Paper Plant vs Tiger Lily Plant Comparison
Compare these two plants side by side — care needs, key differences, and which is right for your home.
Paper Plant
Tetrapanax papyrifer
Tetrapanax papyrifer, the Paper Plant, is a large, fast-growing shrub or small tree typically grown outdoors. It features enormous, deeply lobed palmate leaves that can reach up to 3 feet across, giving it a bold, tropical appearance. The plant produces clusters of small, creamy-white flowers in late autumn or early winter, followed by dark berries. It is primarily cultivated for its striking foliage and architectural form. While sometimes grown indoors, it requires very bright light and ample space to thrive, making it challenging for most indoor environments. The pith of the stems was historically used to make rice paper.
Tiger Lily
Lilium lancifolium (syn. Lilium tigrinum)
The Tiger Lily is a striking perennial bulbous plant known for its vibrant orange flowers speckled with dark purple or black spots, resembling a tiger's coat. It typically grows to a height of 3-4 feet. It is primarily an outdoor plant, thriving in gardens and naturalized areas. People grow it for its showy flowers, which add a splash of color to landscapes in mid to late summer. While technically possible to grow indoors, it's challenging to provide the necessary light and dormancy period for optimal health and flowering.
Quick Plant Comparison
| Feature | Paper Plant | Tiger Lily |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Full sun to partial shade outdoors; very bright, direct light if attempted indoors. | Full sun to partial shade. Requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal flowering. |
| Watering | Every 5-7 days during the growing season, less frequently in winter. | Every 7-10 days outdoors during the growing season, less frequently during dormancy. |
| Humidity | 30-60% | 40-60% |
| Temperature | 15-27°C | 13-24°C |
| Care Level | Expert | Expert |
| Growth Rate | Fast | Moderate |
| Max Height | 2-3m indoors (challenging to achieve), 4-6m outdoors | 0.9-1.2 meters (3-4 feet) outdoors, potentially shorter indoors (if grown, which is not recommended) |
| Pet Safety | ❌ Toxic To Pets | ❌ Toxic To Pets |
| Soil | Well-draining, fertile soil. A mix of potting soil, perlite, and compost is suitable. | Well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil rich in organic matter. |
| Beginner Friendly | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Weekly Maintenance | 30 minutes weekly | 15 minutes weekly during the growing season for watering, fertilizing, and pest control. |
🔬 Botanical Information — Comparing These Plants
Paper Plant
| Scientific Name | Tetrapanax papyrifer |
|---|---|
| Family | Araliaceae |
| Native To | Taiwan |
| Also Known As | Paper Plant, Rice Paper Plant |
| Leaves | The leaves are palmate, deeply lobed, and can reach up to 3 feet across. They are typically a vibrant green color and have a slightly rough texture. |
| Flowers | It produces clusters of small, creamy-white flowers in late autumn or early winter. Flowering is less common indoors. |
Tiger Lily
| Scientific Name | Lilium lancifolium (syn. Lilium tigrinum) |
|---|---|
| Family | Liliaceae |
| Native To | Eastern Asia (Japan, Korea, China) |
| Also Known As | Tiger Lily, Ditch Lily, Devil Lily, Leopard Lily |
| Leaves | Lance-shaped, alternate leaves that are typically 5-15 cm long and 1-3 cm wide. They are a medium green color and have a smooth texture. The leaves are arranged in whorls along the stem. |
| Flowers | Does not typically flower indoors. Outdoors, it produces large, showy, downward-facing flowers that are 10-15 cm in diameter. The flowers are typically orange with dark purple or black spots. They have six petals (technically tepals) that are recurved (bent backwards). |
📏 Size & Growth — Plant Comparison
Paper Plant
Tiger Lily
🌱 Propagation — Comparing Plant Growth
Paper Plant
Methods: Stem cuttings, Root cuttings, Division, Seed
Difficulty: Easy
Tips: Take stem cuttings in spring or summer. Root cuttings can be taken in late winter. Division of rhizomes is also effective. Ensure cuttings have nodes and provide warmth and humidity.
