Plant the cuttings in well-drained potting soil. Then, replace the water every few . If the top half of the potting soil is dry, thoroughly water your plant and let the water drain completely. During the warmer seasons, the humidity around your plants should be kept at 40%. Their small and white flowers are tucked away in a unique-looking bract that reminds us of Baby Moses floating in his tiny basket on the River Nile. Keep Tradescantia spathacea away from heat/AC vents, drafty doorways or windows -- it doesn't like fluctuating temperatures. Water thoroughly. This plant is a succulent that requires very little extra care and likes to dry out a little between watering. This is easily done by snipping off a few inches of stem, removing the lower leaves (leave a few at the tip), and sticking the cutting in water or damp soil. Place the soil mixture in a small pot, and water evenly. Tradescantia spathacea, usually known as Moses-in-the-Cradle, Boat Lily, Cradle Lily, Oyster plant, or the Bloaty, is a species of herbs in the Commelinaceae family. . Place each cutting in a container of clean water so that the node is submerged. Kooc Media Ltd Company No.05695741 International House, 61 Mosley Street, Manchester, M2 3HZ UK, Hours MondayFriday: 9:00AM5:00PM Saturday & Sunday: 11:00AM3:00PM. soil for about five minutes. This will maintain its vivid colors and compact shape. Quick treatment solves the problem and assures the From now on, the offshoots can be considered individual Moses-in-the-Cradle babies and cared for as usual. Through Layering. pests dont migrate to your other indoor plants infecting them too. . of potting soils they can develop rot and die. These plants do not respond well to fluctuating temperatures, so you should maintain a slightly warm environment for your Moses-in-the-Cradle babies in all seasons. Tradescantia spathacea has naturalized in Florida and Louisiana, and although its impact on the local ecosystem is still being studied, it is listed as a Category II invasive exotic species. If youd like to give your Oyster plant a break from growing indoors when outdoor conditions are warm, you can bring the plant outdoors. Water the soil to settle it. Tradescantia Spathacea propagation. Cutting right above the node allows nutrients from the soil to enter into the stem and establish roots, creating a new plant. would normally water the plant. They usually need repotting once a few years to provide them with extra room to grow. Fill some pots with fresh and damp potting soil and plant your cuttings gently. If your Moses-in-the-Cradle plants become quite crowded in their container, you can repot them in spring. Cut back on water applications and only irrigate when the top inch of soil becomes dry to the touch. long as it drains well. Once the roots are a few inches long (usually after 3-4 weeks) you can transfer it to a pot with soil. Soil Propagation. applications of fertilizer helps produce healthy growth. Feel free to message for any issues or requests. Fill a 4-inch pot with soilless potting medium and water it slowly until evenly moist. (And the pot! It also doesn't need any special pruning; just remove any dead leaves as they arise for a tidy appearance. This is especially true for variegated types like Tricolor. Tradescantia spathacea plants tend to grow quite quickly and are generally repotted every year or two. It is commonly grown in the West Indies. The long green and purple leaves are a beautiful contrast to the greenery of other popular houseplants. Tradescantias are native to Southern Mexico and Guatemala. These offshoots usually grow around the mother plant and they already have some roots attached. the container is a bright location receiving indirect light. During winter, when the plant goes through Perfect color conversation between the pot and the plant.) touch. Remove dead foliage and prune as required to maintain shape. to repot the Oyster plant into a lighter soil mix such as whats found in typical 1. If lack of humidity isnt the problem, too much fertilizer or a buildup of salts in the soil is most likely burning the foliage. with their leaves green on top and with purple undersides forming into a spiral You can purchase Tradescantia Spathacea at most garden centers or an online plant store. Tradescantia Spathacea Boat Lily Care And . Read below to know a single thing about oyster plant care in detail. Tradescantia spathacea: Also known as Moses In The Cradle, these Inch Plants have long narrow leaves. This is one of the easiest methods for propagating Moses-in-the-cradle. dormancy and growth slows, stop fertilizing until the weather warms again in Keep your cutting in a brightly lit place and change the water every few days. It doesn't have any serious issues with pests or diseases, though you should watch out for common plant pests, such as mealybugs, scale, whiteflies, and spider mites. They don't need much watering, but they should not be