It needs to be planted in areas where there is maximum sunlight. 123k members in the plants community. Average, well-drained to dry soil is fine. USE IN: Great as a ground-cover for dry areas and rockeries.Suitable as a patio plant in small containers. Since then, it has become naturalized in tropical areas of the US such as Florida, Louisiana, Texas and Hawaii. Because it spreads so readily, it also makes a good ground cover. Alternatively, the bracts also resemble boats, giving the plant its other nickname, Boat Lily. The leaves can grow to a length of about 12 to 18 inches (30.5 to 76 cm) and are approximately 3 inches (7.6 cm) wide at their widest point. Gardeners in zones colder than 9, grow this lovely plant as a houseplant. OPEN 7 DAYS     |     Rhoeo is a common border or edging plant in tropical or subtropical gardens. Moses-in-the-cradle is a perennial clumping plant native to southern Mexico, and Central America, and grows to approximately 30 cm (11.8 inches). Drought tolerant once established Rhoeo do not like frost prone positions. Does not suffer any major pest issues but is vulnerable to rot if kept too wet over winter. It can cause contact dermatitis when in contact with bare skin and is highly irritating if eaten. Native to Central America and hardy in USDA zones 9 through 12, the plant cannot tolerate cold temperatures and is typically grown as a houseplant in most of the United States. Rhoeo ‘Moses in a Cradle’ Rhoeo spathacea or ‘ Moses in a Cradle’ and Rhoeo discolor compacta are two of the species for sale, both are a low growing clump forming foliage plant grown widely in tropical and sub tropical areas as a ground cover plant. The plant thrives with regular watering, but keeping the soil too wet can encourage disease problems, such as root rot. Each leaf is 3 inches wide and 12 inches long. It is often grown in hanging baskets or used as a border plant. A beautiful rosette of spiky foliage that adds great texture and color to any room. Whatever you call it, Rhoeo makes an excellent and fast growing ground cover in the garden. Its colourful foliage makes it a useful plant for adding foliage contrast around the garden. It is not frost tolerant and also becomes prone to rotting off if kept too wet in winter. There are various cultivars of Rhoeo, the most popular being the dwarf purple form. Moses in the Cradle (Tradescantia spathacea) There are two proven ways how Moses in the Cradle (Tradescantia Spathacea) can easily be propagated: through plant division or stem cuttings . Rhoeo Dwarf - cradle of Moses or Moses in the cradle APPEARANCE: Intensely coloured deep-purple and green foliage with a compact growth habit and spreading nature. It will irritate your lips, tongue and throat as well as cause pain in your mouth and stomach. If you are looking for the easiest way to propagate this beautiful plant, you should go for plant division. What makes Moses in the cradle especially attractive is its foliage. Others include Stripe-Me-Pink (dwarf varigated), vittata variegata (yellow variegated) and ‘Gold’ (all yellow). It was discovered by Europeans in 1788. New bought or recently repotted plants don’t need to be fed for the first year. Its sword-like leaves remain dark green in color with prominent white stripes and tinges of purple throughout the year. The easiest way to propagate a Moses plant is by cutting stems or dividing the roots. This is a drought tolerant plant so allow it to dry out slightly between waterings. Moses-in-the-cradle propagation is by stem cuttings, root division, or seeds. If you wish to move it outdoors during the summer, make sure it is in partial shade with only 2 or 3 hours of direct sunlight each day. Moses-in-the-cradle, also known as oyster plant, Moses-in-a-boat or Moses-in-the-bullrushes, is an herbaceous perennial with a dense, spreading growth habit. Moses in the Cradle plants (Tradescantia spathacea) have many alternative names such as Moses-in-a-Boat, Boat Lily, Cradle Lily, Moses-in-the-Bullrushes, and Oyster plant. Variegata, also called Tricolor, has leaves that are striped with white and pink. Tradescantia spathacea. Do not eat this plant. Caren White is a Master Gardener and instructor at Home Gardeners School. Moses in the cradle reproduces both by seed and offsets. Rhoeo does best in part sun on rich well-drained soils. The only thing that really bothers it is the cold. Gardeners value the plant for its attractive, sword … 174 Dowding St Oxley, Brisbane, OPEN 7 DAYS   |   174 Dowding St. Oxley, Brisbane. She has been associated with Rutgers Gardens for over a decade. Use pieces of stem 4-6″ in length with at least three leaves on each piece. As a child, I accepted it. Moses in the Cradle plants are considered toxic to humans and pets. Using a sharp knife, cut the offsets that have roots from the parent plant. The flowers grow at the base of the leaves in bracts that look like tiny boats. Produces small white flowers at the base of the leaves that are protected by two cup-like bracts. Plant it in an area that is partly shady, only receiving 2 or 3 hours of direct sunlight each day. Too much water can cause root rot. Moses in the cradle (Tradescantia spathacea variegata) aka Moses in a boat is a favorite houseplant known for its eye-catching