirect light. Too little light results in slow growth and reduced flowering, while direct sunlight can scorch leaves. Filtered sunlight through a sheer curtain is ideal.

Watering

Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering causes drooping leaves. A well-draining potting mix with added orchid bark or perlite helps maintain proper moisture. (houseplantalley.com)

Humidity

Anthuriums thrive in high humidity, ideally 60% or more. Use a pebble tray, group plants together, or use a humidifier in dry indoor environments. Regular misting can also help.

Temperature

Maintain warm indoor temperatures between 70–85°F (21–29°C) and avoid cold drafts. Sudden temperature drops can stress the plant and reduce flowering.

Fertilization

Feed Anthuriums with a bloom-promoting fertilizer during active growth, typically every 6–8 weeks. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which encourages leaf growth over flowering. (homesandgardens.com)

Bloom Maintenance

Remove spent flowers to encourage new blooms and maintain the plant’s aesthetic. Anthurium flowers are long-lasting, often persisting several weeks with proper care.

Caring for True Peace Lilies

If your plant is a peace lily, care is slightly different:

Watering: Keep soil consistently moist, but allow the surface to dry slightly. Peace lilies are forgiving if occasional watering is missed.
Light: Tolerate lower light better than Anthuriums. Ideal for offices or rooms with filtered sunlight.
Humidity: Moderate indoor humidity is sufficient, though misting helps prevent brown leaf tips.
Temperature: Peace lilies can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures than Anthuriums, making them more flexible for indoor conditions.

Quick Identification Checklist

Feature	Peace Lily	Anthurium (“Red Peace Lily”)
Flower Color	White	Red, Pink, or Orange
Leaf Texture	Matte	Glossy
Bloom Frequency	Seasonal	Year-round (with breaks)
Care Needs	Consistent moisture	Slight drying between waterings; high humidity
Growth Habit	Spreads wider	Upright, compact

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overwatering Anthuriums — unlike peace lilies, they don’t like constantly wet soil.
Incorrect Light Exposure — low light reduces Anthurium blooms.
Ignoring Humidity — Anthuriums often show leaf tip browning if air is too dry.
Fertilizing Incorrectly — excess nitrogen can produce lush leaves but few flowers.

Correctly identifying your plant prevents these issues, ensuring both longevity and vibrant blooms.

Recommended Authoritative Sources

For further reading on identifying and caring for these plants:

These resources provide practical advice for plant care, identification tips, and troubleshooting.

Conclusion

While the “red peace lily” may seem like just a colorful variation of the classic peace lily, most of the time, it’s actually an Anthurium. Understanding this distinction is crucial for providing proper care, including light, watering, humidity, and fertilization.

By correctly identifying your plant, you can optimize its environment and enjoy healthy leaves and vibrant flowers year-round. Anthuriums are beautiful, long-lasting tropical plants, while peace lilies remain timeless indoor classics — knowing which you have ensures the right care, fewer mistakes, and a more rewarding plant experience.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned indoor gardener, knowing the difference between peace lilies and Anthuriums transforms your approach to houseplant care, ensuring your home is full of lush, healthy foliage and bright, lasting blooms.