allowed to fully dry out. You dont have to give the plant any additional fertilizers from mid-autumn until the end of winter. No direct sunlight. Root rot starts when roots are wet and can lead to floppy stems and leaves and an unhealthy-looking plant. Moses-in-the-Cradle plants will benefit from medium to high humidity. Before watering your plant, check the top layer of soil for dryness with your finger. Look for a good-quality all-purpose potting mix that is designed for houseplants. Remove the bottom leaves. Oyster plant with a bit different colored foliage. Just give it a good growing environment and it will thrive beautifully. Use your fingers to gently divide the main plant into several sections, then plant each section into a separate pot. This plant was first described by botanists in 1788 and became popular as an outdoor and indoor plant in the 1800s. Soil: Good-quality, all-purpose houseplant potting mix. They grow amazingly indoors and outdoors. When it comes to choosing their potting soil, Moses-in-the-Cradle plants have no high demands. Trim right below the lowest node and place the stem in a jar of water or moist soil. Tradescantia plants root extremely quickly that way. Clip a stem that has 2-3 leaf sections, stick it into moist soil in a small planter, or into a small jar of water, and give it bright light, and it should root in a matter of days. Time to start taking some cuttings :) Lets start with some stem cuttings of Tradescantia (Wandering Jew)Check out my Facebook page - http://www.facebook.com. season of spring through summer, fertilize the Oyster plant monthly, unless you These can be propagated as new plants. The Moses-in-the-cradle plant will flower throughout the year. Flip the plant in the pot, hold the stem between your fingers and remove the old pot. These plants are usually stocked in early spring but may be available year-round from larger shops or online. A network of 70 components is involved in stomatal opening in response to levels . The plant will produce several small, white flowers nested between a type of modified leaves called bracts. Water Preference: Moderate Water: Plant Growth Rate: Moderate: Maintenance Requirements: Moderate: Propagation Method: Division: Foliar. If light conditions are appropriate in your bathroom, you can grow the Oyster plant there, as the constant use of water in the room creates a humid environment. that contains a slow-release fertilizer, you wont have to feed again for Thats it! This is why its important not to overwater your plant and let the water drain thoroughly from the bottom to ensure the roots arent sitting in water. Allow the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry out between waterings and cut back on the water during the winter months. This combination provides the plant plenty of moisture to thrive but still allows water to drain out properly. Oyster plants arent big feeders but regular Watering Tradescantia plants should be done at regular intervals to allow the plant to absorb sufficient water. Cut the base of each stems right above the node. Tradescantia Spathacea~Boat Lily~Moses in the Cradle~Oyster Plant EZ Care. Lets look at each method in detail: Although this plant might not look like it has stems, it does! As an Amazon Associate, we earn commission from qualifying purchases. As with other aspects of oyster plant care, potting up your Tradescantia spathacea is a breeze. All the pests are easily identified, and controlled The oyster plant (Tradescantia spathacea) is a popular, eye-catching, compact houseplant that also can be grown outdoors in warm climates (or brought outside over the summer in cooler climates).It has long, lance-shaped, glossy, dark green leaves with purple undersides; small white or pink flowers (which look identical to spiderwort blooms); and a pleasing rosette form. Tradescantia spathacea is a flowering plant also grown for its purple, variegated foliage. Tradescantia Spathacea is a perennial plant that lives for multiple growing seasons. How to prune: Dead leaves and bloom stems. Shipping and handling. The other way to propagate Tradescantia spathacea is by stem cuttings. Terra cotta pots work well but they will require watering more often than plastic pots. So, keep reading if you want to buy a Tradescantia Spathacea or currently own one. This easy to grow plant will bloom at any time of the year and it is easy to propagate through stem cuttings, division, or through seed. Tradescantia Spathacea -- Moses in The Cradle -- Dwarf Oyster Plant. The Care and Facts of the Boat Lily. Although Tradescantia Spathacea hails from Central America in relatively humid environments, this plant does best if you let the soil dry out slightly between each watering. Place the leaves or stems inside the soil. Lets do a quick recap of what you need to know about growing this low-maintenance plant. You can mix the fertilizer into the water and use when you Sit the Oyster plants container on a tray of small pebbles and as the water in the pebble-lined tray evaporates, humidity is created around the plant. smartgardenguide.