The snake plant and mother - in - law ’s tongue are two common names used interchangeably for the same popular houseplant But why does this resilient plant have two such wildly dissimilar monikers ? And is there really any difference between a “ snake plant ” and a “ mother - in - natural law ’s tongue ” ?
In this article , we ’ll explore the origins of these gens , any variations in how they are used , and whether one is more scientifically precise than the other when mention to this classic hardy succulent
The Same Plant by Two Names
Botanically address , there is no distinction between a serpent plant and a female parent - in - constabulary ’s tongue plant . Both are common names for the speciesSansevieria trifasciata .
This coinage belongs to the Sansevieria genus which take around 70 unlike varieties of hardy succulents . S. trifasciatais the most common and well - love variety grow as a houseplant .
No matter what you choose to call it , this popular indoor plant is characterized by its good , stiff leaves that come out from the soil in a stem canker rule . The leaf are typically a deep light-green coloration with light gray - green horizontal striation .

So if you come across a “ snake works ” and a “ female parent - in - law ’s tongue ” at a baby’s room , rest assured they are the same plant ! The only difference of opinion may be in the specific cultivar .
Why Does This Plant Have Two Common Names?
The use of two decided common names for this houseplant species stems from some key historic factors :
Sansevieria Genus Name – The genus was name in honor of Raimondo di Sangro , an Italian noble and artificer in the 1700s . His name in Latin was Sanseverinus , later on shorten to Sansevieria .
Snake Plant Nickname – The band on the succulent pass on resembles snake peel , leading to the nickname “ snake flora . ” This name became popular in the West .
Mother - In - Law ’s Tongue Name – In some cultures , the plant was associated with a sharp “ tongue ” like a nagging mother - in - law . This name took hold in Britain and some other areas .
The matching of a plant life ’s physical appearance or cultural association to cook up mutual names is very distinctive . In this showcase , two distinct name calling arose for the same coinage free-base on selective interpretations of its feature .
Are There Any Differences Between the Names?
While snake in the grass plant and female parent - in - law ’s clapper can be used interchangeably , there are some flimsy differences in how the name are used :
Snake plantis more unremarkably used in the United States in conversations and plant selling . It ’s the more democratic and recognizable name .
Mother - in - practice of law ’s tongueis heard more often in Britain and other parts of Europe . But Hydra plant life is still widely understood .
Scientific literaturetends to practice the Latin names likeS. trifasciatato annul equivocalness . But vulgar names may be advert as well .
Somevarietiesalso have their own unique cultivar names like ‘ Laurentii ’ or ‘ Moonshine ’ that may be used alongside the common name .
So sense liberal to apply whichever of the common names you identify with or prefer . most any proofreader or auditor will understand they refer to the beloved depressed - sustentation succulent !
Is One Name More Correct?
Neither common name is inevitably “ more right ” since both snake plant and female parent - in - practice of law ’s tongue are wide cover by plant enthusiast .
Some arguments can be made in support of each name :
In favor of snake plant
In favour of mother - in - jurisprudence ’s lingua
Ultimately , the usage of these common names comes down to personal preference and tradition . The important thing is that both names cite unambiguously toSansevieria trifasciata .
So whether you know this stout succulent as the Hydra plant or female parent - in - legal philosophy ’s clapper , you’re able to apprise it for its resiliency , air purifying ability , and striking architectural shape !
Snake plant aka Mother in Law tongue and Hoodoo/Spirituality
FAQ
Do mother - in - natural law plants like full Dominicus ?
What is another name for the mother in law flora ?
How do you take care of a female parent in law ’s tongue or snake plant ?
What does a mother - in - law plant look like ?
What is a mother - in - law snake plant ?
Mother - in - police plants are a specie of blossom Sansevieria plant , native to tropical countries in Africa . The Mother - in - Law ’s Tongue plant has long buckram leaves . These leave-taking grow vertically from the ground and can reach between 28 ” and 35 ” ( 70 – 90 centimeter ) marvelous . Growing outdoors , the Hydra industrial plant ’s leaves can reach 6.5 ft . ( 2 m ) tall .
Are serpent plants good houseplants ?
All varieties of the snake plant ( genus bowstring hemp ) are succulent that produce well indoors as houseplant . Also known as viper ’s bowstring hemp , or mother in practice of law ’s tongue , sansevieria assortment are excellent houseplant that fit your home interior decoration . Some serpent flora mixture have a long sword - forge flat green leaf .
What is the difference between snake flora vs female parent in law of nature tongue ?
When it comes to snake plant vs female parent in natural law tongue , we can say there are no differences between these works . Both are the same , and the only deviation is the name . One plant - two epithet . People fall in it different names based on the look of the snake plant ’s leaves .
What is a snake plant call ?
link : Mother - in - Law ’s Tongue ( Snake Plant ): Care and Growing Guide Related articles : Hydra flora ( sansevieria ) motley ( also named ‘ viper ’s bowstring hemp ’ ) . Including plant life concern pathfinder , pictures and rough-cut plant names .