Candy Corn Plant vs Water Lily Plant Comparison
Compare these two plants side by side — care needs, key differences, and which is right for your home.
Candy Corn Plant
Euphorbia mammillaris 'Corn Cob'
Euphorbia mammillaris 'Corn Cob' is a succulent shrub characterized by its cylindrical, ribbed stems that resemble corn cobs. It's a cultivar of Euphorbia mammillaris, known for its unique appearance. The stems are typically green with ridges that can have small spines along them. It's primarily grown as an ornamental plant for its interesting texture and form. While it can be grown indoors, it thrives best with ample sunlight and well-draining soil. It's a relatively low-maintenance plant, making it popular among succulent enthusiasts. It is not a cactus, but a succulent.
Water Lily
Nymphaea spp.
Water lilies are aquatic rhizomatous perennials known for their striking, floating leaves and beautiful, often fragrant flowers. They are naturally outdoor plants, thriving in ponds, lakes, and other still bodies of water. The large, circular leaves, called lily pads, provide shelter for aquatic life. People cultivate water lilies for their ornamental value, adding beauty and tranquility to water gardens. They come in a range of colors, including white, pink, yellow, and red. Attempts to grow them indoors are generally unsuccessful due to the need for a large water volume and intense sunlight.
Quick Plant Comparison
| Feature | Candy Corn Plant | Water Lily |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Full sun to partial shade. Requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and to maintain its compact form. | Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily) |
| Watering | Every 2-4 weeks, depending on environmental conditions and pot size. | Constantly submerged |
| Humidity | 20-40% | 70-100% |
| Temperature | 18-27°C | 20-30°C |
| Care Level | Easy | Expert |
| Growth Rate | Slow | Moderate To Fast, Depending On The Species And Conditions; Can Be An Aggressive Spreader In Suitable Environments |
| Max Height | Indoors, typically reaches 30-60 cm | Leaves float on the water surface; flower stems can reach 15-30 cm above the water. |
| Pet Safety | ❌ Toxic To Pets | ❌ Toxic To Pets |
| Soil | Well-draining succulent or cactus mix | Heavy loam or clay soil amended with organic matter |
| Beginner Friendly | With Caution | ❌ No |
| Weekly Maintenance | 5 minutes weekly | 30 minutes weekly during growing season for pruning and fertilization. |
🔬 Botanical Information — Comparing These Plants
Candy Corn Plant
| Scientific Name | Euphorbia mammillaris 'Corn Cob' |
|---|---|
| Family | Euphorbiaceae |
| Native To | South Africa |
| Also Known As | Corn Cob Cactus, Candy Corn Plant, Indian Corn Cob |
| Leaves | Leaves are rudimentary and short-lived, appearing as small scales along the ridges of the stems. They are not a prominent feature of the plant. |
| Flowers | It rarely flowers indoors. When it does, the flowers are small, inconspicuous, and typically appear along the ridges of the stems. |
Water Lily
| Scientific Name | Nymphaea spp. |
|---|---|
| Family | Nymphaeaceae |
| Native To | Worldwide, various species native to different regions |
| Also Known As | Water Lily, Lily Pad |
| Leaves | Large, circular, floating leaves (lily pads) that can range in size from a few inches to several feet in diameter, depending on the species. They are typically green but can have reddish or purplish hues. |
| Flowers | Water lilies produce beautiful, cup-shaped flowers in a variety of colors, including white, pink, yellow, and red. They rarely flower indoors due to insufficient light and space. |
📏 Size & Growth — Plant Comparison
Candy Corn Plant
Water Lily
🌱 Propagation — Comparing Plant Growth
Candy Corn Plant
Methods: Stem cuttings
Difficulty: Moderate
Tips: Allow the cut end to callus over for several days before planting in well-draining soil. Use gloves to avoid skin contact with the sap.
Water Lily
Methods: Division of rhizomes, seed
Difficulty: Moderate
Tips: Divide rhizomes in early spring before new growth begins. Plant rhizome sections in aquatic soil and submerge in water. Seeds can be collected from mature seed pods and sown in a warm, shallow water environment.
✨ Benefits & Features — Comparing Plant Value
Candy Corn Plant
The 'Corn Cob' cultivar is distinguished by its cylindrical, ribbed stems that closely resemble corn cobs. The plant produces a milky sap when damaged, a characteristic of Euphorbia species. Unlike true cacti, it belongs to the Euphorbia family.
- ✓ Adds unique visual interest to your space.
- ✓ Requires minimal watering, saving time and resources.
- ✓ Relatively pest-resistant.
- ✓ Can thrive in dry indoor environments.
- ✓ Provides a sculptural element to your plant collection.
- ⚠️ Toxic to pets
Water Lily
Water lilies are known for their stunning, floating flowers and large, circular leaves. They are adapted to aquatic environments and play an important role in pond ecosystems. Their flowers open and close daily, adding to their unique charm.
- ✓ Adds beauty and tranquility to outdoor spaces.
- ✓ Provides habitat for aquatic wildlife.
- ✓ Attracts pollinators to the garden.
- ✓ Offers a unique and visually appealing focal point.
- ✓ Can help to oxygenate the water in a pond.
- ⚠️ Toxic to pets
📅 Maintenance Schedule — Plant Care Comparison
Candy Corn Plant
Water Lily
🌞 Light Requirements
Candy Corn Plant
Full sun to partial shade. Requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and to maintain its compact form.
Low light tolerant: ❌ No
Water Lily
Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily)
Low light tolerant: ❌ No
💧 Watering Needs
Candy Corn Plant
Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot. Water thoroughly when the soil is dry to the touch, and ensure proper drainage. Reduce watering frequency during the dormant winter months. Signs of overwatering include yellowing or mushy stems. Underwatering is indicated by shriveled stems.
