Lysimachia vs Peace Lily Plant Comparison
Compare these two plants side by side — care needs, key differences, and which is right for your home.
Lysimachia
Lysimachia nummularia
Lysimachia nummularia, commonly known as Creeping Jenny or Moneywort, is a perennial ground cover characterized by its trailing stems and rounded, coin-like leaves. It typically grows to only a few inches in height but can spread extensively. While primarily an outdoor plant, it is sometimes grown in hanging baskets or containers indoors. People grow it for its attractive foliage and ability to quickly cover ground, creating a lush, green carpet. Its vibrant green or golden foliage adds visual interest to gardens and landscapes. It is not ideally suited for long-term indoor growth.
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 | Lysimachia | Peace Lily |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Full sun to partial shade outdoors. Indoors, requires very bright, direct light for several hours daily. | Bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves. |
| Watering | Every 3-7 days, depending on light and temperature. | Every 7-10 days, depending on environmental conditions |
| Humidity | 30-50% | 50-70% |
| Temperature | 15-24°C | 18-24°C |
| Care Level | Expert | Easy |
| Growth Rate | Fast | Moderate |
| Max Height | 2-10 cm (indoors) | 30-60 cm |
| Pet Safety | ❌ Toxic To Pets | ❌ Toxic To Pets |
| Soil | Well-draining potting mix or garden soil. | Well-draining potting mix, such as a mix of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite |
| Beginner Friendly | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Weekly Maintenance | 15 minutes weekly | 5-10 minutes weekly |
🔬 Botanical Information — Comparing These Plants
Lysimachia
| Scientific Name | Lysimachia nummularia |
|---|---|
| Family | Primulaceae |
| Native To | Europe |
| Also Known As | Creeping Jenny, Moneywort, Twopenny Grass |
| Leaves | Rounded, coin-like leaves that are typically bright green, but some varieties have golden or chartreuse foliage. Leaves are small, usually less than an inch in diameter, and have a smooth texture. |
| Flowers | It may produce small, yellow, cup-shaped flowers in the summer, but flowering is rare indoors. |
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
Lysimachia
Peace Lily
🌱 Propagation — Comparing Plant Growth
Lysimachia
Methods: Stem cuttings, Division
Difficulty: Easy
Tips: Take stem cuttings and place them in water or directly into moist soil. Keep the soil consistently moist until roots develop. Division can be done by separating rooted sections of the 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
Lysimachia
Its trailing growth habit and coin-shaped leaves make it a unique and attractive ground cover. It can tolerate a range of soil conditions and is relatively easy to propagate.
- ✓ Provides ground cover and helps prevent soil erosion.
- ✓ Adds visual interest with its bright green or golden foliage.
- ✓ Can be used in hanging baskets or containers.
- ✓ Relatively easy to propagate.
- ✓ Can tolerate a range of soil conditions.
- ⚠️ Toxic to pets
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
Lysimachia
Peace Lily
🌞 Light Requirements
Lysimachia
Full sun to partial shade outdoors. Indoors, requires very bright, direct light for several hours daily.
Low light tolerant: ❌ No
Peace Lily
Bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
Low light tolerant: ✅ Yes
💧 Watering Needs
Lysimachia
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot. Signs of underwatering include wilting leaves. Signs of overwatering include yellowing leaves and soggy soil.
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
Lysimachia
Temperature: 15-24°C
Humidity: 30-50%
Peace Lily
Temperature: 18-24°C
Humidity: 50-70%
🤔 Which Plant Is Right For You?
Lysimachia
Lysimachia nummulariaExperienced gardeners looking for a ground cover for outdoor spaces or those willing to provide very bright light and manage its growth indoors.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You want a fast-growing ground cover for your garden.
- You have a very bright, sunny indoor space.
- You enjoy the look of trailing foliage in hanging baskets.
- You want a plant that is relatively easy to propagate.
- You are experienced with managing potentially aggressive plants.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You have pets that may ingest the plant.
- You have limited sunlight indoors.
- You are looking for a low-maintenance indoor plant.
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
Lysimachia is rated Expert care level, while Peace Lily is Easy.
Lysimachia has fast growth, while Peace Lily grows moderate.
💡 Pro Tips For Comparing These Plants
Lysimachia Care Tips
Creeping Jenny is relatively easy to care for outdoors, but it can be challenging indoors due to its high light requirements and potential for aggressive growth. It needs very bright light and well-draining soil. Overwatering is a common problem. Regular pruning is needed to control its spread.
- Provide bright, indirect light with some direct sun exposure.
- Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, but avoid overwatering.
- Fertilize regularly during the growing season.
- Prune regularly to control its spread and maintain its shape.
- Monitor for pests and treat promptly.
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
Lysimachia
Peace Lily
❓ Frequently Asked Questions — Comparing These Plants
Lysimachia
What are the light requirements for Lysimachia?
Lysimachia prefers partial to full sunlight, though the specific light needs vary depending on the species. Generally, plants need at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive and produce abundant blooms. In hotter climates, providing some afternoon shade can prevent leaf scorch. Insufficient light can result in leggy growth, reduced flowering, and pale foliage.
How do I care for Lysimachia?
Lysimachia thrives in moist, well-draining soil. Water regularly, especially during dry periods, but avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. Plant in a location that receives partial to full sunlight, depending on the specific species. Fertilize monthly during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer to encourage blooming. Prune regularly to maintain shape and remove any dead or damaged foliage.
How do I propagate Lysimachia?
Lysimachia can be propagated easily through division, stem cuttings, and, in some species, keikis.
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 13, 2026 — Plant care data reviewed and verified by our editorial team.