Tradescantia Spathacea

Tradescantia spathacea is a striking tropical houseplant admired for its upright rosettes of long, sword-shaped leaves with deep green upper surfaces and rich purple undersides. Its bold colouring and architectural form make it a beautiful accent for shelves, desktops, windowsills, or mixed tropical displays.

Easy to grow and full of personality, this colourful plant brings year-round interest to any indoor space. Mature plants may also produce small white flowers nestled within distinctive purple bracts, giving rise to its common name, Moses-in-the-Cradle.

Size and Growth

Tradescantia spathacea has a compact, clumping growth habit and slowly produces offsets, eventually forming a dense cluster of colourful foliage. It typically reaches 20–40 cm (8–16 inches) tall, making it an excellent choice for smaller spaces.

Pet Friendliness

Caution: Tradescantia Nanouk is mildly toxic to pets. Its sap can cause skin irritation or oral discomfort if ingested. Keep out of reach of cats and dogs to be safe.

Care Instructions

Light: Thrives in bright, indirect light. Too little light may cause leggy growth and dull colouring, while too much direct sun may scorch the leaves.

Watering: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Tradescantia prefers slightly moist soil but does not like to sit in water—ensure proper drainage.

Humidity: Prefers moderate humidity but tolerates average household levels. If leaf tips brown, increase humidity with a pebble tray or humidifier.

Temperature: Maintain temperatures between 18°C–27°C. Avoid cold drafts and temps below 10°C.

Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix such as standard indoor plant soil with added perlite or coco coir for aeration.

Fertilizer: Feed every 4–6 weeks in spring and summer with a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer. Reduce feeding in fall and winter.

Pruning: Pinch or trim back long stems regularly to maintain bushiness and encourage fuller growth. Tradescantia roots easily from cuttings.

Repotting: Repot yearly or when the plant becomes root-bound. Choose a pot with drainage holes to prevent soggy soil.

Pro Tip: For a fuller look, trim and replant healthy cuttings directly into the same pot. Tradescantia is easy to propagate and will quickly establish a lush, colourful display.

*Please note that color may differ slightly from how it appears on your screen due to varying monitor settings. 

**Please note that we will select a plant for you when you order online. Though you will not receive the specific plant in the image, we will ensure we select something comparable.