1 2

Oyster Plant Moses in the Cradle - Pet Safe Non-Toxic Houseplant

Oyster Plant Moses in the Cradle - Pet Safe Non-Toxic Houseplant

$34.75 USD
$31.75 USD $34.75 USD
Sale Sold out
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Size
Tradescantia spathacea

Botanical Name: Tradescantia spathacea

Common Names: Moses in the Cradle • Oyster Plant • Boat Lily • Cradle Plant • Purple-Backed Spiderwort

The Tradescantia spathacea 'Moses in the Cradle' captivates with its remarkable sword-shaped leaves featuring vibrant green tops and dramatic purple undersides that create a stunning two-toned effect, while producing charming white flowers nestled in boat-like bracts that inspired its biblical name. Each thick, succulent-like leaf displays this incredible color contrast while the plant occasionally produces tiny white flowers cradled in purple boat-shaped bracts, bringing year-round color drama and conversation-starting appeal to any indoor space.

This extraordinary dual-colored beauty combines breathtaking visual drama with remarkably easy care, making it perfect for color enthusiasts, conversation plant lovers, or anyone seeking a bold statement plant that thrives with minimal attention. Enjoy year-round purple and green elegance with occasional charming boat-like flowers that seem to cradle tiny white blooms - all with complete confidence around your beloved pets and family members.

Complete Care Guide

Light Requirements ▼
  • Bright, indirect light enhances the purple underside coloring
  • East or west-facing windows provide ideal growing conditions
  • Some morning sun intensifies the dramatic color contrast
  • Tolerates medium light but purple may be less vibrant
  • Avoid harsh direct sunlight which can fade the beautiful colors
Watering Instructions ▼
  • Keep soil consistently moist but never waterlogged
  • Water when top inch of soil feels dry to touch
  • More drought-tolerant than most tropical plants
  • Thick leaves store some water, making it forgiving of occasional neglect
  • Reduce watering frequency in winter when growth slows
Humidity & Temperature ▼
  • Average humidity: 40-60% - very adaptable to home conditions
  • Temperature range: 65-80°F (18-27°C) with consistent warmth
  • Tolerates dry indoor air reasonably well
  • Higher humidity may enhance purple coloring and flowering
  • Avoid cold drafts and sudden temperature changes
Potting & Fertilizing ▼
  • Use well-draining potting mix that retains some moisture
  • Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot
  • Feed monthly during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
  • Repot annually or when plant becomes crowded
  • Choose wider pots to accommodate spreading growth habit
Flowering & Propagation ▼
  • Produces charming white flowers in boat-like purple bracts
  • Flowers appear sporadically throughout the year indoors
  • Easily propagated by dividing offsets from the base
  • Can also grow from stem cuttings in water
  • Remove spent flower bracts to encourage new blooms

Styling Ideas for Your Moses in the Cradle

Bold Color Displays
Purple and green create dramatic focal points
Tropical Collections
Perfect addition to exotic plant groupings
Conversation Pieces
Unique flowers and name spark interest
Bright Windows
Colors intensify beautifully in good light

Shipping & Potting Information

Plant Icon
Your plant ships in its current nursery pot and will need to be repotted into a decorative container of your choice. The beautiful ceramic pot shown in the product images is for styling inspiration only and is not included with your purchase. This allows you to select the perfect decorative pot that matches your home's unique style and décor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it called "Moses in the Cradle"?
The name comes from the plant's unique flowers - tiny white blooms nestle inside boat-shaped purple bracts, resembling a baby cradled in a boat. This charming characteristic, combined with the biblical reference to Moses being found in a basket, inspired the poetic common name.
Will my plant produce the boat-like flowers indoors?
Yes! With proper care and adequate light, Moses in the Cradle will produce its characteristic white flowers nestled in purple boat-shaped bracts throughout the year. The flowers are small but charming and add to the plant's unique appeal.
How do I maintain the vibrant purple undersides?
Bright, indirect light is key to maintaining the dramatic purple coloring on the leaf undersides. Good light enhances the contrast between the green tops and purple bottoms, while too little light may cause the purple to fade to a duller color.
Is this plant safe around pets and children?
Yes! Tradescantia spathacea is considered non-toxic to cats, dogs, and humans, making it a wonderful worry-free choice for families who want to enjoy its stunning two-toned foliage and unique boat-like flowers safely throughout their home.
How big will my Moses in the Cradle get?
This compact beauty typically reaches 8-12 inches tall and spreads 12-18 inches wide, creating a lovely rosette of colorful foliage. It's perfect for tables, shelves, and medium spaces where you want maximum color impact without overwhelming size.
View full details

Customers are saying

4.97 ★ (204)
Verified