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Tradescantia spathacea | Moses-in-the-Cradle
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Tradescantia spathacea, commonly known as Moses-in-the-Cradle, is a striking tropical houseplant with upright sword-shaped green leaves and rich purple undersides. Compact, colourful, and easy to care for, it brings bold contrast to shelves, desks, and bright indoor spaces while remaining low maintenance.
Plant Description
Descrption
Tradescantia spathacea, commonly known as Moses-in-the-Cradle, is a striking tropical houseplant with upright sword-shaped green leaves and rich purple undersides. Compact, colourful, and easy to care for, it brings bold contrast to shelves, desks, and bright indoor spaces while remaining low maintenance.
Plant Care
Everything you need to know to keep your plant happy and thriving.
Light
Medium Light
Water
Moderate watering. Allow the top few centimetres of compost to dry out between waterings. Keep the soil lightly moist but never waterlogged.
Soil
Free-draining houseplant compost with added perlite to improve drainage and airflow.
Repot
Repot every 2â3 years in spring or when rootbound. Move up one pot size only. Mature plants will also produce offsets that can be divided.
Humidity
Medium
Difficulty
Beginner
Air Purifying
Yes
đĄ Joe's Top Tip
Bright indirect light keeps the purple colouring at its richest. Remove older outer leaves as they age to keep the plant looking tidy and encourage fresh growth from the centre.
â ď¸ Common Mistake
Most people struggle with this plant by overwatering or placing it in very low light, causing dull colours and weak growth.
đ When To Come Back To Us
Bring it back (or a photo) in 6â8 weeks if you want: ⢠Repotting advice ⢠A health check ⢠Help dividing offsets or encouraging fuller growth
đż Plant Fact
The name "Moses-in-the-Cradle" comes from its small white flowers, which emerge nestled between boat-shaped purple bracts in the centre of the plant.
đ Country Of Origin
Southern Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala