Eucharis vs Lacy Tree Philodendron Plant Comparison

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

Eucharis

Eucharis

Eucharis amazonica

VS
Lacy Tree Philodendron

Lacy Tree Philodendron

Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum

Eucharis

Eucharis

Eucharis amazonica

Eucharis amazonica, commonly known as the Amazon Lily, is a bulbous perennial prized for its elegant, fragrant white flowers. It features broad, glossy, dark green leaves that provide an attractive backdrop to the blooms. The plant produces clusters of daffodil-like flowers on sturdy stems, typically in late winter or early spring, though it can bloom multiple times a year under optimal conditions. It's primarily grown as an ornamental plant for its beautiful flowers and foliage, adding a touch of tropical elegance to indoor spaces. While it can be grown outdoors in warm climates, it's more commonly cultivated as a houseplant.

Amaryllidaceae Western Amazon basin of South America, primarily Colombia and Peru
✨ Features: Fragrant flowers, attractive foliage
📖 Read Complete Eucharis Guide
Lacy Tree Philodendron

Lacy Tree Philodendron

Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum

Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum, commonly known as the Lacy Tree Philodendron or Selloum, is a large, evergreen plant characterized by its deeply lobed, glossy green leaves. Despite its common name, it is not a true philodendron. It exhibits a shrub-like growth habit, developing a thick, trunk-like stem as it matures. While it can reach impressive sizes outdoors, indoor specimens remain more manageable. It's popular for its bold, tropical appearance and relatively easy care, making it a statement piece in homes and offices.

Araceae South America, specifically Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia, and Argentina
✨ Features: Large, dramatic foliage; air purifying qualities.
📖 Read Complete Lacy Tree Philodendron Guide

Quick Plant Comparison

Feature Eucharis Lacy Tree Philodendron
Light Bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves. Bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, especially during the hottest part of the day.
Watering Every 7-10 days during the growing season, less frequently during dormancy. Every 1-2 weeks, depending on environmental conditions and pot size.
Humidity 50-70% 40-70%
Temperature 18-24°C 18-24°C
Care Level Moderate Moderate
Growth Rate Moderate Moderate
Max Height 45-60 cm 1-2 meters indoors
Pet Safety ❌ Toxic To Pets ❌ Toxic To Pets
Soil Well-draining potting mix, such as a mix of peat moss, perlite, and orchid bark. Well-draining potting mix, such as a blend 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

Eucharis

Scientific Name Eucharis amazonica
Family Amaryllidaceae
Native To Western Amazon basin of South America, primarily Colombia and Peru
Also Known As Amazon Lily, Eucharis Lily
Leaves The leaves are broad, ovate to elliptical in shape, and typically 20-30 cm long. They are a glossy, dark green color with prominent veins, giving them a lush, tropical appearance.
Flowers Yes, it can flower indoors. The flowers are pure white, daffodil-like, and highly fragrant. They appear in clusters of 3-6 blooms on a single stalk.

Lacy Tree Philodendron

Scientific Name Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum
Family Araceae
Native To South America, specifically Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia, and Argentina
Also Known As Lacy Tree Philodendron, Split-Leaf Philodendron, Selloum
Leaves The leaves are large, deeply lobed, and glossy green. They can grow up to 90 cm long and wide. The lobes are highly dissected, giving the plant a lacy appearance. New leaves emerge unfurled and gradually expand.
Flowers It rarely flowers indoors. When it does flower (typically outdoors), it produces a spadix and spathe, similar to other members of the Araceae family.

📏 Size & Growth — Plant Comparison

Eucharis

Height 45-60 cm
Spread 30-45 cm
Growth Rate Moderate
Growth Pattern The plant grows from a bulb, producing upright, broad leaves and sturdy flower stalks that bear clusters of blooms. It has a clumping growth habit.

