Artillery Plant vs Canna Lily Plant Comparison
Compare these two plants side by side — care needs, key differences, and which is right for your home.
Artillery Plant
Pilea microphylla
The Artillery Plant (Pilea microphylla) is a fast-growing, bushy plant known for its unique method of pollen dispersal. It's characterized by its tiny, bright green leaves that densely cover its delicate stems, giving it a fern-like appearance. The plant gets its name from its ability to explosively eject pollen into the air when disturbed, resembling tiny bursts of artillery fire. While it can be grown indoors, it thrives in humid, warm conditions, often performing better in greenhouses or terrariums. People grow it for its interesting foliage and unusual pollen-shooting behavior.
Canna Lily
Canna indica
Canna indica, commonly known as Canna lily, is a rhizomatous perennial with large, paddle-shaped leaves and showy flowers. It's primarily grown outdoors for its tropical appearance and vibrant blooms, which come in various colors like red, orange, yellow, and pink. The plant grows from rhizomes, spreading readily in suitable conditions. While it can be grown indoors, it requires very bright light and ample space to thrive, making it more challenging than typical houseplants. People grow them for their bold foliage and exotic-looking flowers.
Quick Plant Comparison
| Feature | Artillery Plant | Canna Lily |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Bright indirect light to partial shade. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves. | Full sun to partial shade. Requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal flowering. |
| Watering | Every 3-7 days, depending on environmental conditions and pot size. | Every 2-5 days during growing season, less frequently in winter |
| Humidity | 60-80% | 40-60% |
| Temperature | 18-24°C | 18-27°C |
| Care Level | Moderate | Expert |
| Growth Rate | Fast | Fast |
| Max Height | 15-30 cm | 0.6-1.5 meters (indoors, typically smaller) |
| Pet Safety | ✅ Safe | ❌ Toxic To Pets |
| Soil | Well-draining potting mix, such as a mix of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. | 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 | 10 minutes weekly | 30 minutes weekly |
🔬 Botanical Information — Comparing These Plants
Artillery Plant
| Scientific Name | Pilea microphylla |
|---|---|
| Family | Urticaceae |
| Native To | Tropical Americas and West Indies |
| Also Known As | Artillery Plant, Rockweed, Gunpowder Plant |
| Leaves | The leaves of Pilea microphylla are tiny, measuring only a few millimeters in length. They are bright green in color and have a delicate, almost translucent appearance. The leaves are oval-shaped and have a smooth texture. They are densely packed along the stems, giving the plant a lush and full look. |
| Flowers | The artillery plant produces tiny, inconspicuous flowers that are rarely seen indoors. The plant is primarily grown for its foliage rather than its flowers. The flowers are responsible for the plant's unique pollen dispersal mechanism. |
Canna Lily
| Scientific Name | Canna indica |
|---|---|
| Family | Cannaceae |
| Native To | South America |
| Also Known As | Canna lily, Indian shot, Achira, Queensland arrowroot |
| Leaves | Large, paddle-shaped leaves, typically 30-60 cm long and 10-20 cm wide. The leaves are usually green, but some cultivars have bronze or variegated foliage. The texture is smooth and slightly waxy. |
| Flowers | Canna lilies rarely flower indoors due to insufficient light. Outdoors, they produce showy, asymmetrical flowers in shades of red, orange, yellow, pink, or bi-color combinations. The flowers are borne on tall stalks above the foliage. |
📏 Size & Growth — Plant Comparison
Artillery Plant
Canna Lily
🌱 Propagation — Comparing Plant Growth
Artillery Plant
Methods: Stem cuttings, Division, Seed
Difficulty: Easy
Tips: Stem cuttings root easily in water or directly in moist soil. For division, gently separate the plant at the roots. Seeds can be sown in spring.
Canna Lily
Methods: Rhizome division, Seed
Difficulty: Easy
Tips: Divide rhizomes in early spring before new growth begins. Ensure each division has at least one eye (bud). Plant divisions in well-draining soil and keep moist until established. Seeds require scarification and soaking before planting.
✨ Benefits & Features — Comparing Plant Value
Artillery Plant
The artillery plant is unique due to its method of pollen dispersal, which involves explosively ejecting pollen into the air. This behavior is triggered by touch or even a slight breeze. Its tiny, bright green leaves also give it a distinctive, fern-like appearance.
- ✓ Adds a touch of the tropics to your home.
- ✓ Unique and interesting foliage.
- ✓ Relatively easy to propagate.
- ✓ Can be grown in small spaces.
- ✓ Provides a calming, green aesthetic.
- 🐾 Pet Safe
Canna Lily
Canna lilies are known for their bold, tropical foliage and vibrant, showy flowers, making them a standout in any garden. Their rhizomatous growth habit allows them to spread readily, creating a lush, dense display. The seeds are unusually hard and were historically used as beads.
- ✓ Adds a tropical flair to your garden or outdoor space.
- ✓ Provides vibrant, colorful blooms that attract pollinators.
- ✓ Offers a bold statement with its large, paddle-shaped leaves.
- ✓ Can be used as a privacy screen or backdrop in landscaping.
- ✓ Provides a sense of accomplishment for experienced gardeners who can successfully cultivate it.
