At 40 Day Living, we believe plant names should celebrate beauty, life and community; not perpetuate harmful ideas. You may know Tradescantia zebrina by a name historically used in the nursery trade: “Wandering Jew.” We want to be clear: we have never used that name and will never use it. Here’s why.

The Harmful History Behind the Name

The term “Wandering Jew” originates from a 13th-century European folktale about a man who, according to the legend, taunted Jesus on the way to the crucifixion and was cursed to walk the Earth until Christ’s return. Over time, this legend became a tool to promote anti-Semitic stereotypes, reinforcing harmful narratives about Jewish people as “forever outsiders” or “eternal wanderers.”

While some may use the term today without knowing its origins, its history is tied to centuries of prejudice and persecution. Words matter, and we believe it’s important to choose names that uplift rather than harm.

Our Chosen Name: Inch Plant

Instead of repeating a name with a painful backstory, we call this plant by one of its neutral, descriptive alternatives: Inch Plant. You may also see it labeled as Tradescantia zebrina or spiderwort. These names focus on the plant’s traits, its trailing stems and lush, colorful foliage, without carrying negative associations.

Why It Matters to Us

At 40 Day Living, the way we speak about plants is part of how we show respect for people, cultures and the natural world. We want our customers to know that we’re intentional about the words we use. This isn’t about following a trend, it’s about standing by our values of inclusivity, thoughtfulness and care.