Amazon Lily vs Creeping Jenny Plant Comparison
Compare these two plants side by side — care needs, key differences, and which is right for your home.
Amazon Lily
Eucharis amazonica
The Amazon Lily is a bulbous perennial prized for its fragrant, pure white flowers resembling daffodils. It features broad, glossy, dark green leaves that provide an attractive backdrop to the blooms. Typically grown as a houseplant, it thrives in warm, humid conditions. While it can be grown outdoors in frost-free climates, it is most commonly cultivated indoors for its ornamental value and the delightful fragrance of its flowers. It's not a true lily, but its flower shape gives it the common name.
Creeping Jenny
Lysimachia nummularia
Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia) is a perennial ground cover known for its trailing stems and round, coin-like leaves. It's primarily an outdoor plant, often used in gardens as a ground cover, in hanging baskets, or cascading over walls. While it can be grown indoors, it requires specific conditions to thrive and may not be as vigorous as when grown outdoors. People grow it for its attractive foliage and ability to quickly cover ground.
Quick Plant Comparison
| Feature | Amazon Lily | Creeping Jenny |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves. | Bright, indirect light to full sun outdoors. Indoors, provide bright indirect light, ideally near a south- or west-facing window. |
| Watering | Every 1-2 weeks, depending on environmental conditions | Every 3-7 days, depending on light and temperature |
| Humidity | 60-80% | 40-60% |
| Temperature | 18-24°C | 18-24°C |
| Care Level | Moderate | Expert |
| Growth Rate | Moderate | Fast |
| Max Height | 45-60 cm | 2-10 cm (indoors) |
| Pet Safety | ❌ Toxic To Pets | ❌ Toxic To Pets |
| Soil | Well-draining potting mix with added perlite or orchid bark | Well-draining potting mix, such as a mix of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. |
| Beginner Friendly | With Caution | With Caution |
| Weekly Maintenance | 15 minutes weekly | 10 minutes weekly |
🔬 Botanical Information — Comparing These Plants
Amazon Lily
| Scientific Name | Eucharis amazonica |
|---|---|
| Family | Amaryllidaceae |
| Native To | Colombia, Peru, and western Amazon basin |
| Also Known As | Amazon Lily, Eucharis Lily |
| Leaves | The leaves are broad, ovate to elliptic in shape, and typically 30-60 cm long and 10-20 cm wide. They are a glossy, dark green color with prominent veins, creating a lush and tropical appearance. |
| Flowers | Yes, it can flower indoors under the right conditions. The flowers are pure white, daffodil-like in shape, and highly fragrant. They are borne in clusters of 3-6 flowers on a single stalk. |
Creeping Jenny
| Scientific Name | Lysimachia nummularia |
|---|---|
| Family | Primulaceae |
| Native To | Europe |
| Also Known As | Creeping Jenny, Moneywort, Twopenny Grass |
| Leaves | The leaves are small, round, and coin-like, typically 1-2 cm in diameter. They are usually bright green, but some varieties have golden or variegated foliage. The texture is smooth and slightly succulent. |
| Flowers | It rarely flowers indoors. When it does, it produces small, yellow, cup-shaped flowers in the summer. |
📏 Size & Growth — Plant Comparison
Amazon Lily
Creeping Jenny
🌱 Propagation — Comparing Plant Growth
Amazon Lily
Methods: Division, Seed
Difficulty: Moderate
Tips: Divide bulbs when repotting. Sow seeds in a warm, humid environment.
Creeping Jenny
Methods: Stem cuttings, Division
Difficulty: Easy
Tips: Take stem cuttings in spring or summer and root them in water or directly in moist soil. Division can be done in spring or fall by separating the rhizomes.
✨ Benefits & Features — Comparing Plant Value
Amazon Lily
The Amazon Lily is known for its pure white, daffodil-like flowers and its strong, sweet fragrance. Unlike true lilies, it is a bulbous plant with broad, glossy leaves, making it a visually appealing houseplant even when not in bloom.
- ✓ Adds a touch of elegance to any room.
- ✓ The fragrant flowers can improve mood and reduce stress.
- ✓ The glossy green foliage provides a lush, tropical feel.
- ✓ Can be propagated to create more plants.
- ✓ Provides a sense of accomplishment when it blooms.
- ⚠️ Toxic to pets
Creeping Jenny
Creeping Jenny is known for its rapid growth and trailing habit, making it a popular choice for ground cover and hanging baskets. Its small, round leaves give it a unique and attractive appearance. It is also relatively easy to propagate from stem cuttings.
- ✓ Adds visual interest to indoor spaces with its trailing habit.
- ✓ Can be easily propagated to create more plants.
- ✓ Provides a touch of greenery to brighten up a room.
- ✓ Relatively easy to care for once its needs are understood.
- ✓ Can be used in various container arrangements.
- ⚠️ Toxic to pets
📅 Maintenance Schedule — Plant Care Comparison
Amazon Lily
Creeping Jenny
🌞 Light Requirements
Amazon Lily
Bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
Low light tolerant: ❌ No
Creeping Jenny
Bright, indirect light to full sun outdoors. Indoors, provide bright indirect light, ideally near a south- or west-facing window.
Low light tolerant: ❌ No
💧 Watering Needs
Amazon Lily
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry. Allow excess water to drain away. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to bulb rot. Reduce watering during the dormant period. Signs of overwatering include yellowing leaves and a soft, mushy bulb. Underwatering is indicated by drooping leaves and dry, crispy edges.