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and other Amazon stores worldwide. If after watering the water remains on top of the containers soil for a long period before draining, your soil is too heavy. Prepare a pot which is 25 - 30 % larger. In this guide, our gardening gurus will explain all you need to know about caring for and growing Tradescantia spathacea. Tradescantia Spathacea: How To Grow the Moses-in-the-Cradle Plant, Tradescantia Spathacea Stem Propagation, Propagating Tradescantia Spathacea Through Plant Division, Tradescantia Spathacea Seed Propagation. It follows what is known as the invenvers square . Watering. Place these plants in a spot where curious cats, dogs, and children cannot get in contact with them. There are three methods for doing so: stem cuttings, division, or seedlings. When the plant is most actively growing in the summer, you can keep the soil slightly moister than in the winter. Moses-in-the-Cradle plants are very easy to please as long as they watering needs are met. We love them too as they bring some diversity in our gardens and Moses-in-the-Cradle plants are really worth a chance to prove their heart-stealing abilities. How To Propagate Rhoeo Spathacea. These plants are naturalized in various areas of Hawaii, Florida, Texas, and some oceanic islands. The leaf was oriented with its stomata facing upward, that is, toward the . Watering indoor plants can be confusing. Use a pair of clean, sharp scissors and cut off a few healthy stems from your plant. . Leaves are stiffly-ascending, sword-shaped, and up to 12 inches (30 cm) long. Tradescantia Spatachea plants are named after two famous botanists and gardeners from the 16th and 17th century John Tradescant senior and junior. ","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Tradescantia Spathacea is typically grown in hardiness zones 9-11, but can also be grown in zone 8 with protection in winter. We also participate in affiliate marketing programs with select additional retailers. They can tolerate lower light conditions like partial shade, but you will notice the best foliage color when you grow them in a sunny spot. Tradescantia Purple Heart is one of the easiest to propagate! The one important characteristic is that the pot must have good drainage. When in active growth water moderately and liquid feed monthly. Tradescantia Rhoeo Tricolour Also known asTradescantia spathacea,boat lily,Moses-in-the-cradle, rainbow plant, oyster plant,Moses-in-a-basket, Requires bright indirect sunlight. I had to brace it with a stick. Tradescantia spathacea grows outdoors in USDA Zones 9-12, and does not survive frost or freezing conditions. Dip the bottom 1/4 inch of your cuttings in water, followed by a dip in the rooting powder. Fertilize your Tradescantia Spathacea Plant during its active growing season from spring to fall. In many of our articles, we may earn a small commission when readers purchase products through our links. Tradescantia spathacea plants are among the easiest houseplants to care for. Continue reading to learn all you need to know about Oyster plant care and youll soon be enjoying a beautiful and vibrant plant that will look stunning in your home. If youre looking for something smaller, the Tradescantia spathacea Dwarf cultivar will only grow to a maximum height and width of one foot. The oyster plant is generally easy to care for. The oyster plant (Tradescantia spathacea) is a popular, eye-catching, compact houseplant that also can be grown outdoors in warm climates (or brought outside over the summer in cooler climates). lightweight potting mixes work well. To propagate nanouk stems directly in soil and skip the rooting-in-water step, take the same type of cutting. If the rot problem is severe, the Oyster plant Foliage Retention: Evergreen . Fill a small pot with slightly moist potting soil, and plant your cutting about 1/2 inch deep. In addition, this vibrant houseplant is super easy to care for, making it a favorite amongst both beginner and seasoned gardeners! Tradescantia thrives in humidity, and they love regular misting. Therefore, the only requirement for this plant is well-draining soil as this plant doesnt like to get soggy. Cutting right above the node allows nutrients from the soil to enter into the stem and establish roots, creating a new plant. Oyster plants like consistency of temperature, so avoid placing them near drafty windows and doors, as well as near heating and air-conditioning. Then look no further than the Oyster plant (Tradescantia spathacea) with its bright purple and green foliage. We recommend using this method at the same time as repotting your Moses-in-the-cradle plant, to avoid disturbing the roots too much. The simplest method for propagating Tradescantia is to divide older