Moses In The Cradle Plant Care
Tradescantia spathacea Sw.
Tradescantia spathacea, also called the oyster plant, boatlily or 'Moses-in-the-cradle', is an herb in the Commelinaceae family which was first described in 1788. It is native to Central America.
Every 7â10 days
Bright indirect light to partial shade
60â80°F
40â60%
What Is the Moses In The Cradle?
Moses In The Cradle (Tradescantia spathacea) belongs to the Commelinaceae family within the Tradescantia genus. Moses In The Cradle is native to Central America. Moses In The Cradle is also known as Moses-in-the-Cradle, Oyster Plant, Boat Lily.
Moses In The Cradle displays a trailing or spreading perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1 inches tall with a spread of approximately 2 inches. Moses In The Cradle produces small, three-petaled flowers in various colors like purple, pink, or white.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Moses In The Cradle?
Tradescantia spathacea requires watering every 7â10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7â10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Moses In The Cradle Need?
Moses In The Cradle thrives in bright indirect light to partial shade light conditions. The optimal light range is 100â500 lux. Avoid placing Moses In The Cradle in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light to partial shade
100â500 lux
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Moses In The Cradle Prefer?
Tradescantia spathacea grows best at temperatures between 60°F and 80°F. Moses In The Cradle prefers humidity levels of 40â60%.
Temperature
60â80°F
Humidity
40â60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Moses In The Cradle?
Well-draining potting mix with added perlite for aeration. Good drainage is essential for Moses In The Cradle to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Moses In The Cradle?
Repot annually in spring to refresh soil and promote growth. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Moses In The Cradle?
Moses In The Cradle can be propagated through stem cuttings, division, or seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to wandering jew plant plant care, which shares the same genus.
Fertilizing
Every 4 months
During the growing season
Is the Moses In The Cradle Toxic to Pets and Children?
Non-Toxic
Non-toxic to humans and pets
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Moses In The Cradle?
Moses In The Cradle is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Moses In The Cradle Need?
Moses In The Cradle grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a â 11b. Native to Central America, Moses In The Cradle is adapted to warm climates. In cooler regions, grow Moses In The Cradle as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9a â 11b
Keep exploring plants
Moses In The Cradle is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Tradescantia genus â compare its care with other Tradescantia species on PlantoScan.
Moses In The Cradle thrives in bright light and direct sun â see other bright-light plants.
More Tradescantia Species
Other Tradescantia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
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