Australian Tree Fern vs Peace Lily Plant Comparison
Compare these two plants side by side — care needs, key differences, and which is right for your home.
Australian Tree Fern
Cyathea cooperi
The Australian Tree Fern (Cyathea cooperi) is a fast-growing tree fern characterized by its elegant, arching fronds and distinctive trunk covered in brown scales. It's primarily an outdoor plant, thriving in humid, subtropical environments. Its large size and specific environmental needs make it challenging to grow indoors long-term. People grow it for its tropical appearance and architectural interest in gardens and landscapes. It can reach impressive heights in its natural habitat. The plant's beauty lies in its delicate-looking but resilient fronds.
Peace Lily
Spathiphyllum wallisii
The Peace Lily is a popular evergreen herbaceous perennial known for its elegant white 'flowers' (actually modified leaves called spathes) and glossy, dark green leaves. It's primarily grown as an indoor plant for its air-purifying qualities and attractive appearance. It features a clumping growth habit, arising from rhizomes. While it can be grown outdoors in very warm, humid climates, it's most commonly found as a houseplant due to its adaptability to indoor conditions and tolerance of lower light levels. The plant's beauty and ease of care make it a favorite for homes and offices.
Quick Plant Comparison
| Feature | Australian Tree Fern | Peace Lily |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Bright, indirect light to partial shade. Avoid direct sunlight, especially during the hottest part of the day. | Bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves. |
| Watering | Every 2-4 days, depending on environmental conditions and pot size. | Every 7-10 days, depending on environmental conditions |
| Humidity | 60-80% | 50-70% |
| Temperature | 18-24°C | 18-24°C |
| Care Level | Expert | Easy |
| Growth Rate | Fast | Moderate |
| Max Height | Indoors: 1-2 meters (difficult to maintain this size long-term) | 30-60 cm |
| Pet Safety | ✅ Safe | ❌ Toxic To Pets |
| Soil | Well-draining, slightly acidic soil rich in organic matter. A mix of peat moss, perlite, and tree fern fiber is ideal. | Well-draining potting mix, such as a mix of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite |
| Beginner Friendly | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Weekly Maintenance | 30 minutes weekly | 5-10 minutes weekly |
🔬 Botanical Information — Comparing These Plants
Australian Tree Fern
| Scientific Name | Cyathea cooperi |
|---|---|
| Family | Cyatheaceae |
| Native To | Eastern Australia (New South Wales and Queensland) |
| Also Known As | Australian Tree Fern, Cooper's Cyathea, Lacy Tree Fern |
| Leaves | Large, lacy, bright green fronds that can reach up to 4 meters in length. The fronds are divided into numerous leaflets, giving them a delicate and feathery appearance. |
| Flowers | Does not flower indoors. Tree ferns reproduce via spores, not flowers. |
Peace Lily
| Scientific Name | Spathiphyllum wallisii |
|---|---|
| Family | Araceae |
| Native To | Tropical rainforests of Central and South America |
| Also Known As | Peace Lily, White Sails, Spathe Flower |
| Leaves | The leaves are glossy, dark green, and lance-shaped, with prominent veins. They can grow up to 25 cm long and have a slightly wavy texture. |
| Flowers | Peace Lilies can flower indoors under the right conditions, typically in spring or early summer. The 'flower' is a white spathe that surrounds a central spadix covered in small, true flowers. The spathe will eventually turn green as it ages. |
📏 Size & Growth — Plant Comparison
Australian Tree Fern
Peace Lily
🌱 Propagation — Comparing Plant Growth
Australian Tree Fern
Methods: Spores, Division (of pups that grow at the base of the trunk)
Difficulty: Difficult
Tips: Spore propagation is very slow and requires sterile conditions. Division is more practical but requires careful handling to avoid damaging the parent plant.
Peace Lily
Methods: Division
Difficulty: Easy
Tips: Divide the plant at the root ball, ensuring each division has healthy roots and leaves. Repot immediately.
✨ Benefits & Features — Comparing Plant Value
Australian Tree Fern
The Australian Tree Fern's fast growth rate and large size distinguish it from other ferns. Its trunk, covered in brown scales, adds a unique texture and visual appeal. It's also relatively adaptable to different soil types.
- ✓ Creates a lush, tropical atmosphere
- ✓ Adds architectural interest to gardens
- ✓ Provides a sense of tranquility
- ✓ Can improve indoor air quality slightly by increasing humidity
- ✓ Offers a connection to nature
- 🐾 Pet Safe
Peace Lily
The Peace Lily is known for its elegant white spathe, which resembles a flower but is actually a modified leaf. It's also a popular choice for its air-purifying qualities, removing toxins like formaldehyde and benzene from the air.
- ✓ Improved indoor air quality
- ✓ Elegant and calming aesthetic
- ✓ Relatively low-maintenance
- ✓ Adds a touch of greenery to any space
- ✓ Can help to reduce stress levels
- 🌬️ NASA-verified air purifier
- ⚠️ Toxic to pets
📅 Maintenance Schedule — Plant Care Comparison
Australian Tree Fern
Peace Lily
🌞 Light Requirements
Australian Tree Fern
Bright, indirect light to partial shade. Avoid direct sunlight, especially during the hottest part of the day.
Low light tolerant: ❌ No
Peace Lily
Bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
Low light tolerant: ✅ Yes
💧 Watering Needs
Australian Tree Fern
Water frequently to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top inch of soil to slightly dry out before watering again. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering will cause the fronds to dry and brown. Ensure good drainage.
Peace Lily
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Allow excess water to drain away. Overwatering can lead to root rot, indicated by yellowing leaves and a musty smell. Underwatering will cause the leaves to droop dramatically.