- ⚠️ Toxic to pets
📅 Maintenance Schedule — Plant Care Comparison
Artillery Plant
Canna Lily
🌞 Light Requirements
Artillery Plant
Bright indirect light to partial shade. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
Low light tolerant: ✅ Yes
Canna Lily
Full sun to partial shade. Requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal flowering.
Low light tolerant: ❌ No
💧 Watering Needs
Artillery Plant
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering will cause the leaves to droop and dry out. Ensure good drainage.
Canna Lily
Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to rhizome rot. During the growing season, water more frequently. Reduce watering in the winter when the plant is dormant. Signs of overwatering include yellowing leaves and mushy rhizomes. Underwatering can cause wilting and browning leaf tips.
🌡️ Temperature & Humidity
Artillery Plant
Temperature: 18-24°C
Humidity: 60-80%
Canna Lily
Temperature: 18-27°C
Humidity: 40-60%
🤔 Which Plant Is Right For You?
Artillery Plant
Pilea microphyllaSomeone who enjoys unique foliage and is willing to provide high humidity.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You want a plant with unique pollen dispersal.
- You enjoy plants with delicate, fern-like foliage.
- You can provide high humidity.
- You want a relatively fast-growing plant.
- You enjoy propagating plants from cuttings.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You cannot provide high humidity.
- You are prone to overwatering plants.
- You dislike plants that require frequent pruning.
Canna Lily
Canna indicaExperienced gardeners who want a bold, tropical plant and can provide ample sunlight and space.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You want a bold, tropical statement plant for your sunny outdoor space.
- You appreciate vibrant, showy flowers in shades of red, orange, and yellow.
- You have experience with rhizomatous plants and understand their growth habits.
- You can provide at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- You are prepared to overwinter the rhizomes indoors in colder climates.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You have pets that might ingest the plant, as it is toxic.
- You lack a very sunny location, as it needs at least 6 hours of direct sun.
- You prefer low-maintenance houseplants that don't require frequent attention.
🎯 Quick Verdict
⚡ Key Differences Between These Plants
Artillery Plant is rated Moderate care level, while Canna Lily is Expert.
💡 Pro Tips For Comparing These Plants
Artillery Plant Care Tips
Artillery plants require bright, indirect light, high humidity, and consistent moisture. They can be prone to pests and diseases if not properly cared for. Regular pruning helps maintain a compact shape. While relatively easy, maintaining humidity is key for indoor success.
- Maintain high humidity by misting regularly or using a humidifier.
- Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry, but avoid overwatering.
- Provide bright, indirect light to prevent leaf scorch.
- Pinch back stems regularly to encourage bushier growth.
- Inspect regularly for pests and treat promptly.
Canna Lily Care Tips
Canna lilies are primarily outdoor plants that require full sun and ample moisture. Growing them indoors is challenging due to their high light requirements and potential for aggressive rhizome spread. They need large pots and frequent fertilization to thrive indoors. Expect less flowering indoors.
- Provide ample sunlight – at least 6 hours of direct sun is crucial for flowering.
- Water deeply and regularly during the growing season, but avoid soggy soil.
- Fertilize every 2-4 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer to promote healthy growth and flowering.
- Protect from strong winds, which can damage the large leaves.
- Overwinter rhizomes indoors in colder climates by storing them in a cool, dry place.
⚠️ Common Problems & Solutions — Plant Care Comparison
Artillery Plant
Canna Lily
❓ Frequently Asked Questions — Comparing These Plants
Artillery Plant
What are the light requirements for Artillery Plant?
Artillery Plant prefers bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, especially during the hottest part of the day, as it can scorch the delicate leaves. An east-facing window is often ideal, providing gentle morning sun. A north-facing window can also work, but the plant may not grow as vigorously.
How do I care for Artillery Plant?
Artillery Plant thrives in bright, indirect light; direct sunlight can scorch the leaves. Water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly between waterings. High humidity is beneficial; mist the plant regularly or place it on a pebble tray.
How do I propagate Artillery Plant?
Artillery Plant is easily propagated through several methods. Stem cuttings are a simple and effective way to create new plants. Take a 2-3 inch cutting from a healthy stem, remove the lower leaves, and place it in water or directly into moist potting mix. Roots will typically develop within a few weeks.
Canna Lily
What are the light requirements for Canna Lily?
Canna Lilies need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to thrive and produce abundant blooms. Insufficient light can lead to leggy growth and reduced flowering. Place outdoor Cannas in a location that receives full sun throughout the day.
How do I care for Canna Lily?
Canna Lilies thrive in full sun and well-draining soil. Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry, ensuring good drainage to prevent root rot. Fertilize regularly during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer, switching to a bloom-boosting formula as flowering begins.
How do I propagate Canna Lily?
Canna Lilies are easily propagated by rhizome division. In early spring, carefully dig up the rhizomes and divide them into sections, ensuring each section has at least one growth eye. Plant the divisions in well-draining soil, about 4-6 inches deep. Water thoroughly and keep the soil consistently moist until new growth appears.
Last updated: May 6, 2026 — Plant care data reviewed and verified by our editorial team.