4 Stunning Flowers That Look Like Calla Lilies

The calla lily is admired for its elegant, sculptural form, but it’s not the only flower with this unique charm. If you're looking for an alternative, several stunning plants share a similar aesthetic. This guide explores five popular flowers that resemble the calla lily, comparing their appearance, care needs, and suitability for different occasions. 

Whether for a wedding bouquet, a stylish home arrangement, or a lush garden in Singapore, we will help you find the perfect floral substitute that captures that same sophisticated grace.

1. The Peace Lily

One of the most common and beloved houseplants, especially in Singaporean homes, is the Peace Lily, or Spathiphyllum. It is often mistaken for a calla lily because of its similar white blooms and lush green foliage. 

While they share a family resemblance, they are distinct plants with different needs and uses. For those seeking an easy-to-care-for plant that brings a touch of the calla lily's grace indoors, the peace lily is an excellent choice.

Comparing Peace Lily vs. Calla Lily Appearance

At first glance, the visual similarities between a peace lily and a calla lily are clear. Both feature a prominent white spathe surrounding a central spadix. However, a closer look reveals their differences. The peace lily’s spathe is typically wider and more open, like a cobra’s hood, rather than the tightly furled, trumpet-like shape of the calla lily. It has a softer, more rounded appearance.

The foliage is another key differentiator. Calla lily leaves are often arrow-shaped, sometimes speckled with white, and grow directly from the tuber. In contrast, peace lily leaves are glossy, dark green, deeply veined, and more oval or lance-shaped. 

They create a dense, bushy base from which the flower stalks rise, giving the plant a fuller overall look compared to the more sparse and upright calla lily.

Peace Lily Care vs. Calla Lily Care

When it comes to flower care, the peace lily is far more forgiving, making it a perfect houseplant for both beginners and seasoned plant parents in Singapore. It thrives in conditions that mimic its native tropical rainforest floor, preferring bright, indirect light. It can even tolerate lower light levels, though it may not flower as prolifically. The peace lily loves the high humidity typical of our climate and is quite vocal about its watering needs, famously drooping its leaves when it gets thirsty.

Calla lilies, on the other hand, demand a bit more specific care. They grow from rhizomes or tubers and generally require more sunlight than peace lilies to produce their stunning blooms. 

While they also like consistently moist soil, they are more prone to rot if overwatered. Many varieties are grown as outdoor or patio plants, enjoying the sun, though they need protection from the harsh afternoon glare.

Using Peace Lilies in Bouquets and Arrangements

While peace lilies are primarily known as potted plants, their blooms can certainly be used in floral arrangements. The pristine white spathes offer a similar elegant feel to calla lilies. However, their stems are typically shorter, softer, and less rigid than the strong, architectural stems of calla lilies. This makes them less suitable for structured bouquets where long, straight lines are desired.

They work beautifully in shorter vase arrangements, where their softer stems can be easily supported. A simple glass vase filled with several peace lily blooms and their own glossy leaves can create a stunning and long-lasting display for a coffee table or entryway. They bring a sense of calm and purity to any space they inhabit.

2. The Arum Lily

The naming of lilies can be quite confusing, and the term "Arum Lily" is at the heart of much of this confusion. In many parts of the world, including the UK and Commonwealth countries, "Arum Lily" is simply another common name for the classic white calla lily, Zantedeschia aethiopica. So, in this sense, they are the same thing. However, the Arum family (Araceae) is vast and contains other fascinating plants that share visual traits but are botanically different, such as the Italian Arum.

Arum Lily vs. Calla Lily: Is There a Difference?

To be clear, the flower most people picture when they say "calla lily" is indeed a type of arum lily. Both belong to the same plant family, Araceae, which is characterised by the spathe and spadix flower structure. This is the family that also includes peace lilies and anthuriums.

The confusion deepens with another related plant, the Italian Arum (Arum italicum). While it shares the family's signature flower form, it is grown more for its spectacular foliage than its bloom. The Italian Arum has large, arrow-shaped leaves with beautiful, creamy-white or silver veins that are incredibly striking. This plant provides the arrow-shaped leaf that people associate with calla lilies, but with much more decorative patterning.

Recognising the Italian Arum

The Italian Arum is a fascinating plant with a unique life cycle that sets it apart. Its beautiful foliage emerges in the autumn and remains lush and vibrant throughout the winter months, a time when many other garden plants are dormant. In the spring, it produces a flower. The spathe is typically a pale greenish-white and less showy than a calla lily's, often partially hidden by the leaves.

Following the flower, the plant's most dramatic feature appears in the summer. The foliage dies back, leaving behind a thick stalk covered in a dense cluster of bright, glossy red berries. This stalk of berries is highly ornamental but also toxic, so it's a plant to be sited with care, especially around children and pets. 

Because its main appeal is its winter foliage and summer berries, it is not a direct substitute for calla lily flowers in a bouquet, but it is an excellent garden plant for those who love the arrow-shaped leaves.