Tiger Lily
Methods: Bulb scales, bulbils (small bulbs that form in the leaf axils), seed, division.
Difficulty: Moderate
Tips: Remove bulb scales in the fall and plant them in a well-draining medium. Bulbils can be collected and planted in the spring. Seeds require stratification (cold treatment) for successful germination.
✨ Benefits & Features — Comparing Plant Value
Paper Plant
The Paper Plant is unique due to its enormous, deeply lobed leaves, which create a dramatic and tropical appearance. Its historical use in making rice paper adds to its intrigue.
- ✓ Provides a dramatic focal point in the garden
- ✓ Offers a tropical aesthetic
- ✓ Creates shade and visual interest
- ✓ Can be used to create a privacy screen
- ✓ Provides a unique texture and form.
- ⚠️ Toxic to pets
Tiger Lily
The Tiger Lily is distinguished by its vibrant orange flowers with distinctive dark spots. It also produces bulbils (small bulbs) in the leaf axils, which can be used for propagation. Its dramatic appearance makes it a standout in any garden.
- ✓ Adds vibrant color to the garden.
- ✓ Attracts pollinators like butterflies and bees.
- ✓ Provides a visually striking focal point in the landscape.
- ✓ Can be used in cut flower arrangements (with caution due to pollen).
- ✓ Offers a sense of accomplishment for experienced gardeners.
- ⚠️ Toxic to pets
📅 Maintenance Schedule — Plant Care Comparison
Paper Plant
Tiger Lily
🌞 Light Requirements
Paper Plant
Full sun to partial shade outdoors; very bright, direct light if attempted indoors.
Low light tolerant: ❌ No
Tiger Lily
Full sun to partial shade. Requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal flowering.
Low light tolerant: ❌ No
💧 Watering Needs
Paper Plant
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry during the growing season. Reduce watering in winter. Overwatering can lead to root rot, especially indoors. Underwatering will cause leaves to droop and brown.
Tiger Lily
Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to bulb rot. Ensure good drainage. Signs of overwatering include yellowing leaves and a mushy bulb. Underwatering is indicated by wilting and browning leaf tips.
🌡️ Temperature & Humidity
Paper Plant
Temperature: 15-27°C
Humidity: 30-60%
Tiger Lily
Temperature: 13-24°C
Humidity: 40-60%
🤔 Which Plant Is Right For You?
Paper Plant
Tetrapanax papyriferExperienced gardeners with ample outdoor space who appreciate bold foliage.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You want a bold, tropical look in your garden
- You have ample outdoor space and full sun
- You enjoy propagating plants from cuttings
- You are an experienced gardener looking for a statement plant
- You appreciate plants with unique textures and forms.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You have limited indoor space
- You cannot provide very bright, direct light
- You have pets that might ingest the plant
- You are a beginner gardener
- You live in a climate with harsh winters.
Tiger Lily
Lilium lancifolium (syn. Lilium tigrinum)Experienced gardeners who want to add a vibrant splash of color to their outdoor landscape and are aware of the plant's toxicity to pets.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You have a sunny garden space suitable for growing perennials.
- You want to attract pollinators like butterflies to your garden.
- You appreciate vibrant, showy flowers with a unique spotted pattern.
- You are an experienced gardener looking for a rewarding challenge.
- You understand the plant's toxicity and can keep it away from pets.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You have pets that might ingest the plant, as it is highly toxic to them.
- You lack a sunny outdoor space to provide adequate light.
- You are a beginner gardener looking for an easy-to-care-for plant.
- You are looking for a plant that thrives indoors.
- You don't want to deal with potential pest problems like Lily leaf beetles.
🎯 Quick Verdict
⚡ Key Differences Between These Plants
Paper Plant has fast growth, while Tiger Lily grows moderate.