Lacy Tree Philodendron

Height 1-2 meters indoors
Spread 1-2 meters
Growth Rate Moderate
Growth Pattern It grows upright and spreading, forming a shrub-like shape. As it matures, it develops a thick, trunk-like stem. It does not aggressively spread via rhizomes.

🌱 Propagation — Comparing Plant Growth

Eucharis

Methods: Division, Bulb offsets

Difficulty: Moderate

Tips: Separate bulb offsets when repotting. Plant the offsets in well-draining soil and keep them moist until established.

Lacy Tree Philodendron

Methods: Stem cuttings, Division, Seed (though rare indoors)

Difficulty: Moderate

Tips: Take stem cuttings with aerial roots and place them in water or directly into moist potting mix. Keep the cutting warm and humid. Division can be done when repotting mature plants.

✨ Benefits & Features — Comparing Plant Value

Eucharis

The Amazon Lily is known for its intensely fragrant, pure white flowers that resemble daffodils. Its glossy, dark green leaves provide a beautiful contrast to the blooms, making it a visually striking houseplant.

  • ✓ Adds a touch of tropical elegance to indoor spaces.
  • ✓ Provides fragrant, beautiful flowers.
  • ✓ Offers attractive, glossy foliage.
  • ✓ Can improve mood and reduce stress.
  • ✓ Enhances the aesthetic appeal of a room.
  • ⚠️ Toxic to pets

Lacy Tree Philodendron

The deeply lobed leaves are its most distinctive feature, giving it a lush, tropical appearance. It develops a trunk-like stem as it matures, adding to its architectural appeal. It is not a true philodendron, despite its common name.

  • ✓ Adds a tropical aesthetic to your home
  • ✓ Purifies the air by removing toxins
  • ✓ Creates a relaxing and calming atmosphere
  • ✓ Provides a sense of connection to nature
  • ✓ Relatively easy to care for, boosting confidence in plant care abilities
  • 🌬️ NASA-verified air purifier
  • ⚠️ Toxic to pets

📅 Maintenance Schedule — Plant Care Comparison

Eucharis

Repotting Every 2-3 years, or when the plant becomes pot-bound. Repot in spring.
Pruning Remove dead or yellowing leaves to maintain appearance and prevent disease.
Fertilizing Balanced liquid fertilizer (20-20-20) diluted to half strength, every 2-4 weeks during the growing season.
Seasonal Care Reduce watering in the fall/winter to induce dormancy. Increase watering and fertilizing in the spring and summer during the growing season.

Lacy Tree Philodendron

Repotting Every 1-2 years, or when the plant becomes root-bound.
Pruning Remove any dead or yellowing leaves. Prune to maintain shape and size.
Fertilizing Balanced liquid fertilizer (20-20-20) diluted to half strength, every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer).
Seasonal Care Reduce watering in winter when growth slows. Provide supplemental light if needed. Increase watering and fertilization during the growing season (spring and summer).

🌞 Light Requirements

Eucharis

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

Low light tolerant: ❌ No

Lacy Tree Philodendron

Bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, especially during the hottest part of the day.

Low light tolerant: ✅ Yes

💧 Watering Needs

Eucharis

Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Ensure good drainage to prevent bulb rot. Reduce watering during the dormant period. Overwatering can lead to yellowing leaves and bulb rot, while underwatering can cause the leaves to droop.

Lacy Tree Philodendron

Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 inches of soil are dry. Allow excess water to drain away. Overwatering can lead to root rot, indicated by yellowing leaves and a musty smell. Underwatering results in drooping leaves and dry, crispy edges.

🌡️ Temperature & Humidity

Eucharis

Temperature: 18-24°C

Humidity: 50-70%

Lacy Tree Philodendron

Temperature: 18-24°C

Humidity: 40-70%

🤔 Which Plant Is Right For You?

Eucharis

Eucharis

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

Experienced plant enthusiasts who appreciate fragrant flowers and are willing to provide specific care requirements.

✅ Choose This Plant If...