3. The Canna Lily

For a burst of fiery colour and a bold, tropical presence, look no further than the Canna Lily. Despite its common name, the canna is not a true lily at all. It belongs to its own family, Cannaceae. 

It is included here because its name often causes it to be grouped with calla lilies, and it offers a similarly statuesque, upright garden presence, making it a wonderful alternative for vibrant landscape design in Singapore.

Comparing Canna Lily vs. Calla Lily Flowers and Foliage

The primary difference lies in the flowers and foliage. Canna lily flowers are the complete opposite of the minimalist calla lily. They are large, frilly, and asymmetrical, blooming in vibrant shades of red, orange, yellow, and even pink. These showy flowers appear in clusters at the top of tall stalks, creating a dramatic and festive look. This is a far cry from the single, sleek bloom of a calla lily.

The foliage is equally dramatic and distinct. Canna lilies boast enormous, paddle-shaped leaves that resemble those of a banana plant. These leaves can be solid green, bronze, or variegated with stripes of cream, pink, or yellow. This lush, broad foliage is a world away from the slender, arrow-shaped leaves of the calla lily. The overall impression of a canna lily is one of abundant, tropical exuberance.

Growing Canna Lilies in Singapore

Canna lilies are perfectly suited to the climate in Singapore. They are sun-loving plants that thrive in the heat and humidity. Planted in a sunny spot with rich, moist soil, they will reward you with rapid growth and a continuous display of stunning flowers and foliage. 

They are fantastic for adding height and a bold splash of colour to garden beds, borders, or large containers on a patio. Their resilience and love for the sun make them a much easier choice for outdoor landscaping here than many calla lily varieties.

Canna Lilies in Floral Design

While canna lilies are primarily garden plants, their vibrant flowers and leaves can be used in large-scale floral arrangements. The flowers, with their bright colours and ruffled texture, can add a touch of the exotic to a large vase display. 

However, they do not have the long vase life or the elegant, simple form of a calla lily. The huge leaves, on the other hand, are prized by florists for creating a lush, tropical backdrop in arrangements, adding drama and structure.

4. The Anthurium

If you love the modern, glossy look of the calla lily's spathe but desire a pop of vibrant colour and a different shape, the Anthurium is the perfect choice. Also known as the Flamingo Flower or Painter's Palette, the anthurium is a popular and long-lasting houseplant that also excels as a cut flower. It shares the same basic flower structure as the calla lily, making it a close and stylish relative.

Anthurium vs. Calla Lily Appearance

The anthurium shares the iconic spathe and spadix structure of the entire Arum family. This is where its similarity to the calla lily begins and ends. The anthurium's spathe is not trumpet-shaped but is instead a flattened, open, heart-shaped plate. It has a brilliant, waxy sheen that can look almost artificial. The spadix is often straight or slightly curved and can be a contrasting colour, such as yellow or white.

Anthuriums are most famous for their brilliant red spathes, but they are also available in a wide array of other colours, including shades of pink, white, green, and even deep purple or chocolate. This variety, combined with its unique heart shape, makes it an incredibly versatile and eye-catching flower.

Anthurium Care for the Home

Anthuriums are excellent houseplants for Singapore's warm and humid environment. They thrive in bright, indirect light, much like the peace lily. Direct sun will scorch their leaves and fade their colourful spathes. 

They prefer to be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged, and they appreciate the high humidity that is naturally present in most local homes. With proper care, an anthurium plant will produce its stunning "flowers" year-round, with each individual bloom lasting for several weeks, if not months.

Why Anthuriums Work Well in Modern Arrangements

Florists adore anthuriums for their contemporary and architectural feel. Their clean lines, glossy texture, and bold shapes make them a perfect fit for modern, tropical, and minimalist floral designs. The stems are strong and sturdy, and their vase life is exceptionally long, often lasting for two to three weeks if cared for properly.

They can be used on their own for a simple, dramatic statement or paired with other tropicals like orchids, heliconias, and monstera leaves. An anthurium can stand in for a calla lily when a sleeker, more open shape is desired, and its range of colours allows for far more creative expression.

Understanding the Classic Calla Lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica)

Before exploring the alternatives, it is important to understand the flower we wish to emulate. The Calla Lily, known botanically as Zantedeschia aethiopica, is the very picture of elegance. Its beauty lies in its simplicity. What we often think of as the flower is not a petal at all, but a modified leaf called a spathe. This single, pristine spathe gracefully wraps around a central, finger-like spike called the spadix, which is where the true, tiny flowers are located.

This unique structure gives the calla lily its signature trumpet or funnel shape. Its form is sleek, modern, and undeniably sophisticated. This is why it is a favourite for high-end floral designs, particularly in wedding bouquets where it symbolises purity, devotion, and rebirth.