💡 Pro Tips For Comparing These Plants
Paper Plant Care Tips
Paper Plant is best suited for outdoor cultivation. Indoor growing is challenging due to its high light requirements and large size. It needs very bright light, well-draining soil, and regular watering during the growing season. Pruning is necessary to maintain shape and control size. Be aware of its toxicity to pets.
- Provide ample sunlight for optimal growth.
- Ensure well-draining soil to prevent root rot.
- Water regularly during the growing season, but reduce watering in winter.
- Fertilize every 2-4 weeks during the growing season.
- Prune regularly to maintain shape and control size.
Tiger Lily Care Tips
Tiger Lilies are best suited for outdoor gardens. Indoor cultivation is challenging due to their high light requirements and need for a cold dormancy period. Providing adequate light, proper watering, and managing pests are crucial for success. Toxicity to pets is a significant concern.
- Plant bulbs in well-draining soil amended with compost.
- Provide support for tall stems to prevent them from bending or breaking.
- Monitor regularly for Lily leaf beetles and other pests.
- Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
- Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
⚠️ Common Problems & Solutions — Plant Care Comparison
Paper Plant
Tiger Lily
❓ Frequently Asked Questions — Comparing These Plants
Paper Plant
What are the light requirements for Paper Plant?
Paper Plant needs bright, indirect light to thrive. Insufficient light can lead to leggy growth and pale foliage. While it can tolerate some direct morning sun, avoid intense afternoon sun, which can scorch the leaves. A location near an east-facing window is ideal. If using artificial lighting, provide 12-14 hours of light per day with a full-spectrum grow light. Rotate the plant regularly to ensure even light exposure on all sides. If the plant is in a pond, ensure it receives adequate sunlight but is also partially shaded during the hottest part of the day.
How do I care for Paper Plant?
Paper Plant thrives in consistently moist to wet conditions. Ideally, keep the base of the plant submerged in water or in very wet soil. Provide bright, indirect light for optimal growth. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves. Maintain a water temperature between 65-80°F (18-27°C). Fertilize every 2-4 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength, specific for aquatic plants. Prune regularly to remove any dead or yellowing foliage. Repot annually in spring to refresh the growing medium. Monitor for pests like aphids or spider mites, and treat promptly if detected. Ensure good water circulation to prevent algae growth and maintain water clarity.
How do I propagate Paper Plant?
Paper Plant can be easily propagated through division or cuttings.
Tiger Lily
What are the light requirements for Tiger Lily?
Tiger Lilies need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to produce abundant blooms. Indoors, place them near a south-facing or east-facing window where they can receive bright, indirect light for most of the day. If natural light is insufficient, supplement with grow lights. Rotate the plant regularly to ensure even light exposure and prevent it from leaning towards the light source. Insufficient light can result in leggy growth and reduced flowering. Monitor the leaves for signs of scorching, which indicates excessive direct sunlight. Adjust placement or provide shade as needed.
How do I care for Tiger Lily?
Tiger Lilies thrive in well-draining soil and prefer full sun to partial shade. Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry, but avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. Fertilize monthly during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer to encourage abundant blooms. Provide support, such as stakes, if the plant becomes top-heavy. Deadhead spent flowers to promote further blooming. In colder climates, provide winter protection by mulching around the base of the plant. Repot every 2-3 years in spring, using a slightly larger pot. Maintain moderate humidity levels. Watch out for pests like aphids and treat accordingly.
How do I propagate Tiger Lily?
Tiger Lilies can be propagated through bulb division, stem cuttings, or bulblets (keikis) that form in the leaf axils. For bulb division, carefully separate the bulbs during repotting in spring. For stem cuttings, take a 4-6 inch cutting from a healthy stem and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant in moist potting mix. For bulblets, gently remove them from the stem and plant them in individual pots. Keep the soil consistently moist and provide bright, indirect light until new growth appears. All methods are best done in spring.
Last updated: May 12, 2026 — Plant care data reviewed and verified by our editorial team.