Why You Can’t Find a Real Red Peace Lily

The classic peace lily, with its elegant white blooms and deep green foliage, is a staple in many homes for its beauty and resilience. The thought of this same plant boasting a vibrant red flower is an exciting prospect for any plant enthusiast. This idea has led many to seek out a plant that offers the easy-going nature of the familiar peace lily but with a bold, colorful twist. The search often begins with an image of rich, crimson blooms rising above glossy leaves.

The Truth About Red Peace Lilies

The direct answer is that a naturally red variety of Spathiphyllum, the plant’s botanical name, does not exist. The iconic “flower” of a peace lily is not a true flower but a modified leaf called a spathe. Decades of hybridization have produced many cultivars, but a red spathe has remained genetically elusive for breeders.

Occasionally, you might encounter a peace lily with a colorful bloom in a store, which can add to the confusion. These are standard white peace lilies that have been artificially colored. A floral dye is injected into the plant’s stem or added to its water, allowing the white spathe to absorb the color. This is a temporary effect, as the color will not be present in any new blooms the plant produces.

Common Red Peace Lily Lookalikes

If you have seen a plant that looks like a peace lily but with a brilliant red flower, you were most likely looking at a Red Anthurium (Anthurium andraeanum). Often called the Flamingo Flower, this tropical plant is frequently mistaken for a red peace lily because of its similar structure. Both plants belong to the Araceae family and share the look of a colorful spathe surrounding a central spike, or spadix.

Despite the initial similarities, there are clear visual cues to tell them apart. The spathe of an Anthurium is distinctly heart-shaped, thick, and has a waxy, almost plastic-like sheen. In contrast, a peace lily’s spathe is more elongated and tapered with a softer, matte finish. The leaves also differ; Anthurium leaves are typically heart-shaped, while peace lily leaves are more lance-shaped or oval.

Red Anthurium Care Guide

Light

To thrive, a Red Anthurium requires bright, indirect light. Placing it near an east-facing window where it can receive gentle morning sun is ideal. Avoid direct, harsh sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves. While the plant can tolerate lower light levels, it will produce fewer flowers and its growth may become sparse.

Water

Proper watering is a delicate balance, as Anthuriums are susceptible to root rot if overwatered. You should water the plant when the top 50-75% of the soil feels dry. When you do water, do so thoroughly until water flows from the pot’s drainage holes, then discard any excess from the saucer.

Soil

Anthuriums need a coarse, airy potting medium that allows for excellent drainage and air circulation around their roots, as a standard potting mix is too dense. An ideal mix combines equal parts orchid bark, peat moss, and perlite. This mimics the loose debris found in its native tropical habitat. Using a terracotta pot can also help by allowing the soil to dry out more evenly.

Humidity and Temperature

As tropical natives, Anthuriums flourish in high humidity and warm temperatures. They prefer humidity levels around 60% and temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C). To increase humidity, you can mist the leaves, place the plant on a pebble tray filled with water, or use a humidifier. Keep the plant away from cold drafts and sudden temperature fluctuations.

Achieving Vibrant Red Blooms on Your Anthurium

The intensity of the red color in an Anthurium’s spathes is linked to the amount of light it receives. Placing the plant in the brightest possible filtered light will encourage the most saturated color. An Anthurium in lower light may still produce blooms, but they will often be paler and less impressive.

A proper fertilization routine also encourages flowering. During the spring and summer growing season, use a fertilizer with a higher phosphorus content for bloom development. Feed the plant monthly, diluting the fertilizer to half the recommended strength, and always water the plant before fertilizing. Snipping off spent flowers at the base of their stem redirects the plant’s energy into producing new blooms.