The long, strong stems and striking silhouette make it a standout choice that requires little else to make a powerful statement. Understanding these key features, the spathe, spadix, and trumpet shape, is essential for identifying its most convincing look-alikes.

Choosing Calla Lily Substitutes for a Wedding

The calla lily is a perennial favourite for weddings due to its symbolism and chic appearance. However, its cost and specific look may lead brides to search for alternative flowers for wedding bouquets. Finding a substitute is about identifying what specific quality of the calla lily you wish to replicate: its shape, its elegance, or its simplicity.

Flowers with a Similar Trumpet Shape

If it's the signature trumpet shape you love, there are a few other flowers that can evoke a similar silhouette. Some varieties of Longiflorum lilies, often called Easter Lilies, have large, white, trumpet-shaped blooms that offer a grander, more fragrant alternative. 

For a more delicate look, Lisianthus can be a wonderful choice. When the blooms are still partially closed, they have a beautiful, elongated bell shape. Certain varieties of tulips, particularly French tulips known for their incredibly long and flexible stems, can also provide a sleek, clean line in a bouquet.

Cheaper Alternatives to Calla Lilies for Bouquets

Cost is a significant factor in wedding planning. Calla lilies are often priced as a premium flower, so finding a more budget-friendly option is a common goal. White tulips are a classic and cost-effective substitute that provides a similar elegant and streamlined look, especially when used en masse. 

Lisianthus is another excellent choice, as it is generally more affordable than calla lilies and comes in a wide range of colours. For a modern, tropical wedding, using single anthurium stems can be both unique and economical, offering a high-impact look for a lower price per stem.

Pairing Flowers with Calla Lilies or Their Look-Alikes

Whether you choose calla lilies or one of their substitutes, they pair beautifully with a variety of other flowers. To soften their strong architectural lines, consider pairing them with softer, fuller blooms like roses, hydrangeas, or peonies. 

For a classic and elegant combination, white calla lilies mixed with white or blush roses and silver-green eucalyptus are timeless. For a more modern look, pair anthuriums with orchids and tropical leaves. The key is to create a balance between the structured shape of the calla lily or its look-alike and the other textural elements in the bouquet.

Conclusion On Calla Lily Look-Alikes

While the classic calla lily holds a special place for its unique sculptural beauty, it is clear that many stunning alternatives are available. The elegant peace lily offers similar grace for indoor enjoyment, while the anthurium provides a modern, colourful, and heart-shaped twist. For bold garden statements, the tropical canna lily is an unbeatable choice for its vibrant presence. 

Ultimately, choosing the right substitute depends entirely on the specific aesthetic, occasion, and level of care you wish to commit to. These wonderful look-alikes provide fantastic opportunities to capture a similar style while exploring the rich diversity of the botanical world.

A bouquet is a timeless expression of care, and a flower delivery in Singapore offers a simple and convenient method to get your message across. 

If you need help planning your wedding bouquet, contact us. We will be glad to help you pick the best combination to make your bridal bloom that much memorable.

Frequently Asked Questions About Calla Lily Look-Alikes

What Flower Is Often Mistaken for a Calla Lily?

The flower most often mistaken for a calla lily is the peace lily (Spathiphyllum). Both have a similar white, hood-like flower structure (a spathe) and a central spike (spadix), leading to frequent confusion, especially among houseplant enthusiasts.

What Is a Good Substitute for a Calla Lily?

A good substitute depends on the context. For a houseplant, the peace lily is an excellent choice. For a modern floral arrangement, the anthurium is a great substitute with its glossy spathe and long vase life. For wedding bouquets, white tulips or lisianthus can provide a similar elegant silhouette at a potentially lower cost.

What Is the Difference Between a Calla Lily and a Peace Lily?

The main differences are in the shape of the spathe and the foliage. A calla lily's spathe is a tightly rolled, trumpet shape, while a peace lily's is a broader, more open oval shape. Calla lily leaves are typically arrow-shaped, whereas peace lily leaves are glossy, oval, and create a bushier plant.

Are Canna Lilies and Calla Lilies the Same?

No, they are not the same. They belong to completely different plant families and look quite distinct. Calla lilies have a single, elegant, trumpet-shaped bloom. Canna lilies have large, ruffled, brightly coloured flowers that grow in clusters and feature large, paddle-like leaves similar to a banana plant.

What Flowers Look Like Lilies but Aren't?

Many flowers are called "lilies" but are not true lilies (from the genus Lilium). These include the calla lily, peace lily, canna lily, and the Peruvian lily (Alstroemeria). These plants have their common names due to a superficial resemblance in flower shape or growth habit to true lilies.

What Is a Cheaper Alternative to Calla Lilies for a Wedding?

Excellent, cheaper alternatives for a wedding bouquet include French tulips, which have long, elegant stems, and lisianthus, which offers a soft, romantic look with a similar graceful shape when in bud. Both options provide a sophisticated silhouette and are generally more budget-friendly than premium calla lilies.