Short answer: Sensation is a peace lily
“Sensation” (Spathiphyllum ‘Sensation’) is a large cultivar of peace lily, often sold as a giant peace lily. It is not a separate species or an alternative plant, so the comparison is really about big peace lilies versus smaller, standard peace lilies. Sources describe it as a different variety rather than just a mature peace lily, and it can reach roughly six feet tall and almost as wide in ideal conditions.
Both are sold as easy plants, and both are toxic to pets and people (see below).
Key differences
| Sensation | Typical peace lily | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large, statement plant; can grow tall and wide | Smaller, tabletop to floor sizes |
| Leaves | Big, ridged emerald leaves | Smaller, glossy leaves |
| Flowers | Large white spathes | White spathes, often smaller |
| Space needed | Plenty | Modest |
Check plant labels, since names are used loosely by sellers.
Care they share
- Light: both tolerate lower light than many houseplants (see easy low-light houseplants), but do best with medium to bright indirect light. Flowering is more likely in brighter indirect light. Avoid direct sun, which can burn leaves.
- Water: keep evenly moist. Both tend to droop noticeably when thirsty and usually recover after watering, though repeated wilting stresses the plant. They are generally easier on over-waterers than on neglect-prone owners, but soggy soil still causes root rot.
- Temperature: normal household range, roughly 64 to 80 F (18 to 27 C). Avoid cold drafts.
- Humidity: higher humidity, ideally above about 50 percent, helps prevent crisp leaf tips.
- Repotting: roughly annually for faster-growing plants, or when roots fill the pot or water drains away quickly.
Why peace lilies can be hard to keep alive
- Letting them dry out repeatedly
- Overwatering or poor drainage
- Dry air and tap water mineral build-up, causing brown tips
- Too little light, which reduces flowering
- Cold drafts
Many “dying” peace lilies are simply thirsty and perk up soon after a thorough watering.
Is it a good bedroom plant?
There is no single “healthiest” bedroom plant. Plants may make a room feel nicer, but claims about major air purification or sleep benefits from a few houseplants are not well supported. For other options, see the best plants for bedrooms. A better question is safety and practicality: a large Sensation takes up floor space, and any peace lily needs to be kept out of reach of children and pets who might chew it.
Toxicity warning
Peace lilies, including Sensation, contain calcium oxalate crystals. Chewing or swallowing leaves or flowers can cause mouth and throat irritation, drooling, vomiting, and swelling, and they are considered toxic to cats, dogs, and people. They are not true lilies, but they can still harm pets, and cats in particular are often considered at risk of mouth and stomach irritation. Keep them out of reach of pets and small children, or choose a pet-safe alternative. If you suspect ingestion, contact your veterinarian, a poison control service, or a doctor promptly.
Which should you choose?
- Pick Sensation if you have a bright, roomy corner and want a dramatic floor plant.
- Pick a standard peace lily if space is limited.
- Pick neither if toddlers or curious pets can reach the plant.
Other aroids on this site include philodendrons and indoor Alocasia, which share the same oxalate safety concern.