  • You love fragrant flowers and want a plant that blooms indoors.
  • You can provide bright, indirect light and maintain moderate humidity.
  • You are willing to provide a dry rest period to encourage reblooming.
  • You appreciate the elegant, tropical look of the plant's foliage and flowers.
  • You are experienced with plant care and can monitor for common problems like bulb rot.

❌ Skip This Plant If...

  • You are a beginner plant owner and prefer low-maintenance plants.
  • You have pets that might ingest the plant, as it is toxic.
  • You struggle to provide bright, indirect light or maintain adequate humidity.
  • You tend to overwater plants.
📍 Ideal Location: Bright bathroom, east-facing window, or under a grow light.
🎨 Style: Tropical, Elegant, Traditional
🏠 Apartment Friendly: Yes
⚠️ Contains lycorine and other alkaloids. Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, tremors, and convulsions. All parts of the plant are toxic, especially the bulb.
Lacy Tree Philodendron

Lacy Tree Philodendron

Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum
Care: Moderate Time: 10 minutes weekly Beginner: With-caution

Those seeking a bold, tropical statement plant that is relatively easy to care for.

✅ Choose This Plant If...

  • You want a large, statement plant for your home.
  • You appreciate tropical foliage.
  • You are looking for a relatively low-maintenance plant.
  • You have a space with bright, indirect light.
  • You want to add a touch of the jungle to your indoor environment.

❌ Skip This Plant If...

  • You have pets that may ingest the plant.
  • You have limited space.
  • You tend to overwater plants.
📍 Ideal Location: Living room, office, or any space with bright, indirect light.
🎨 Style: Tropical, Bohemian, Modern
🏠 Apartment Friendly: Limited
🌬️ Air Purifying: Yes (NASA verified)
⚠️ All parts of the plant contain calcium oxalate crystals, which are toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Symptoms include oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

🎯 Quick Verdict

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

⚡ Key Differences Between These Plants

🌿

Both plants have similar basic care requirements but differ in appearance and specific needs. Compare plants carefully to find the best fit for your space.

💡 Pro Tips For Comparing These Plants

Eucharis Care Tips

Eucharis amazonica requires bright, indirect light, well-draining soil, and moderate humidity. It can be challenging to get it to rebloom indoors, requiring a distinct dry rest period. Avoid overwatering to prevent bulb rot.

  • Provide a dry rest period in the fall/winter to encourage blooming.
  • Ensure excellent drainage to prevent bulb rot.
  • Use a well-draining potting mix specifically formulated for bulbs.
  • Fertilize regularly during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
  • Monitor for pests like spider mites and mealybugs and treat promptly.
❄️ Winter: Reduce watering significantly. Withhold fertilizer. Maintain temperatures above 16°C. Provide bright, indirect light.
☀️ Summer: Water regularly, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Fertilize every 2-4 weeks. Protect from direct sunlight to prevent leaf scorch. Ensure good ventilation.

Lacy Tree Philodendron Care Tips

Lacy Tree Philodendrons are relatively easy to care for indoors, provided they receive adequate light and are not overwatered. They require well-draining soil and occasional fertilization. Regular cleaning of the leaves will keep them healthy and attractive. They can become large, so provide ample space.

  • Provide bright, indirect light for optimal growth.
  • Allow the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out before watering.
  • Fertilize regularly during the growing season.
  • Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and improve photosynthesis.
  • Provide a support structure, such as a moss pole, for the plant to climb if desired.
❄️ Winter: Reduce watering frequency as the plant's growth slows down. Ensure the plant is not exposed to cold drafts. Provide supplemental light if needed.
☀️ Summer: Water more frequently during the warmer months as the plant actively grows. Protect the plant from intense, direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn. Increase humidity if possible.

⚠️ Common Problems & Solutions — Plant Care Comparison

Eucharis

Common Issues: Bulb rot, spider mites, mealybugs, failure to bloom
Solutions: Bulb rot: Ensure good drainage and avoid overwatering. Treat with fungicide if necessary. | Spider mites: Increase humidity and treat with insecticidal soap. | Mealybugs: Remove manually with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol or treat with insecticidal soap. | Failure to bloom: Provide a dry rest period in the fall/winter, reduce watering, and ensure adequate light.

