Amazon Lily vs Mustard Greens Plant Comparison

Compare these two plants side by side β€” care needs, key differences, and which is right for your home.

Amazon Lily

Amazon Lily

Eucharis amazonica

VS
Mustard Greens

Mustard Greens

Brassica juncea

Amazon Lily

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.

Amaryllidaceae Colombia, Peru, and western Amazon basin
✨ Features: Fragrant flowers
πŸ“– Read Complete Amazon Lily Guide
Mustard Greens

Mustard Greens

Brassica juncea

Mustard greens are leafy vegetables with a peppery and slightly bitter flavor. They are typically grown outdoors as an annual crop, reaching heights of 1 to 2 feet. The leaves are broad and can be smooth or crinkled, depending on the variety. While mustard greens can be grown indoors, they require very bright light and consistent moisture, making them more challenging than typical houseplants. They are primarily cultivated for their edible leaves, which are used in salads, stir-fries, and cooked dishes.

Brassicaceae Central Asia
✨ Features: Edible leaves, rich in vitamins and minerals.
πŸ“– Read Complete Mustard Greens Guide

Quick Plant Comparison

Feature Amazon Lily Mustard Greens
Light Bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves. Full sun to partial shade. Requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth.
Watering Every 1-2 weeks, depending on environmental conditions Every 2-3 days outdoors, potentially less frequently indoors depending on light and temperature.
Humidity 60-80% 40-60%
Temperature 18-24Β°C 15-24Β°C
Care Level Moderate Expert
Growth Rate Moderate Fast
Max Height 45-60 cm 0.3-0.6 meters (1-2 feet)
Pet Safety ❌ Toxic To Pets ❌ Toxic To Pets
Soil Well-draining potting mix with added perlite or orchid bark Well-draining, fertile soil rich in organic matter. A mix of potting soil, compost, and perlite is suitable.
Beginner Friendly With Caution ❌ No
Weekly Maintenance 15 minutes weekly 15 minutes weekly

πŸ”¬ Botanical Information β€” 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.

Mustard Greens

Scientific Name Brassica juncea
Family Brassicaceae
Native To Central Asia
Also Known As Indian mustard, Chinese mustard, Leaf mustard, Brown mustard
Leaves Broad, oval or lance-shaped leaves, ranging in color from light green to dark green or even purple, depending on the variety. Leaf texture can be smooth, ruffled, or deeply lobed.
Flowers Mustard greens produce yellow flowers on tall stalks if allowed to bolt. Flowering typically occurs in hot weather or when the plant is stressed. Flowering reduces leaf quality.

πŸ“ Size & Growth β€” Plant Comparison

Amazon Lily

Height 45-60 cm
Spread 30-45 cm
Growth Rate Moderate
Growth Pattern The Amazon Lily grows from a bulb, producing upright, broad leaves and flower stalks that emerge from the center of the plant. It has a clumping growth habit, gradually forming a dense cluster of leaves and bulbs.

Mustard Greens

Height 0.3-0.6 meters (1-2 feet)
Spread 0.3-0.6 meters (1-2 feet)
Growth Rate Fast
Growth Pattern Upright, bushy growth habit. Leaves emerge from a central rosette.

🌱 Propagation β€” Comparing Plant Growth

Amazon Lily

Methods: Division, Seed

Difficulty: Moderate

Tips: Divide bulbs when repotting. Sow seeds in a warm, humid environment.

Mustard Greens

Methods: Seed

Difficulty: Easy

Tips: Sow seeds directly into the soil or start them indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost. Keep the soil moist and provide adequate light.

✨ Benefits & Features β€” 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.

  • βœ“ Adds a touch of elegance to any room.
  • βœ“ The fragrant flowers can improve mood and reduce stress.
  • βœ“ The glossy green foliage provides a lush, tropical feel.
  • βœ“ Can be propagated to create more plants.
  • βœ“ Provides a sense of accomplishment when it blooms.
  • ⚠️ Toxic to pets

Mustard Greens

Mustard greens are known for their peppery and slightly bitter flavor, which intensifies with maturity. They are a fast-growing crop, providing a quick harvest of nutritious leaves.