Creeping Jenny
Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering will cause the leaves to wilt and turn brown. Ensure good drainage.
🌡️ Temperature & Humidity
Amazon Lily
Temperature: 18-24°C
Humidity: 60-80%
Creeping Jenny
Temperature: 18-24°C
Humidity: 40-60%
🤔 Which Plant Is Right For You?
Amazon Lily
Eucharis amazonicaPlant enthusiasts who enjoy fragrant flowers and can provide the necessary humidity and care.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You love fragrant flowers that fill a room with a sweet scent.
- You can provide a humid environment, which is essential for healthy growth.
- You are looking for a plant with beautiful, glossy green foliage even when not in bloom.
- You are willing to provide a dormant period to encourage flowering.
- You want a plant that can be propagated to expand your collection.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You have pets that might ingest the plant, as it is toxic.
- You struggle to maintain high humidity levels in your home.
- You tend to overwater plants, as this can lead to bulb rot.
Creeping Jenny
Lysimachia nummulariaExperienced plant owners looking for a trailing plant to add to a bright indoor space or outdoor container.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You want a trailing plant for a hanging basket or container arrangement.
- You have a bright indoor space where it can receive ample light.
- You enjoy the look of its small, round, coin-like leaves.
- You are an experienced plant owner who can provide the necessary care.
- You want a plant that is easy to propagate.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You have pets that may ingest the plant.
- You cannot provide bright, indirect light indoors.
- You are a beginner plant owner looking for a low-maintenance plant.
🎯 Quick Verdict
⚡ Key Differences Between These Plants
Amazon Lily is rated Moderate care level, while Creeping Jenny is Expert.
Amazon Lily has moderate growth, while Creeping Jenny grows fast.
💡 Pro Tips For Comparing These Plants
Amazon Lily Care Tips
Amazon Lilies require bright, indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil. Avoid overwatering and provide regular fertilization during the growing season. They need a dormant period with reduced watering to encourage flowering. Maintaining consistent humidity is crucial for healthy growth.
- Provide bright, indirect light to encourage flowering.
- Maintain high humidity by misting regularly or using a humidifier.
- Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings to prevent bulb rot.
- Fertilize regularly during the growing season to promote healthy growth.
- Provide a dormant period with reduced watering to encourage flowering.
Creeping Jenny Care Tips
Creeping Jenny is relatively easy to grow outdoors, but requires more attention indoors. Providing adequate light and consistent moisture are crucial. It can become leggy and less vibrant indoors without sufficient light. Regular pruning is needed to maintain its shape and prevent it from becoming too invasive.
- Provide bright, indirect light to prevent leggy growth.
- Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry.
- Fertilize regularly during the growing season.
- Prune regularly to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth.
- Monitor for pests and treat promptly.
⚠️ Common Problems & Solutions — Plant Care Comparison
Amazon Lily
Creeping Jenny
❓ Frequently Asked Questions — Comparing These Plants
Amazon Lily
What are the light requirements for Amazon Lily?
Amazon Lilies thrive in bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, especially during the hottest part of the day, as it can scorch the leaves. An east-facing window is ideal, providing gentle morning sun. A north-facing window can also work if supplemented with grow lights. If placing near a south or west-facing window, use sheer curtains to filter the light. Insufficient light can lead to leggy growth and reduced flowering. Rotate the plant regularly to ensure even light exposure on all sides. Observe the leaves: if they appear pale or yellowing, the plant may be receiving too much light; if they are dark green and growth is slow, it may need more light.
How do I care for Amazon Lily?
Amazon Lilies need bright, indirect light; direct sunlight can scorch their leaves. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, ensuring good drainage to prevent root rot. Maintain a humidity level of 60-70% through misting or a humidifier. Fertilize every 2-4 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Reduce watering and fertilization in the fall and winter. Repot every 2-3 years in spring into a well-draining potting mix. Provide a stable temperature between 65-80°F (18-27°C). Avoid sudden temperature changes and drafts. Remove spent flowers to encourage further blooming. Clean the leaves regularly to remove dust and pests. Monitor for pests like spider mites or mealybugs and treat promptly.
How do I propagate Amazon Lily?
Amazon Lilies can be propagated by division, which is best done during repotting in the spring. Carefully separate the bulbs, ensuring each division has roots and leaves. Plant each division in its own pot with well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright, indirect light. Alternatively, you can look for “keiki” – small plantlets that form on the mother plant. Once they have developed some roots, gently remove them and pot them separately. Stem cuttings are not a viable method for Amazon Lily propagation.
Creeping Jenny
What are the light requirements for Creeping Jenny?
Creeping Jenny prefers bright, indirect light, but it can tolerate partial shade. In brighter light, the foliage will be more vibrant and the growth will be more vigorous. Avoid direct sunlight, especially during the hottest part of the day, as it can scorch the leaves. An east-facing window is ideal, but a north- or west-facing window can also work, as long as the plant receives sufficient light.
How do I care for Creeping Jenny?
Creeping Jenny thrives in bright, indirect light but can tolerate some shade. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, avoiding overwatering which can lead to root rot. Well-draining soil is crucial. Fertilize monthly during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Prune regularly to maintain desired shape and encourage bushier growth.
How do I propagate Creeping Jenny?
Creeping Jenny is easily propagated through stem cuttings or layering. For stem cuttings, take a 4-6 inch cutting from a healthy stem, removing the lower leaves. Place the cutting in water or directly into moist potting mix. Roots should develop within a few weeks.
Last updated: April 26, 2026 — Plant care data reviewed and verified by our editorial team.