It's All Greek (& Latin) to Me! How Do Houseplants Get Their Latin and Common Names?

Every plant has a Latin or scientific name, which follows a global system called binomial nomenclature. This system, established by Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus in the 18th century, provides plants with standardised names, recognised worldwide. These names consist of two parts: the genus and species, much like a plant's first and last name.

The Process of Taxonomic Classification

Taxonomic classification is a hierarchical process used to organise and name plants. The classification is done in eight major categories, which are as follows:

1. Domain
2. Kingdom
3. Division (for plants)
4. Class
5. Order
6. Family
7. Genus
8. Species

This system ensures each plant fits within a precise biological framework, making it easier to understand its relationships with other organisms.

Latin plant names are composed of two parts:

1. Genus

The first part, which refers to a group of closely related plants. For instance, in Monstera deliciosa, "Monstera" is the genus, derived from the Latin term 'monstrum', meaning 'monstrous / abnormal' which describes it's jungle-like growth nature.

The name Anthurium is of Greek derivation; the root words being 'anthos' and 'oura', meaning 'flower' and 'tail' respectively. This, of course, refers to the typical 'tail-like' Anthurium spadices that we all know so well.

Schismatoglottis roughly translates to 'split tongue' (referring to the characteristic splitting of the deciduous spathe).

Then, you have Cyrtosperma which approximates to 'curved seed', and Amorphophallus, which means 'shaped like a...'  well, you can probably take a guess...

2. Species

The species name - or specific epithet - often references diagnostic features of a species' morphology, and therefore can also tell you a lot about a houseplant's most prized characteristics. Such names as the Philodendron 'splendidum' and 'gloriosum' and 'deliciosa', are pretty self-explanatory, whereas others can be quite complex.

As well as favourable characteristics, Latin names often reflect a plant's:

Origin

Latin names often reflect a plant's origin, as seen in Saintpaulia (African Violet), which is named after the German botanist Walter Saint Paul who discovered it in Africa, and Strelitzia reginae (Bird of Paradise), which is named after Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, reflecting its native region of South Africa.

Colour

Colour-focused root words are also very commonly used. For example, the Philodendron Melanochrysum features two colour-based words: 'melano-' ( which translates to black) and 'chrys-' (which translates to gold).

Founder's Name

Plants are sometimes named after the botanist who discovered them or in honour of someone. The Monstera Burle Marx Flame is named after the renowned Brazilian landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx, who was known for his love of tropical plants (we will post a separate blog post on Burle!). These are usually denoted with a suffix. For example, the suffixes "-ense/-ensis" refer to the plant's origin, like Anthurium panamense (from Panama), and "-i/i/-anum-i/ae" honour individuals, such as Anthurium croati (named after American botanist and plant collector, Dr Thomas Croat).

Why Latin Names Matter

Using Latin names avoids confusion, as many plants have different common names depending on region or language. These names allow gardeners, scientists, and plant enthusiasts worldwide to communicate precisely about plants.

Where Do Plants Get their Common Names From?

Common names are the familiar, everyday names we use for plants. They can vary significantly based on culture, geography, and tradition. While easier to remember, they are often less precise. Multiple plants may share the same common name, or a single plant may have several different common names depending on where you are.

Common names often arise from Appearance, for example, the String of Turtles (Peperomia Prostrata) is named for its adorable shell-like leaves that are patterned closely to that resembling a turtle's shell. The Aeschynanthus radicans 'Rasta' gets it's common name of The Lipstick Plant from its red long blooms that resemble a lipstick tube.

Function or use is also a popular way in which plants get their common nickname. A few examples include the Venus Flytrap (Dionaea muscipula): This plant's name comes from its function as a trap for insects. Its leaves snap shut when triggered by prey, trapping and digesting the insects.

Another way that plants get their common names is through the cultural connotations that are often passed down through generations. A few examples include the Pachira Aquatica, commonly known as Money Tree and the Hoya Carnosa Compacta, commonly known as the Hindu Rope Plant.

The Pros and Cons of Common Names

While common names are more accessible, they can be somewhat misleading at times! For example, Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is often called Devil’s Ivy because it can thrive in low light, but that name doesn’t reflect its true botanical identity.

Multiple plants, same name... Similarly, the Scindapsus Pictus Silvery Ann is often referred to as the Satin Pothos, when they are two different species. This one even confuses growers, so you may end up buying a mislabelled plant at your local garden centre or supermarket!

In contrast, Latin names are unique to each species, helping to ensure accurate identification.

Why Do Plant Names Sometimes Change?

Plant names are not always set in stone. Over time, as botanists make new discoveries and refine their understanding of plant relationships, names can change to better reflect the plant’s true identity. Here are some key reasons why plant names are sometimes updated, along with examples of popular houseplants that have undergone such changes.

New Discoveries

With advancements in science, especially DNA analysis, botanists can now examine the genetic makeup of plants more precisely. This has led to the realisation that some plants may belong to a different genus or species than originally classified.

A well-known example is the Sansevieria genus, which includes popular houseplants like the Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata). After further genetic analysis, scientists discovered that Sansevieria species are more closely related to the Dracaena genus. As a result, many Sansevieria species have been reclassified under Dracaena. So, what was once Sansevieria trifasciata is now referred to as Dracaena trifasciata. Despite the name change, many enthusiasts still use the old name due to its familiarity.

Similarly, the Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides) was once thought to be part of a different genus but was reclassified after it was more closely studied. This reclassification wasn’t as widespread as the Sansevieria-to-Dracaena shift, but it highlights how new discoveries can lead to updated naming.

Reclassification

As botanists learn more about plant relationships, some species are reclassified to reflect updated understanding. This often happens when research shows that two plants thought to be separate are actually closely related, or when a genus is divided into new categories.

For years, many species in the genus Philodendron were misclassified and later moved to other genera like Homalomena. This happened as botanists found distinct differences between certain plants previously lumped together.

Standardisation

Sometimes, plant names are changed to resolve conflicts or clarify ambiguous names that may have been incorrectly used in the past. Naming plants is a complex process governed by strict rules to ensure that every plant has a unique, recognisable name. In some cases, two different plants may have been given the same name, or a plant’s name might have been used inconsistently.

The Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) is a great example of a plant that has seen its name adjusted for standardisation purposes. There were once several species under different names that referred to very similar plants. As the understanding of the Spider Plant’s taxonomy improved, botanists standardised its classification to ensure that only one scientifically recognized name was used.

The Dwarf Umbrella Plant (Schefflera arboricola) was once confused with its larger cousin, Schefflera actinophylla (also called the Umbrella Tree). Over time, botanists clarified the distinctions between these plants and standardised their names to avoid confusion. Previously, some nurseries mistakenly sold Schefflera arboricola under the name of its larger counterpart, but this has since been corrected. Accurate plant identification helps gardeners and botanists communicate more effectively about plant care, cultivation, and conservation. For houseplant enthusiasts, understanding both old and new names ensures you're purchasing and caring for the right species.

Closing thoughts

We hope this article helped to to better understand how houseplants get their Latin and common names and gives you a deeper appreciation for the plants we bring into our homes.

If you have a question related to one of your plant's name, feel free to drop us a DM on socials @growtropicals, or email us at hello@growtropicals.com. Our team of plant experts are always on hand to help.

And, if you're ready to take your plant collection to the next level, make sure to check out our Rare and Unusual Collection!