Those are common names......not real plant names. And since common names evolve over time and by region or locale, you can't actually "change" them although sometimes popularity will have a localized influence. And that is what Mike is remarking on......the propensity of know-nothing YouTubers to make things up as they go along. They are not actual changes at all.

Otherwise, official binomial plant names are only changed by taxonomists.

Dave,

Ol' Fiddle Leaf's catch is three so far - if contentious posts are made, the catch weighs slightly heavier.

gg,

He's not so much remarking on it as he is representative of it. Your last sentence, however, is not fully correct. Botanists also do this.

easy and non-offensive., we should all be using

Botanists recommend changes but taxonomists make the final decisions.

Thank you, floral. Botanists are the folks that usually determine a reason why to change a name - taxonomists are the ones that actually make the change.

" easy and non-offensive., we should all be using "

They are silly and childish. "wondering dude".....seriously??!! And there is nothing offensive about their current common names.

I have friends who have found new plants and described them. They are first and foremost botanists who also untangle taxonomy, when necessary, to right a taxonomic wrong. I'd venture that there are botanists who also taxonomize, and taxonomists who also botanize, but precious few of both.

How old is MTFLFG?

Hiya Rhizo, long time no see.,

I wondered that some time ago, that likely he was a teenager.

Not much new since you last posted this topic in September Mike....

https://www.houzz.com/discussions/5796136/wandering-jew-renamed-to-wondering-dude

sanserveria to dracaena

calathea to geoppertia

senecio to curio

Those are legitimate reclassifications or name changes based on plant genetics and approved by taxonomists.......not some arbitrary, pull out of the air "new" common name made up by a bunch of YouTubers.

Big difference!!

@Mike the Fiddle Leaf Fig Guy

Given your name, figured you could help with my post. I got no answer so far :(

Here is the link:

https://www.houzz.com/discussions/5866135/help-my-new-ficus-lyrata-is-not-doing-well#n=1

Christian, pls don't do that, pls stick to your prior thread & KINDLY HAVE SOME PATIENCE. We are not professionals nor do we provide instant or overnight service, just so you know.

Regardless of this guy's name, he knows very little about plants & mostly kills his, then comes here for help in a panic w/ his dead or dying plants.. Is that really the help you want?

His original question has received a response from very likely the best possible and most knowledgeable source available!! If he reads it thoroughly and takes it to heart, he should be good to go for just about any indoor plant!!

The dividing line between taxonomists and botanists is a bit blury. There are a lot of botanists who don't consider themselves as taxonomists but they describe and publish new species or revisions. As long as no one pokes holes in their reasoning it's accepted.

Common names are often invented by nurseries/growers who want to give some form of exclusivity to their products for marketing reasons. Many people who buy these 'exclusive' plants will cling to the new names as a matter of pride. However, anyone can change a common name, whether it 'sticks' or not is another matter.