How to Grow and Care for Moses in the Cradle

Moses in the Cradle (Tradescantia spathacea), also known as Oyster Plant or Boat Lily, is a popular houseplant. It is recognized for its distinctive foliage, which features a striking combination of dark green on the upper surface and a vibrant purple on the underside. This visual contrast and its uncomplicated care make it a favored plant for indoor growing. The plant forms dense clumps of sword-like leaves in an upright rosette pattern.

Moses in the Cradle Care Requirements

Light

To maintain its rich leaf color, this plant requires a location with bright, indirect light. An east-facing window is a suitable spot, providing morning light without the harsh afternoon sun that can scorch the leaves. If the plant’s stems become leggy, it indicates a need for more light. Too much direct sunlight can cause the vibrant purple and green hues to fade.

Soil

Tradescantia spathacea requires a well-draining potting medium to prevent its roots from becoming waterlogged. An all-purpose potting soil that is loose and allows water to pass through freely is ideal. A mixture containing peat moss and perlite can provide good aeration and drainage, which supports healthy root development.

Water

Maintain consistent soil moisture, but avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. Water the plant thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Continue until water exits the drainage holes, and be sure to discard any excess water from the saucer. Using filtered or distilled water is beneficial, as minerals in tap water may cause brown leaf tips.

Temperature and Humidity

This plant prospers in average indoor temperatures between 60 and 85°F (16-29°C). It is sensitive to cold and must be protected from frost. As a tropical native, it appreciates higher humidity levels. If the air in your home is dry, you can increase humidity by misting the leaves or placing the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water.

Fertilizer

This plant has modest fertilizer needs. During its active growing season in the spring and summer, apply a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer once a month. It is advisable to dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength. In the fall and winter, reduce feeding frequency as the plant’s growth slows.

Propagating Moses in the Cradle

Propagating this plant is done through division. The plant naturally produces offsets, or “pups,” which are smaller plants that emerge around its base. The best time to perform this is during the spring when the plant is in an active growth phase.

To begin, remove the entire plant from its container to get a clear view of the root system and pups. Gently loosen the soil to expose where the pups connect to the mother plant. Identify offsets that have developed their own root systems for the best chance of survival.

Using your hands or a clean tool, carefully separate the pups from the main root ball, ensuring each new division has roots attached. Pot these newly separated plants into their own containers with fresh, well-draining soil. Water them thoroughly and place them in bright, indirect light to encourage new growth.

Common Problems

If you notice the plant’s stems becoming long and stretched with sparse leaves, it is likely not receiving enough light. Moving the plant to a location with brighter, indirect light can resolve this. Browning of the leaf tips is another frequent concern, often caused by low humidity or minerals from tap water.

A fading of the vibrant leaf color can be a sign of either too much or too little light. Scorched or pale leaves may be receiving excessive direct sunlight, while a dulling of the purple underside can indicate insufficient light. The most serious issue is root rot, which results from overwatering. Symptoms include yellowing leaves and a collapsed stem.

Toxicity Information

Tradescantia spathacea is toxic to both pets and humans if ingested. The plant’s sap contains calcium oxalate crystals, which cause irritation. For pets like cats and dogs, ingesting the leaves can lead to mouth irritation, drooling, and digestive upset.

The sap may also cause skin irritation or contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals. It is advisable to wear gloves when pruning or propagating the plant. Due to these toxic properties, the plant should be placed safely out of reach of children and pets.