foliage. If you like, you can feed it once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer such 10-10-10. Propagate by seed or by dividing the offsets. It will form a clump, but lacks the stolons that other Tradescantia use to spread rapidly across the ground. The top 1 – 2 inches of soil should be dry before you water it again. LOCATION: Prefers a part shade position to hold its colour better. Moses in the cradle is hardy in zones 9 – 12 where it can be grown outside. The Moses-in-the-cradle plant (Tradescantia spathacea) gets its interesting name from its flowers, which are small and white, and sit in a special leaf, called a bract, which resembles a dark purple boat. Think Robert Moses and what his designs did to countless neighborhoods in New York. Rhoeo (Moses-in-the-Cradle) Tradescantia spathacea Synonyms: Ephemerum bicolor, Tradescantia discolor, Tradescantia versicolor, Rhoeo spathacea, Rhoeo discolor, Spiderwort, Boat Lily. Tradescantia spathacea. I guess the upside of that was people like Jane Jacobs, who woke us up to the loss such destruction could cause on a long-term basis. The Moses in the cradle plant usually has at least eight-to-ten upright sword-shaped leaves that are arranged in an alternating radial pattern from the base of the plant. Another method is to make leaf rootings, by putting leaves in water until roots form before potting up … Planting it in your garden where there is 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily will help it to grow faster. Tradescantias do best in partial shade but will do equally well in sunny areas as long as the soil is kept moist. Moses in the cradle (Tradescantia spathacea) is a beautiful tropical plant that is native to Central America. Tradescantia spathacea is very easy to root in soil or water, making it a fun plant to propagate. Plant it in an area that is partly shady, only receiving 2 or 3 hours of direct sunlight each day. It’s tough and adaptable, suitable for full sun or part shade, across a range of soil types. The white flowers are barely noticeable. They are tiny and some say resemble a baby. Indoors, you can keep this plant in a sunny room. However, like all members of the family, Rhoeo can cause skin irritation in dogs. The fruit is not ornamentally significant. Moses in the cradle is hardy in zones 9 – 12 where it can be grown outside. I understand Oxley Nursery does not offer postage on this item. Common name(s): oyster plant, Moses in the Cradle Family: Commelinaceae Plant type: perennial; herbaceous USDA hardiness zones: 9B through 11 (Fig. You can move your plant outdoors in the spring when nighttime temperatures are consistently above 60⁰F. Plant, water and ignore. Green leaved Moses-in-the-Cradle also grows good if placed light shaded. Culture: Moses-in-the-cradle can grow just about anywhere, from full sun to full shade, although it seems to prefer light shade. To divide your plant, carefully remove it from its pot. Rhoeo is a common border or edging plant in tropical or subtropical gardens. Nice article Caren. Growing Tradescantia is easy, and you will find the plants to be quite resilient.These plants typically grow in moist, well-drained and acidic (pH 5 to 6) soil. The upright position enables you to … It is not considered invasive because although it is not native to those areas, it has not spread enough to actually displace the native plants. How to Care for a Moses Plant. Always wear gloves when handling this plant. USE IN Great as a ground-cover for dry areas and rockeries.Suitable as a patio plant in small containers. The recommended time to do this is during the spring, because it is the time when the plant starts to intensively grow. Oyster Plant, Moses-In-The-Cradle Indoors (Tradescantia spathacea) Join the Club to Manage Your Garden Plant Details; Basic Care Instructions; Detailed Care Instructions; Features. When you do water, allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Literally can go with out water for several weeks. The cultivar "Vittata" has yellow stripes on the leaves. Moses in the Cradle Plants are easily propagated using stem clippings. My mother had a lot of houseplants. The sap is poisonous. Trees and Shrubs. USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b: from 20 °F (−6.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).. How to Grow and Care. You may also find that an established plant grows side shoots that can be removed and repotted. 8AM - 4PM     |     Offsets are basically clones of the parent plant that develop around the perimeter of the parent plant. But if you have pooches that like to go garden diving, perhaps this is not the plant for you. DESCRIPTION: Twist on the old favourite with white and pink striped rosettes of sword-shaped leaves, bright purple on the reverse.Compact habit and spreading nature. Rhoeo can also sometimes cause skin irritation in humans as well. LOCATION: Prefers a full sun to part shade position.Plant in free draining soil rich in organic matter. Can’t miss the brilliant foliage and color. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Plan on fertilizing monthly during the spring and summer using a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10. 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