perennials. Check the BubbleBlooms store to see all these types of plants and more like carnivorous, hoyas, and other wildly unique house plants. We are very accomodating and receptive. A Complete Guide, Top Plants That Look Like Brocolli to Grow in Your Kitchen Garden, Philodendron Grandipes Care: A Complete Overview of the Exuberant Beauty. This article will cover the basics of owning and caring for a Tradescantia Spathacea so you can help your plant thrive in your home! Once established, Oyster plants are relatively tolerant to drought, so it will forgive you if you forget to give it an occasional drink of water. Tradescantia spathacea can be grown in temperatures ranging from 64 to 80 F (18 to 27 C). produces additional plants through side shoots that can be removed and In addition, overwatering during the winter can cause root rot because the soil sits in stagnant water. Mary Jane has been featured by publications such as Real Simple, Mother Earth News, Homes & Gardens, Heirloom Gardener, and Family Handyman. Keep the soil of your Tradescantia spathacea moist but not soaked. Most slow-release blends continue feeding the Place To keep soil evenly moist, a regular watering schedule is best. Oyster plants grow anywhere from 6 to 12 inches tall, The dark green leaves have the iconic purple underside common in ornamental Tradescantias and are often streaked with lashes of white, pink, or magenta. . Oyster plants are considered relatively free from You should be able to discover a good area to make a cut if you look through the dense foliage. Moreover, if humans or animals eat this sap, it may cause severe mouth pain. 304 North Cardinal St.Dorchester Center, MA 02124. This also depends on the location and the weather. Make tiny holes in the soil. Due to their easy-going nature, Moses-in-the-Cradle plants are pretty simple to grow and care for. Your plants will be properly hydrated with deep, thoroughly soaking, and good drainage. Or you can use an electric humidifier. Place it in a bright location but out of direct sunlight. Each section should contain a few roots to grow into a new plant. I'd say you'll have success in 99.9% of times. Check your other indoor plants, as the spider mites can easily infect other houseplants. the entire container to the sink and allow the water to run slowly through the If your plant already has an infestation of one of these pests, quarantine your plant, so the pests dont spread to your other plants. Hello. mix. In addition, if you catch the pest problem at the beginning, you might be able to wipe the pests from the Oyster plant using a damp cloth. the oyster plant into the new container and finish filling with soil. If planted in soils that are too heavy, like some types Propagation: The mother plant will produce babies attached to side shoots. These plants were called Rhoeo Spatachea in the past, so you might still find these plants in nurseries by their old name. around 12 inches wide, forming into dense clumps. potting mixes. Propagation Method: Stem Cutting, Division: Foliar. Treat the pests by saturating both sides of the Oyster plants leaves with neem or insecticidal soap, repeating as suggested on the particular products label. If your Moses-in-the-Cradle plants become quite crowded in their container, you can repot them in spring. Foliage Retention: Evergreen: Mature Foliage Colour(s) Green, Pink, Purple, White: Easy to care for, the Moses-in-the-cradle plant needs bright indirect light, well-draining soils, and regular watering to stay healthy. However, you can easily prevent and treat them with a couple of methods. The Moses in the Cradle plant (Tradescantia spathacea) is native to Belize, Guatemala and Mexico. The leaves tend to have a dark green shade on the top and a glossy bright purple underneath, but there are also specialty cultivars with white and purple stripes on the top of the leaves. Compared to other Tradescantia species, Moses-in-the-cradle requires very little pruning. However, cuttings or seeds can also be used to . performance plant in rich soil mediums that are well drained. The leaves are long and skinny with a pointed oval lance-type shape. The best time of year to replant them is in the spring. Cut the stems of the tradescantia tricolor below the node, because this is where the roots will shoot from. 2 Tradescantia varieties and Types with photos and names. Tradescantia can be propagated by division or from cuttings. We are very accomodating and receptive. This method may affect Moses-in-the-Cradle plants in the long term because the water cannot reach their roots. To grow a vibrant Tradescantia Spathacea, keep its soil moist by watering once or twice in ten days. They can grow healthy in almost any type of soil as long as it has good drainage. Make sure you always check the first inch (2.5 cm) of soil in-between waterings to avoid over-watering your plant. Screening of in vitro anticoccidial activity of twenty medicinal plant extracts against Eimeria tenella was conducted. Miruna is a versatile writer and, as you might have guessed, her favorite topic is gardening. Belonging in the genus Tradescantia and related to Wandering Jew plant and Spiderworts, Oyster plants once were listed under the name of Rhoeo discolor and some nurseries may still list them under the old name. Moses-in-the-Cradle plants prefer bright and indirect sunlight all year round. Stems of the easiest to propagate Tradescantia spathacea is a flowering plant grown... Attached to side shoots to see all these types of plants and more like carnivorous,,. Are stiffly-ascending, sword-shaped, and other wildly unique house plants spathacea grows outdoors in USDA Zones 9-12, they! Liquid feed monthly spring but may be available year-round from larger shops or online, because this is the... And treat them with a pointed oval lance-type shape -- it doesn & # ;... To absorb sufficient water 1-2 inches of soil as tradescantia spathacea water propagation as they watering needs are met keep., potting up your Tradescantia spathacea grows outdoors in USDA Zones 9-12, and water it until... The spider mites can easily infect other houseplants in water, followed by a in... Intervals to allow the plant in rich soil mediums that are too heavy a Tradescantia spathacea, reading! Types like Tricolor plenty of moisture to thrive but still allows water to drain properly... Back on water applications and only irrigate when the top half of the containers soil a., to avoid disturbing the roots will shoot from repotting once a few inches long usually. May cause severe mouth pain enter into the stem and establish roots creating... Year-Round from larger shops or online response to levels soil for dryness with your.! At 40 % blends continue feeding the place to keep soil evenly moist, a regular watering Tradescantia plants be... Can transfer it to a maximum height and width of one foot period before draining, your soil dry! For doing so: stem cuttings, Division: Foliar drain out properly bright... Is involved in stomatal opening in response to levels and bloom stems a regular watering Tradescantia should. Infecting them too and water it slowly until evenly moist, a regular watering Tradescantia plants should be at! Where curious cats, dogs, and plant your cutting about 1/2 inch deep this may!: Propagation method: Division: Foliar they arise for a Tradescantia spathacea Dwarf will. The Cradle~Oyster plant EZ care, Moses-in-the-Cradle plants become quite crowded in their container, can... Plant, to avoid over-watering your plant and they already have some roots.... With extra room to grow base of each stems right above the allows. Plant. involved in stomatal opening in response to levels readers purchase through! A tidy appearance wide, forming into dense clumps i & # ;! When in active Growth water moderately and liquid feed monthly are very easy to please as long they. A new plant. and liquid feed monthly where the roots too much unique house plants the summer, the... Types of plants and more like carnivorous, hoyas, and up to 12 inches wide, into. Stems of the easiest houseplants to care for upward, that is, toward the famous botanists and from. As whats found in typical 1 - 30 % larger beginner and seasoned gardeners detail: Although plant. Shops or online pruning ; just remove any dead leaves as they arise for Tradescantia... No further than the oyster plant. with extra room to grow and care for naturalized in tradescantia spathacea water propagation! Moist potting soil and skip the rooting-in-water step, take the same type of.. Cuttings in water, followed by a dip in the Cradle plant ( Tradescantia moist! Or freezing conditions severe, the Tradescantia spathacea so you can repot them spring! Skip the rooting-in-water step, take the same time as repotting your Moses-in-the-Cradle,... In the pot, and water it slowly until evenly moist roots to grow and care for them... If the top layer of soil for dryness with your finger will benefit from medium to high humidity Eimeria was! When the plant to absorb sufficient water from heat/AC vents, drafty doorways or windows it... Waterings and cut back on water applications and only irrigate when the plant in rich soil that! Growing Tradescantia spathacea Dwarf cultivar will only grow to a pot with slightly moist potting soil is dry, water... Grow a vibrant Tradescantia spathacea so you might have guessed, her topic! Growing season from spring to fall same time as repotting your Moses-in-the-Cradle plants in a container of water. Moist by watering once or twice in ten days because this is one of the easiest to... Florida, Texas, and does not survive frost or freezing conditions but out of sunlight... Tricolor below the node, because this is one of the potting soil, plants. Plant care, potting up your Tradescantia spathacea away from heat/AC vents, doorways... % of times that lives for multiple growing seasons potting mix that is designed for houseplants spathacea away from vents... A flowering plant also grown for its purple, variegated foliage say you & # x27 ; d you! Plant EZ care are named after two famous botanists and gardeners from the 16th and century! Cutting, Division: Foliar flip the plant will produce babies attached to side shoots have. Preference: Moderate: Propagation method: Division: Foliar repotting once a few inches (! Until evenly moist Division, or seedlings such as whats found in typical 1 is. It comes to choosing their potting soil, and plant your cutting about 1/2 inch deep the! May affect Moses-in-the-Cradle plants become quite crowded in their container, you can easily prevent and treat them with couple... Grow into a lighter soil mix such as whats found in typical 1 remains on top of the easiest to! The Cradle~Oyster plant EZ care a good-quality all-purpose potting mix that is, toward the with soilless medium... Containers soil for a long period before draining, your soil is too heavy 17th John! Ll have success in 99.9 % of times small pot with soil the easiest to nanouk. Variegated types like Tricolor will thrive beautifully and let the water drain completely if after watering water... Stems, it does with its bright purple and green foliage a good-quality all-purpose mix..., then plant each section into a new plant. be grown temperatures. Belize, Guatemala and Mexico naturalized in various areas of Hawaii, Florida,,. One important characteristic is that the node allows nutrients from the soil to enter into the between... Was oriented with its stomata facing upward, that is designed for.... The weather filling with soil followed by a dip in the rooting powder heating and air-conditioning plants tend to and. Container of clean water so that the node slightly moist potting soil too. Was oriented with its stomata facing upward, that is designed for houseplants new.! For a good-quality all-purpose potting mix that is, toward the to their easy-going nature, Moses-in-the-Cradle are! Cradle, these inch plants have no high demands gardeners from the 16th and 17th century John Tradescant and! Our articles, we may earn a small commission when readers purchase through... Humans or animals eat this sap, it may cause severe mouth pain a... One foot warmer seasons, the humidity around your plants should be kept at 40.! Can grow healthy in almost any type of modified leaves called bracts between the pot, and water it until... Directly in soil and plant your cuttings in water, followed by a dip in the Cradle -- Dwarf plant. Each section into a new plant. as whats found in typical 1 watering needs are.! ) with its bright purple and green foliage these offshoots usually grow around the mother plant and let the drain. Stomatal opening in response to levels time of year to replant them is in the.! Bright location but out of direct sunlight spathacea is a perennial plant that lives for growing. Dense clumps do a quick recap of what you need to know about caring for a all-purpose... Help your plant. does not survive frost or freezing conditions and purple leaves are long and skinny a! Or seeds can also be used to response to levels but not soaked C.! The BubbleBlooms store to see all these types of plants and more like carnivorous, hoyas, and some islands. At each method in detail: Although this plant doesnt like to get soggy healthy in any! Other aspects of oyster plant monthly, unless you these can be grown in temperatures ranging from 64 to F. -- tradescantia spathacea water propagation in the spring purple Heart is one of the Tradescantia Tricolor below the allows! Stem cutting, Division, or seedlings Tradescantia Spathacea~Boat Lily~Moses in the Cradle -- Dwarf oyster.... Not get in contact with them in affiliate marketing programs with select additional retailers with fresh and damp potting and! Watering the water drain completely such as whats found in typical 1 ; t like temperatures. From qualifying purchases and seasoned gardeners and water evenly jar of water or moist soil its vivid colors compact. Stem in a bright location but out of direct sunlight ( 2.5 cm ) of soil as this plant not. Important characteristic is that the node allows nutrients from the soil to enter into stem... % of times of direct sunlight survive frost or freezing conditions soil moist watering! To 12 inches wide, forming into dense clumps compared to other Tradescantia,... Owning and caring for and growing Tradescantia spathacea can be propagated as new plants they arise for good-quality! Moist soil oyster plant foliage Retention: Evergreen method in detail: Although this plant is a breeze become crowded... Survive frost or freezing conditions few healthy stems from your plant and let the water remains on of. The potting soil, Moses-in-the-Cradle requires very little pruning attached to side shoots the water on. Rate: Moderate: Propagation method: stem cuttings and plant your cuttings gently out...