Lacy Tree Philodendron

Common Issues: Yellowing leaves, Root rot, Mealybugs, Spider mites
Solutions: Yellowing leaves: Adjust watering schedule and check for nutrient deficiencies. Root rot: Repot in fresh, well-draining soil and reduce watering. Mealybugs: Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Spider mites: Increase humidity and treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions — Comparing These Plants

Eucharis

What are the light requirements for Eucharis?

Eucharis thrives in bright, indirect light. East-facing windows are ideal, providing gentle morning sun. West or south-facing windows can work, but shield the plant from direct afternoon sun with sheer curtains or blinds. Insufficient light can result in weak growth and failure to bloom. Rotate the plant regularly to ensure even light exposure on all sides. If natural light is limited, supplement with grow lights. Place the grow light 12-18 inches above the plant and provide 12-14 hours of light per day. Observe the plant for signs of stress, such as pale leaves or elongated stems, and adjust the light accordingly.

How do I care for Eucharis?

Eucharis requires bright, indirect light; avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch its leaves. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, but allow the soil to drain well; avoid overwatering, which can lead to bulb rot. Maintain a humidity level of 60-70% by misting regularly or using a humidifier. Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer), reducing or ceasing fertilization in the fall and winter. Repot only when the bulb is crowded in its pot, typically every 2-3 years. Maintain a temperature between 65-80°F (18-27°C). Provide a rest period with reduced watering and cooler temperatures (around 60°F or 15°C) in the fall to encourage blooming.

How do I propagate Eucharis?

Eucharis is primarily propagated by division. When repotting, gently separate offsets (bulbs with roots) from the main bulb. Plant each offset in its own pot with well-draining soil. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy until new growth appears. Ensure bright, indirect light and high humidity. Stem cuttings are not a viable method for Eucharis. Keiki production is rare in Eucharis. Division is the most reliable propagation method. Wait until the plant is crowded in its pot before dividing to avoid disturbing the root system unnecessarily. Handle the bulbs carefully to prevent damage.

Lacy Tree Philodendron

What are the light requirements for Lacy Tree Philodendron?

Lacy Tree Philodendrons require bright, indirect light to thrive. Direct sunlight can scorch their leaves, causing unsightly burns. An east-facing window is often ideal, providing gentle morning sun. A north-facing window can also work, but the plant may grow slower. If placed near a south or west-facing window, use a sheer curtain to filter the intense light. Insufficient light can lead to leggy growth and smaller, less-defined leaves. Rotate the plant regularly to ensure even light exposure on all sides. Monitor the leaves for signs of light stress, such as yellowing or browning.

How do I care for Lacy Tree Philodendron?

Lacy Tree Philodendrons thrive in bright, indirect light; avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, ensuring good drainage to prevent root rot. Maintain humidity levels around 60-70% by misting regularly or using a humidifier. Fertilize monthly during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Repot every 1-2 years, or when the plant becomes root-bound, using a well-draining potting mix. Provide support, such as a moss pole, as the plant matures and its aerial roots develop. Regularly wipe the leaves to remove dust and pests. Keep temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C).

How do I propagate Lacy Tree Philodendron?

Lacy Tree Philodendrons can be easily propagated through stem cuttings, division, or air layering. For stem cuttings, take a cutting with at least one node and place it in water or directly into moist potting mix. Keep the cutting in a warm, humid environment until roots develop. For division, carefully separate the root ball into smaller sections and repot each section into its own container. Air layering involves wrapping a node with moist sphagnum moss and covering it with plastic wrap until roots form, then cutting below the roots and potting the new plant.

Last updated: May 12, 2026 — Plant care data reviewed and verified by our editorial team.