Tradescantia spathacea

Moses-in-the-cradle

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Taxonomy

Family Commelinaceae · Genus Tradescantia

Description

Tradescantia spathacea, also known as Moses‑in‑the‑cradle, is a tough, colorful plant with green tops and purple undersides on its sword‑shaped leaves. It thrives with minimal care indoors or as a vibrant, low groundcover in warm climates.

Common Names

Moses-in-the-cradleBoat lilyOyster plantRhoeoMoses-in-a-basket

Context

nativeRegion

Mesoamerica: Southern Mexico to Guatemala and Belize; widely naturalized in the tropics/subtropics.

usdaZones

9-12

companionPlants

Cordyline, Croton (Codiaeum), Bromeliads, Coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides), Caladium, Asparagus fern, Begonia, Philodendron, Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

culturalUses

Popular as an ornamental houseplant and groundcover/edging in warm climates; occasionally noted in folk medicine; can be invasive in frost-free areas.

Care

Care Requirements

LightBright, indirect light to partial sun. Tolerates light shade; best color in bright light. Avoid harsh midday sun behind glass.

WateringWater when the top 1 inch (2–3 cm) of soil is dry. Reduce in winter. Some drought tolerance; avoid soggy soil to prevent rot.

SoilWell-draining potting mix with perlite/pumice; peat or coco coir base. Slightly acidic to neutral (approx. pH 6.0–7.0).

FertilizerBalanced liquid fertilizer at half strength every 4–6 weeks in spring–summer. Pause in winter; flush soil periodically to prevent salt buildup.

HumidityAverage home humidity is fine (40–60%). Increase slightly if leaf tips brown.

TemperatureIdeal 65–85°F (18–29°C). Protect from drafts; avoid below 50–55°F (10–13°C).

Growth & Life Cycle

HabitEvergreen, clumping, rosette-forming perennial with succulent-like leaves; forms dense mats.

Mature Size6–12 in tall and 12–24+ in wide (15–30 cm tall, 30–60+ cm wide).

Growth RateFast-growing under warm, bright conditions.

BloomingSmall white flowers nestled in boat-shaped bracts; sporadic to year-round in warm zones; not particularly showy.

DormancyNo true dormancy; growth slows in cool, low-light months.

Propagation

MethodsStem cuttings (water or soil), Division of clumps, Offsets, Seed (uncommon)

DifficultyEasy

Best SeasonSpring to early summer

Maintenance & Notes

PruningPinch or tip-prune to keep compact and encourage offsets; trim leggy or damaged leaves. Wear gloves—sap may irritate skin.

RepottingRepot every 1–2 years in spring or when rootbound; use a slightly wider pot and refresh well-draining mix.

Pests & DiseasesSpider mites, mealybugs, scale, and aphids; root rot from overwatering; leaf spot and salt burn can brown tips.

ToxicityMildly toxic; sap may irritate skin. Ingestion can cause oral/GI irritation in pets and people. Keep away from pets and children.

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