At 40 Day Living, we believe plant names should celebrate beauty, which is why we call Tradescantia Inch Plant. 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 we say Inch Plant instead and why it matters to you as a plant lover and gardener.
The Harmful History Behind the Name
The term “Wandering Jew” originates from a 13th-century European folktale about a man who, according to legend, taunted Jesus on the way to the crucifixion and was cursed to walk the Earth until Christ’s return.
Over time, this story fueled anti-Semitic stereotypes, portraying Jewish people as “forever outsiders” or “eternal wanderers.” Though some use the term today without knowing its origins, it’s inseparable from centuries of prejudice and persecution.
At 40 Day Living, we believe words matter. Our gardens and plant shop are spaces for joy, not harm.
Our Chosen Common Name: Inch Plant
Instead of repeating a name with a painful backstory, we call this plant Inch Plant. You may also see it labeled as:
- Tradescantia zebrina (botanical name)
- Spiderwort (family name)
- Purple Heart (alternative common names in some regions)
We focus on names that describe the plant’s traits: trailing stems, jewel-toned leaves and easy growth habits; without carrying negative associations.
Ready to grow your own Tradescantia? Explore our selection of live Inch Plants.
Why It Matters to Us
The way we speak about plants is part of how we show respect for people, cultures, and the natural world. For us, this isn’t about following a trend. It’s about living our values of inclusivity, thoughtfulness and care.
When you shop with us, you’re not just getting a beautiful houseplant, you’re also supporting a nursery that honors history, community and conscious gardening.
Words carry weight and the names we use shape how future generations think about both plants and people. By choosing to use respectful names, we create a gardening culture where everyone feels welcome and seen.
For us, selling Tradescantia under thoughtful, inclusive names is a small but meaningful way to cultivate beauty without harm; a reminder that even everyday choices, like how we label a plant, can reflect kindness and integrity.
Care Tips for Your Inch Plant
Want to bring home a lush Tradescantia Inch Plant? Here’s how to keep it thriving:
- Light: Bright, indirect sunlight brings out the deepest leaf colors.
- Water: Keep the soil lightly moist, never soggy.
- Growth Habit: Fast-growing, trailing stems that look stunning in hanging baskets.
- Propagation: Easy to grow new plants from cuttings in water or soil.
→ Shop Tradescantia Inch Plants
At 40 Day Living, we’re more than a nursery, we’re rooted in purpose. This work isn’t just about selling plants; it’s about building something meaningful from the ground up, even when the path isn’t always easy. Every plant we grow and every story we share is part of that larger purpose: to nurture life with intention.
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