Moses in the Cradle (Tradescantia spathacea)

Moses in the Cradle HousePlants, Tradescantia spathacea, (alternative names include: Moses-in-a-Boat, Boat Lily, Cradle Lily, Moses-in-the-Bullrushes, Oyster Plant, Rhoeo discolor) are attractive easy care houseplants native to Mexico, the West Indies, and Central America. Moses In the Cradle HousePlants produce rosettes of long ,waxy, sword-shaped leaves that are glossy green on top and a rich purple on the under side. The very small three petaled white flowers of Moses-in-the-Cradle HousePlants are tucked away in a purple boat shaped bract in the leaf axil. This gives Moses-in-the-Cradle Houseplants their many common names. Treat Moses-in-the-Cradle HousePlants as you would Succulent Plants and it will grow beautifully.

LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS: Moses in the Cradle Houseplants like very bright light for at least 6-8 hours a day.

CARE INSTRUCTIONS WATER: Allow the top inch or two of soil in Moses in the Cradle Houseplants to dry out before watering. Keep the soil of Moses in the Cradle Plants drier during the winter when house plants are not actively growing.

FERTILIZER: Feed Moses in the Cradle HousePlants monthly in the spring and summer with a well- balanced plant food at 1/2 the recommended strength.

TEMPERATURE: 60-85 degrees (16-19C) is the best temperature for Moses-in-the- Cradle HousePlants. Moses in the Cradle Plants, or Oyster Plants as they are sometimes called, like to be a little cooler at night.

HUMIDITY: Moses in the Cradle HousePlants prefer medium to high humidity.

FLOWERING: Moses in the Cradle HousePlants produces small inconsequential three pedaled white flowers. 

PESTS: spider mites and Mealy Bugs are the two main houseplant pests that may infest Moses in the Cradle Houseplants.

DISEASES: Because Moses in Cradle HousePlants like high humidity, root rot and leaf spot are two houseplant diseases that affect the plant.

SOIL: Use a good potting soil for Moses in the Cradle Houseplants that retains moisture yet drains quickly.