🌡️ Temperature & Humidity
Australian Tree Fern
Temperature: 18-24°C
Humidity: 60-80%
Peace Lily
Temperature: 18-24°C
Humidity: 50-70%
🤔 Which Plant Is Right For You?
Australian Tree Fern
Cyathea cooperiExperienced plant enthusiasts who can provide the high humidity and bright, indirect light required for this fern to thrive.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You want a dramatic, tropical statement plant for a large, bright space.
- You can provide consistently high humidity.
- You are experienced with fern care.
- You live in a mild climate where it can be grown outdoors year-round.
- You have a greenhouse or conservatory.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You have limited space.
- You cannot provide high humidity.
- You are a beginner plant owner.
Peace Lily
Spathiphyllum wallisiiIndividuals looking for an elegant, low-maintenance houseplant that can improve indoor air quality.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- It's a beautiful and elegant plant that adds a touch of sophistication to any room.
- It's relatively low-maintenance and easy to care for, making it a good choice for beginners.
- It's known for its air-purifying qualities, helping to improve indoor air quality.
- It tolerates low light conditions, making it suitable for rooms with less natural light.
- It's a great way to add a touch of greenery to your home or office.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- It's toxic to pets if ingested.
- It can be sensitive to fluoride in tap water.
- It requires consistent watering and can be prone to root rot if overwatered.
🎯 Quick Verdict
⚡ Key Differences Between These Plants
Australian Tree Fern is rated Expert care level, while Peace Lily is Easy.
Australian Tree Fern has fast growth, while Peace Lily grows moderate.
💡 Pro Tips For Comparing These Plants
Australian Tree Fern Care Tips
Australian Tree Ferns are challenging to grow indoors due to their high humidity and light requirements. They need consistent moisture and are prone to drying out in typical indoor environments. Maintaining adequate humidity is crucial for their survival. They are best suited for outdoor environments or greenhouses.
- Mist the fronds regularly to increase humidity.
- Use rainwater or distilled water to avoid mineral buildup on the fronds.
- Provide good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.
- Protect from strong winds, which can damage the fronds.
- Fertilize regularly during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
Peace Lily Care Tips
Peace Lilies are relatively easy to care for indoors. They thrive in bright, indirect light and require regular watering. Avoid direct sunlight and overwatering. They are sensitive to fluoride in tap water, so use filtered or distilled water if possible.
- Use filtered or distilled water to avoid fluoride toxicity.
- Wipe the leaves regularly with a damp cloth to remove dust and improve photosynthesis.
- Provide adequate humidity by misting the plant or using a humidifier.
- Avoid placing the plant near drafts or heating vents.
- Repot the plant in fresh soil every 1-2 years to provide nutrients and improve drainage.
⚠️ Common Problems & Solutions — Plant Care Comparison
Australian Tree Fern
Peace Lily
❓ Frequently Asked Questions — Comparing These Plants
Australian Tree Fern
What are the light requirements for Australian Tree Fern?
Australian Tree Ferns require bright, indirect light to thrive. Direct sunlight can scorch their delicate fronds, causing them to turn brown and crispy. An east-facing window is often ideal, providing gentle morning light. A north-facing window can also work, especially if supplemented with artificial light. If you place your fern near a south or west-facing window, use a sheer curtain to filter the light.
How do I care for Australian Tree Fern?
The Australian Tree Fern thrives in consistently moist conditions and high humidity. Water thoroughly when the top inch of the soil feels slightly dry. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, as this can lead to browning fronds. Provide bright, indirect light; direct sunlight can scorch the fronds. Maintain humidity levels above 60% by misting regularly, using a humidifier, or placing the pot on a pebble tray filled with water.
How do I propagate Australian Tree Fern?
Australian Tree Ferns can be propagated by division or spores, though spore propagation is more challenging. For division, carefully separate the trunk into sections, ensuring each section has roots. Plant each section in its own pot with well-draining soil. Keep the soil consistently moist and provide high humidity.
Peace Lily
What are the light requirements for Peace Lily?
Peace Lilies thrive in medium to low indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch their leaves. An east-facing window is ideal, providing gentle morning light. If placed near a south or west-facing window, use a sheer curtain to filter the light. Too little light can result in fewer flowers and slower growth. Observe your plant for signs of inadequate light, such as leggy growth or a lack of blooms. You can also use artificial light, such as fluorescent or LED grow lights, if natural light is limited. Rotate your plant occasionally to ensure even light exposure on all sides. Remember that darker-leaved varieties can tolerate slightly lower light levels than lighter-leaved ones.
How do I care for Peace Lily?
Peace Lilies thrive in indirect light; avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry, allowing excess water to drain. They prefer high humidity, so mist regularly or place near a humidifier. Fertilize sparingly during the growing season (spring/summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Repot every 1-2 years as needed, using a well-draining potting mix. Keep temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C). Prune away any yellow or brown leaves to maintain appearance. Protect from drafts and sudden temperature changes. Monitor for pests like spider mites or mealybugs and treat accordingly. Provide adequate air circulation to prevent fungal diseases. With proper care, your Peace Lily will reward you with beautiful foliage and elegant blooms.
How do I propagate Peace Lily?
Peace Lilies are commonly propagated by division. Carefully remove the plant from its pot and gently separate the root ball into smaller clumps, ensuring each clump has healthy roots and leaves. Plant each division into its own pot with fresh potting mix. Keep the soil consistently moist and provide bright, indirect light. Propagation by stem cuttings is less common but can be attempted by taking a cutting with a leaf and a node and placing it in water until roots develop before planting in soil. Air layering is another option, but it’s more complex and not typically used for Peace Lilies. Division is the most reliable method.
Last updated: May 15, 2026 — Plant care data reviewed and verified by our editorial team.