What is a Mother in Law Tongue Plant
The mother-in-law’s tongue, more commonly known as the snake plant, is one of the most recognizable and resilient houseplants in the world.
It was the bold, upright leaves that first caught my attention—tall, sharp, and almost sculptural.
But what really sold me was how effortlessly it thrived, even in corners most plants would give up on.
No drama, no constant watering, just steady growth and a strong presence.
Over time, I started hearing it called by another name: mother-in-law’s tongue.
At first, I laughed it off, but the name stuck—and so did the curiosity.
Why that name?
And can this low-maintenance beauty actually bloom?
Let’s dig into what makes this plant so iconic.
I remember the first time someone told me the name “snake plant.”
I honestly thought it sounded a little dramatic—but once you really look at the leaves, it makes perfect sense.
The long, pointed shape and those dark green wave-like patterns really do resemble a snake slithering through grass.
It’s one of those nicknames that sticks, and I’ve found that most people remember it easier than its botanical name.
That said, if you’ve ever come across the term Sansevieria, you might’ve wondered whether it’s the same plant.
I had that same question too, and I broke it down in this post: 👉 Is a Sansevieria a Snake Plant? — just in case you’re curious about the naming history and how it all fits together.
Personally, I’ve always preferred the name “mother-in-law’s tongue.”
There’s something oddly accurate about it—the plant is tough, sharp, and definitely knows how to hold its ground. 😅
But no matter what you call it, this is one houseplant that earns its spot with looks and personality alone.
🐍 Name Trivia:
The “snake plant” name comes from the leaf’s pattern—like a snake’s scales. Not nearly as scary, though.
🧪 Weird Plant Trick:
A slightly rootbound snake plant is more likely to bloom. Don’t rush to repot it too soon!
For the longest time, I had no idea this plant could even bloom.
It just sat there being its usual stoic self—tough, upright, and green. Then one day, out of nowhere, a single tall stalk popped up with tiny white buds. I actually had to double-check that it was real. 😄
Turns out, mother-in-law’s tongue can bloom, but it doesn’t do it often.
When it does, the flowers are usually small, creamy white, and sometimes even fragrant.
They grow on a long, skinny shoot that rises above the leaves—like a quiet little celebration. 🎉🌸
What’s funny is that blooming often happens when the Snake Plant is slightly stressed—like when it’s rootbound or hasn’t been watered in a while.
It’s almost like the plant goes, “Well, I guess now’s the time.”
I’ve had this happen to one of mine that I kind of forgot about in a corner (oops 😅), and sure enough—it bloomed!
If you’re curious about what triggers that rare bloom, there’s a moment I shared in more detail when one of my snake plants surprised me with flowers, along with the quirky conditions that might help it happen again. 🪴✨
And if your plant hasn’t bloomed yet, don’t worry—it doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong.
Honestly, mine went years before showing any flowers, and it’s still one of the easiest, most rewarding plants I’ve ever kept. 💚
💡 Pro Tip:
Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth every now and then. It keeps them shiny and helps them breathe better.
Embrace the spirit of horticulture and spread the seeds of wisdom
One Response
Love how you highlighted the resilience of the mother-in-law’s tongue—it’s definitely one of the easiest plants to care for, even for beginners. I’ve had one thrive in a low-light hallway for years with minimal attention, which really speaks to its hardiness. Would be great to see more on outdoor growing conditions too!