Water Lily
Water lilies require constant submersion in water. The water level should be maintained to cover the rhizome and roots. Signs of underwatering are wilting or browning leaves, which is unlikely in a pond environment. Overwatering is not a concern as they are aquatic plants.
🌡️ Temperature & Humidity
Candy Corn Plant
Temperature: 18-27°C
Humidity: 20-40%
Water Lily
Temperature: 20-30°C
Humidity: 70-100%
🤔 Which Plant Is Right For You?
Candy Corn Plant
Euphorbia mammillaris 'Corn Cob'Those looking for a unique and low-maintenance succulent with an interesting architectural form.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You want a low-maintenance plant that doesn't require frequent watering.
- You appreciate unique and sculptural plant forms.
- You have a sunny spot in your home where it can receive ample light.
- You are looking for a drought-tolerant plant.
- You are experienced with handling potentially toxic plants and can keep it away from children and pets.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You have pets or small children who might ingest the plant.
- You tend to overwater your plants.
- You don't have a location with sufficient sunlight.
- You are sensitive to latex or other skin irritants.
Water Lily
Nymphaea spp.Gardeners with ponds or water gardens seeking to add beauty and tranquility to their outdoor space.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You have a pond or water garden and want to add beautiful, floating flowers.
- You want to provide shelter and habitat for aquatic life.
- You enjoy the calming and tranquil aesthetic of water features.
- You are experienced with aquatic plant care and can provide the necessary conditions.
- You want a plant that attracts pollinators to your garden.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You do not have a pond or water garden.
- You cannot provide the necessary full sun exposure.
- You have pets that may ingest the plant.
- You are looking for an easy-to-care-for indoor plant.
🎯 Quick Verdict
⚡ Key Differences Between These Plants
Candy Corn Plant is rated Easy care level, while Water Lily is Expert.
💡 Pro Tips For Comparing These Plants
Candy Corn Plant Care Tips
Euphorbia mammillaris 'Corn Cob' is a low-maintenance succulent that thrives in bright sunlight and well-draining soil. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. Handle with care due to the toxic sap. It is relatively easy to care for indoors if provided with sufficient light.
- Provide well-draining soil to prevent root rot.
- Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
- Ensure the plant receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Handle the plant with gloves to avoid skin contact with the sap.
- Fertilize sparingly during the growing season.
Water Lily Care Tips
Water lilies are primarily outdoor plants requiring full sun and constant submersion in water. Indoor cultivation is extremely challenging due to the need for a large water volume, intense light, and temperature control. They are best suited for ponds and water gardens.
- Provide at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Use aquatic plant fertilizer regularly during the growing season.
- Remove dead or yellowing leaves promptly to prevent disease.
- Control algae growth to ensure optimal water quality.
- Protect rhizomes from freezing temperatures during winter in colder climates.
⚠️ Common Problems & Solutions — Plant Care Comparison
Candy Corn Plant
Water Lily
❓ Frequently Asked Questions — Comparing These Plants
Candy Corn Plant
What are the light requirements for Candy Corn Plant?
Candy Corn Plants require bright, indirect sunlight to maintain their vibrant colors and compact growth. An east- or west-facing window is ideal, providing ample light without the intensity of direct midday sun. If grown indoors, supplement with a grow light if natural light is insufficient. Signs of insufficient light include elongated stems (etiolation) and a loss of color. Rotate the plant regularly to ensure even light exposure on all sides. Outdoors, place the plant in a location that receives morning sun and afternoon shade.
How do I care for Candy Corn Plant?
The Candy Corn Plant is a relatively easy succulent to care for. It thrives in bright, indirect sunlight, requiring at least 6 hours of sun daily. Avoid prolonged exposure to intense direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves. Use well-draining soil, such as a cactus or succulent mix. Water thoroughly only when the soil is completely dry, typically every 2-3 weeks. Reduce watering frequency during the winter dormancy period. Ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot. Fertilize sparingly, only during the growing season (spring and summer), with a diluted succulent fertilizer. Provide good air circulation. Repot every 1-2 years, or when the plant becomes root-bound.
How do I propagate Candy Corn Plant?
Candy Corn Plants are easily propagated through leaf cuttings, stem cuttings, and offsets. For leaf cuttings, gently twist off a healthy leaf and allow it to callous over for a few days. Place the calloused end on top of well-draining soil and mist lightly. New roots and a tiny plantlet will emerge in a few weeks. For stem cuttings, cut a stem section and allow it to callous over before planting in soil. Offsets, or baby plants that grow around the base of the mother plant, can be carefully separated and planted in their own pots. Provide bright, indirect sunlight and consistent moisture until the new plants are established.
Water Lily
What are the light requirements for Water Lily?
Water Lilies are sun-worshippers and require a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight each day to thrive and produce abundant blooms. The more sunlight they receive, the more flowers they will produce. Insufficient sunlight can lead to leggy growth, reduced flowering, and overall poor health.
How do I care for Water Lily?
Water Lilies need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to bloom profusely. Plant them in heavy clay soil or aquatic planting media in a wide, shallow container. Submerge the container in a pond or large tub, ensuring the crown of the plant is slightly below the water surface (adjust depth as the plant grows). Water should be clean and free of algae.
How do I propagate Water Lily?
Water Lilies can be propagated through division or by collecting and planting seeds. Division is the easiest method.
Last updated: May 3, 2026 — Plant care data reviewed and verified by our editorial team.