  • βœ“ Provides fresh, nutritious greens for salads and cooking.
  • βœ“ Adds visual interest to a vegetable garden.
  • βœ“ Attracts beneficial insects to the garden.
  • βœ“ Can be used as a cover crop to improve soil health.
  • βœ“ Relatively easy to grow from seed.
  • ⚠️ Toxic to pets

πŸ“… Maintenance Schedule β€” Plant Care Comparison

Amazon Lily

Repotting Every 2-3 years, or when the plant becomes root-bound
Pruning Remove dead or yellowing leaves.
Fertilizing Balanced liquid fertilizer (20-20-20) diluted to half strength, every 2-4 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer)
Seasonal Care Reduce watering in the fall and winter to allow the plant to rest. Increase watering and fertilization in the spring and summer to promote growth and flowering.

Mustard Greens

Repotting Not applicable as it's typically grown as an annual.
Pruning Harvest leaves regularly to encourage continued growth. Remove any yellowing or damaged leaves.
Fertilizing Balanced liquid fertilizer (10-10-10) diluted to half strength, every 2-3 weeks during the growing season.
Seasonal Care Spring and fall are ideal growing seasons. Provide shade during hot summer months to prevent bolting. Protect from frost in winter.

🌞 Light Requirements

Amazon Lily

Bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.

Low light tolerant: ❌ No

Mustard Greens

Full sun to partial shade. Requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth.

Low light tolerant: ❌ No

πŸ’§ 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.

Mustard Greens

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering can cause wilting and stunted growth.

🌑️ Temperature & Humidity

Amazon Lily

Temperature: 18-24Β°C

Humidity: 60-80%

Mustard Greens

Temperature: 15-24Β°C

Humidity: 40-60%

πŸ€” Which Plant Is Right For You?

Amazon Lily

Amazon Lily

Eucharis amazonica
Care: Moderate Time: 15 minutes weekly Beginner: With-caution

Plant enthusiasts who enjoy fragrant flowers and can provide the necessary humidity and care.

βœ… 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.
πŸ“ Ideal Location: Bathroom, kitchen, or greenhouse where humidity is naturally higher
🎨 Style: Tropical, Traditional, Elegant
🏠 Apartment Friendly: Yes
⚠️ Contains lycorine and other alkaloids. Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, tremors, and cardiac arrhythmias. All parts of the plant are toxic, especially the bulb.
Mustard Greens

Mustard Greens

Brassica juncea
Care: Expert Time: 15 minutes weekly Beginner: No

Gardeners looking for a fast-growing, nutritious leafy green for salads and cooking.

βœ… Choose This Plant If...

  • You want a fast-growing leafy green for your garden.
  • You enjoy the peppery flavor of mustard greens in salads and cooked dishes.
  • You want a plant that is relatively easy to grow from seed.
  • You are looking for a nutritious addition to your diet.
  • You have a sunny garden space available.

❌ Skip This Plant If...

  • You lack a sunny outdoor space.
  • You are looking for a low-maintenance houseplant.
  • You have pets that might ingest the plant.
πŸ“ Ideal Location: Outdoor garden or raised bed with full sun exposure.
🎨 Style: Rustic, Cottage Garden, Vegetable Garden
🏠 Apartment Friendly: No
⚠️ Mustard plants contain glucosinolates, which can cause mild gastrointestinal upset in dogs, cats, and horses if ingested in large quantities. Symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. All parts of the plant are potentially toxic.

🎯 Quick Verdict

Best for Beginners Neither ideal
Pet Friendly Neither - caution
Less Maintenance Similar effort
Apartment Friendly Amazon Lily

⚑ Key Differences Between These Plants

🎯

Amazon Lily is rated Moderate care level, while Mustard Greens is Expert.

πŸ“ˆ

Amazon Lily has moderate growth, while Mustard Greens grows fast.

