Rhoeo Spathacea, Moses in the Cradle

"Moses in the Cradle" (Tradescantia spathacea), also known as "Oyster Plant" or "Boat Lily," is a popular houseplant known for its striking foliage and ease of care. Here’s a guide on how to grow and care for this plant:

Climate and Growing Zones

- USDA Hardiness Zones: Moses in the Cradle is hardy in USDA zones 9-12. In these zones, it can be grown outdoors year-round. In cooler climates, it's typically grown as a houseplant or brought indoors during colder months.

Light Requirements

- Indoors: Place the plant in bright, indirect light. It can tolerate some direct sunlight, especially in the morning, but too much intense sun can scorch the leaves. In low light, the plant may lose its vibrant color and grow leggy.

- Outdoors: If grown outside, choose a spot with partial shade. The plant enjoys some morning sun but should be protected from harsh afternoon rays.

Soil

- Moses in the Cradle prefers well-draining soil. A general-purpose potting mix works well, but you can improve drainage by adding some perlite or sand. If growing outdoors, ensure the planting site has good drainage to prevent root rot.

Watering

- Indoors: Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry. It prefers to be kept slightly on the dry side, so avoid overwatering. Ensure the pot has drainage holes, and empty any water that collects in the saucer.

- Outdoors: Water regularly but allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, especially in cooler or shaded areas.

Humidity

- Moses in the Cradle enjoys moderate to high humidity, but it can adapt to lower humidity levels found in most homes. If indoor air is very dry, especially in winter, consider misting the plant occasionally or using a humidity tray.

Temperature

- This plant thrives in temperatures between 60-85°F (16-29°C). It should be kept away from cold drafts, and temperatures below 55°F (13°C) can cause damage or slow growth.

Fertilization

- Feed the plant with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). Reduce feeding in the fall and winter when the plant’s growth naturally slows down.

Pruning and Maintenance

• Pruning: Prune to remove dead or yellowing leaves and to maintain the plant’s shape.

---SHIPPING NOTICE PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING LIVE PLANTS!---

 We WILL NOT refund the purchase of or the shipping cost of live plants purchased with the intent to be shipped to states that do not authorize importing live plants or to states with restrictions! Purchases to these states will be held for 30 days for pick-up at our Slidell, Louisiana store and the shipping cost associated with these purchases will be held for the care of the plant while waiting to be picked up. All sales are final. If the plant(s) purchased are not picked up within 30 days from the date of order, these items will be returned to our sales inventory and you WILL NOT be refunded. Thank you for understanding these policies.

Due to regulations, certain states have restrictions on importing plants. Please review the list below to ensure you're not attempting to order any restricted plants in your area.

**Important Note:** We do not ship any plants outside the U.S.

State-Specific Restrictions - We ARE NOT responsible for any plant(s) that are not listed in these restrictions. Purchaser bears all responsibility for making sure the plant(s) they desire to purchase are not banned from being imported to the shipping state:

Arizona: Juglans spp. (Walnut)  

California: Castanea spp. (Chestnut), Juglans spp. (Walnut), Pinus spp. (Pine), Quercus spp. (Oak)  

Colorado: Some counties restrict Prunus spp. (Cherry, Peach, Plum). Please verify your local county regulations.  

Florida: Castanea spp. (Chestnut), Cornus spp. (Dogwood), Quercus spp. (Oak), Cornus mas (Cornelian Cherry)  

Georgia: Vaccinium spp. (Blueberry, American Cranberry)  

Hawaii: Pinus spp. (Pine)  

Idaho: Humulus lupulus (Hops), Mentha spp. (Mint), Vitis spp. (Grape)  

Indiana: Fragraria spp. (Strawberry), Rosa spp. (Rose)  

Kansas: Juglans spp. (Walnut)  

Michigan: Abies spp. (Fir), Vaccinium spp. (Blueberry, American Cranberry, Lingonberry)  

Montana: Pinus spp. (Pine)  

Nevada: Allium spp. (Chives, Flowering Onion), Mentha spp. (Mint)  

New Jersey: Rosa spp. (Rose)  

New York: Vitis spp. (Grape)  

Oregon: Allium spp. (Chives, Flowering Onion), Castanea spp. (Chestnut), Corylus spp. (Hazelnut), Humulus lupulus (Hops), Quercus spp. (Oak), Sambucus nigra (European Elderberry), Ulmus spp. (Elm), Vaccinium spp. (Blueberry, American Cranberry), Vitis spp. (Grape)  

Texas: Juglans spp. (Walnut)  

Washington: Allium spp. (Chives, Flowering Onion), Castanea spp. (Chestnut), Corylus spp. (Hazelnut), Humulus lupulus (Hops), Vaccinium spp. (Blueberry, American Cranberry, Lingonberry), Vitis spp. (Grape)  

Wisconsin: Abies spp. (Fir), Pinus spp. (Pine), Picea spp. (Spruce), Mentha spp. (Mint)  

Additionally, we cannot ship plants in soil medium to the following states: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, HI, ID, KS, MS, MT, ND, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA.