Oyster Plant 'Moses in the Cradle' Live Plant
4" Pot
$15.00
Sale price
$15.00
Regular price
$20.00
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Oyster Plant 'Moses in the Cradle' Live Plant
$15.00
Sale price
$15.00
Regular price
$20.00
Oyster Plant 'Moses-in-the-Cradle' (Tradescantia spathacea), also called Boat Lily, is a hardy perennial from Central and South America with sword-shaped leaves that are green to metallic grey on top and rich purple underneath. A striking, low-fuss pop of color.
✓ Carefully packed live plant · ✓ Ships across the continental U.S. · ✓ 48-hour live-arrival guarantee
Natural variation expected with live plants
Botanical Label
- Common name: Oyster Plant 'Moses in the Cradle'
- Botanical name: Tradescantia spathacea
- Pot size: 4" nursery pot
- Light: Bright, indirect; tolerates medium; no harsh direct sun
- Water: keeping the soil lightly and evenly moist (don't let it fully dry out).
- Difficulty: Beginner-friendly.
- Growth style: Fast-growing trailing stems with purple, silver, or green leaves.
- Mature size: Grows into a fuller plant over time — mature size can vary by growing conditions.
- Lifespan: Can live for many years with regular care — varies by growing conditions.
- Pet safety: Not pet-safe — toxic to cats and dogs if eaten. Keep out of reach of pets.
- Best for: Shelves, desks, and bright corners.
- Vibe/personality: A characterful foliage houseplant.
Curator's Note: Oyster Plant 'Moses in the Cradle' is grown for its fast-growing trailing stems with purple, silver, or green leaves — a fast-growing trailing plant ("wandering dude"); its sap can irritate skin, and it is considered toxic to pets. It brings a fresh, living accent to a bright spot indoors.
Why It Belongs in Your Collection
- Eye-catching fast-growing trailing stems with purple, silver, or green leaves
- A characterful, rewarding houseplant
- Approachable, houseplant-friendly care
- Adds a fresh, leafy feel to a room
- Grows fuller and more established over time
- A lovely pick for a gift or your own collection
Care Notes from the Greenhouse
- Light: Bright, indirect light keeps Oyster Plant 'Moses in the Cradle' looking its best, and it tolerates medium light. Avoid harsh, direct sun, which can scorch the leaves.
- Watering: Keep the soil lightly and evenly moist — Oyster Plant 'Moses in the Cradle' likes steady moisture and can wilt or crisp if it dries out fully. Don't let it sit in water, and ease off in winter.
- Humidity: Average household humidity is fine; it appreciates a little extra but doesn't need it.
- Temperature: Typical room temperatures (about 65–80°F). Keep it away from cold drafts and hot, dry vents.
- Soil: A good, well-draining potting mix in a pot with a drainage hole.
- Fertilizer: Feed lightly with a balanced houseplant fertilizer in spring and summer; pause in winter.
- Good to know: Pinch it back often to keep it full; handle with care, as the sap can irritate skin and pets.
- Care tip: Give it the right light and consistent watering, and Oyster Plant 'Moses in the Cradle' stays full and healthy.
Best Display Spots
- A bright spot with indirect light: where it can really thrive.
- Shelf or plant stand: an easy, leafy accent.
- Desk or tabletop: a fresh touch of green.
- Living-room corner: a calm, green accent.
- Office with good light: low-fuss greenery.
Best For / Think Twice If
Best for:
- Bright, indirect-light spots
- Beginners who want easy greenery
- People who love characterful foliage
- Shelves, desks, and brightening a corner
Think twice if:
- Homes with pets that may chew leaves — it is toxic
- People who often forget to water — it dislikes drying out fully
- Spots with harsh, direct sun all day
- Anyone wanting a totally hands-off plant
Botanical Exhibit Notes
- Oyster Plant 'Moses in the Cradle' is a fast-growing trailing plant ("wandering dude"); its sap can irritate skin, and it is considered toxic to pets.
- It does best in bright, indirect light — the right light keeps it full and healthy.
- It adapts to normal household humidity, which makes it easy to place.
- It is considered toxic to cats and dogs, so it's best kept out of reach of pets.
- With steady care it can live and grow for years indoors, though its size and look can vary depending on growing conditions.
From Our Greenhouse to Your Home
Florida Plant ships across the continental U.S. Your plant ships from Florida and California, USA, carefully packed in its nursery pot with soil unless noted. Orders dispatch within 1–4 business days, early in the week so plants don't sit over a weekend in transit.
During cold weather, orders to colder areas are sent with a heat pack, and we may hold delivery to very cold areas until it's safe to ship. Every plant is backed by our 48-hour live-arrival guarantee — contact us within 48 hours of delivery with photos if there's an issue.
Because this is a live plant, each one is unique — size, fullness, color, and shape vary naturally, and minor cosmetic imperfections can happen. Give your plant a little time to settle in after it arrives.
Plant Questions, Answered
How often should I water Oyster Plant 'Moses in the Cradle'?
Water keeping the soil lightly and evenly moist (don't let it fully dry out). It prefers to dry out a little between waterings rather than stay soggy.
What kind of light does Oyster Plant 'Moses in the Cradle' need?
Bright, indirect light keeps Oyster Plant 'Moses in the Cradle' looking its best, and it tolerates medium light. Avoid harsh, direct sun, which can scorch the leaves.
Is Oyster Plant 'Moses in the Cradle' pet safe?
No. Oyster Plant 'Moses in the Cradle' is considered toxic to cats and dogs if eaten, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Why is my tradescantia fading or leggy?
Too little light fades the color and stretches it out. Move it to bright, indirect light and pinch it back regularly to keep it bushy.
Plant care at a glance
- Light
- Bright, indirect light
- Care level
- Easy