Moses in a Cradle – Desert Horizon Nursery

Moses in a Cradle

Tradescantia spathacea

Water
Moderate water; let the top 1–2 inches of soil dry between waterings. Check containers frequently during extreme summer heat; reduce watering in winter.
Description
A tropical perennial with dense rosettes of sword-shaped leaves, green above and purple beneath, and tiny flowers nestled in boat-shaped bracts.
Bloom Time
Deciduous / Evergreen
Special Features
Growth Rate
Growth Habit
Flower Color
Foliage Color
Garden Style
Companion Plants
Sap is a skin/eye irritant; mildly toxic to pets if ingested
Care Instructions

Light: Bright filtered light or morning sun with afternoon shade; avoid intense Phoenix midday and afternoon sun.

Water: Moderate water; let the top 1–2 inches of soil dry between waterings. Check containers frequently during extreme summer heat; reduce watering in winter.

Soil: Well-drained soil enriched with compost; use a loose, well-draining potting mix in containers. Avoid soggy soil.

Mature size: Typically 1–2 feet tall and 1–2 feet wide, gradually forming wider colonies through offsets.

Bloom: Intermittently throughout the warm season; potentially year-round under warm, frost-free conditions.

Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen in frost-free conditions; foliage can be damaged or killed by freezing temperatures.

Growth rate: Moderate to fast with warmth, adequate moisture, and protection from harsh sun.