Tradescantia Spathacea 'Moses-in-the-Cradle'
Best low-maintenance statement plant for indoor gardening beginners.
The Rhoeo, also known as Moses-in-the-Cradle, is a vibrant and easy-care evergreen plant. It features striking sword-like leaves with a colorful blend of white, green, and pink, complemented by deep purple undersides, which are best maintained with adequate light. This fast-growing plant thrives in bright, indirect light and average home temperatures. It produces small white flowers when conditions are favorable. Water when the topsoil is dry, and prune dead leaves as needed. Its vining, trailing growth habit makes it a versatile addition to any indoor space.
$12.50
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
1100
/ 2887
#1100 in Plants
Price vs Category Average
-71%
Below average
Botanical Name
Tradescantia Spathacea, Rhoeo Spathacea
/ Tradescantia Spathacea, Rhoeo Spathacea
Who it's for
- Interior decorators seeking high-contrast botanical accents
- Busy plant parents needing low-maintenance greenery
- Budget-conscious collectors wanting to expand their indoor jungle
Who should skip it
- Pet owners and parents of curious toddlers
- Apartment dwellers lacking sufficient natural light
- Over-attentive waterers prone to killing plants with kindness
Performance breakdown
Beginner Friendliness
Forgiving care requirements make this an ideal choice for novice gardeners.
Foliage Vibrancy
Striking tri-color leaves and deep purple undersides provide high visual impact.
Growth Rate
Rapid development rewards owners with a lush, full plant quickly.
Propagation Ease
Simple stem cuttings allow for effortless expansion of your collection.
Light Adaptability
Requires bright, indirect light to maintain its most intense color patterns.
Versatility
Trailing habit works beautifully in hanging baskets or elevated shelf displays.
Key Specs
Botanical Name
Tradescantia Spathacea, Rhoeo Spathacea
Pronunciation
trad-es-KAN-tee-uh
Common Name
Moses-in-the-Cradle, Moses-in-a-Basket, Boat lily, or Oyster Plant, Tricolor
Native Range
Southern Mexico and Central America
Care Level
Easy
Light
Prefers bright, indirect light
Water
Allow the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry out between watering
Temperature
55-80F
Know before you buy
This plant thrives in bright, indirect light. If the light is too low, the vibrant pink and white variegation may fade, and the leaves will lose their deep purple undersides.
Check the soil by sticking your finger about 1 to 2 inches deep. If the soil feels dry at that depth, it is time to water; if it is still damp, wait a few more days.
Yes, it is considered an easy-care plant. It is quite resilient and grows quickly, making it a great choice for someone new to indoor gardening.
It can be grown outdoors in warm climates where temperatures stay between 55°F and 80°F. In colder regions, it is best kept as an indoor houseplant.
The plant produces small white flowers when it is happy and receiving adequate light. Consistency with your light and watering routine is the best way to encourage blooming.
Yes, it is very easy to propagate. You can simply take stem cuttings and place them in water or directly into moist soil to grow new plants.
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$12