πŸ’‘ 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.
❄️ Winter: Reduce watering significantly during the winter months, allowing the soil to dry out more between waterings. Maintain a temperature above 16Β°C and provide bright, indirect light. Avoid fertilizing during the dormant period.
β˜€οΈ Summer: Increase watering frequency during the summer months to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Fertilize regularly with a balanced liquid fertilizer. Provide bright, indirect light and maintain high humidity.

Mustard Greens Care Tips

Mustard greens are best grown outdoors in a garden setting. Indoor cultivation is challenging due to high light requirements and the need for consistent moisture. Requires regular fertilization and monitoring for pests. Not ideal as a houseplant.

  • Plant seeds directly into the soil in spring or fall.
  • Thin seedlings to allow for adequate spacing.
  • Water regularly to keep the soil moist.
  • Fertilize every 2-3 weeks during the growing season.
  • Harvest leaves regularly to encourage continued growth.
❄️ Winter: In mild climates, mustard greens can be grown throughout the winter with protection from frost. In colder climates, they are typically grown as a spring or fall crop.
β˜€οΈ Summer: Provide shade during hot summer months to prevent bolting. Water more frequently to keep the soil moist.

⚠️ Common Problems & Solutions β€” Plant Care Comparison

Amazon Lily

Common Issues: Bulb rot, spider mites, mealybugs, lack of flowering
Solutions: Bulb rot: Ensure well-draining soil and avoid overwatering. Remove affected bulbs. | Spider mites: Increase humidity and treat with insecticidal soap. | Mealybugs: Wipe off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or use insecticidal soap. | Lack of flowering: Provide a dormant period with reduced watering and cooler temperatures.

Mustard Greens

Common Issues: Aphids, flea beetles, bolting (premature flowering)
Solutions: Aphids: Insecticidal soap or neem oil. Flea beetles: Row covers or diatomaceous earth. Bolting: Provide shade during hot weather and harvest leaves regularly.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions β€” 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 65-80Β°F (18-27Β°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.

Mustard Greens

What are the light requirements for Mustard Greens?

Mustard greens require ample sunlight to thrive and produce abundant, flavorful leaves. Ideally, they should receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. If grown indoors, place them near a south-facing window where they can receive maximum light exposure. Insufficient light can lead to leggy growth and reduced leaf production. If natural light is limited, consider supplementing with grow lights to ensure adequate illumination. Rotate the plants regularly to ensure even light exposure on all sides. Monitor the leaves for signs of light stress, such as scorching or pale coloration, and adjust the light accordingly. During periods of intense heat, providing some afternoon shade can prevent the plants from bolting prematurely. Adequate light is crucial for the plant’s overall health and productivity.

How do I care for Mustard Greens?

Mustard greens thrive in well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5. Plant seeds directly in the ground or in containers, spacing them 2-3 inches apart. Provide ample sunlight, ideally 6-8 hours per day, though they can tolerate partial shade. Water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Fertilize every 2-3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer, especially when the plant begins to flower. Monitor for pests like aphids and cabbage worms, and address them promptly with organic pest control methods. Harvest leaves regularly to encourage continued growth. Maintain good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases. In warmer climates, provide afternoon shade to prevent bolting (premature flowering). Mulch around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Remove any yellowing or damaged leaves to keep the plant healthy and productive.

How do I propagate Mustard Greens?

Mustard greens are primarily propagated by seed. Sow seeds directly into well-drained soil about ΒΌ inch deep. Keep the soil consistently moist until germination, which typically occurs within 5-7 days. Thin seedlings to 2-3 inches apart once they have developed their first true leaves. Mustard greens can also be propagated through stem cuttings, although this method is less common. Take a 4-6 inch cutting from a healthy stem, remove the lower leaves, and place the cutting in water or moist potting mix. Roots should develop within 1-2 weeks. Once roots have formed, transplant the cutting into a pot or directly into the garden. Division is not typically used for mustard greens. Keiki propagation is not applicable to mustard greens.

Last updated: May 3, 2026 β€” Plant care data reviewed and verified by our editorial team.