Moses-in-the-cradle is one of the most beautiful houseplants you can grow. However, receiving it as a gift without any knowledge about how to take care of it can be pretty jarring.
Don’t worry, though, because we’re here to help. We’ll let you know the best soil to use, how much watering and light it needs, when to prune and repot it, and more to make sure you’ll enjoy growing your beautiful Moses-in-the-cradle.
We’ll also discuss some of the common problems you’ll encounter while raising this plant and how you can fix them towards the end of this guide.
Moses-in-the-Cradle General Information
Scientific Name: Tradescantia spathacea
Common Name: Moses-in-the-cradle, oyster plant, boatlily
Genus: Tradescantia
Plant Type: Perennial plant
Native Habitat: Southern Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala
Preferred Environment: Warm and humid environment
Growing Season: Spring and summer
Mature Size: 1 feet tall; 2 feet wide
Toxicity: Toxic to humans and pets
Moses-in-the-cradle is a perennial plant that belongs to the Tradescantia genus of the Commelinaceae family. It’s native to Southern Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala but has naturalized in Florida, Texas, Louisiana, and Hawaii.
The plant is a popular houseplant because of its striking, lance-shaped leaves. The upper side of the leaves is glossy green, while the undersides are a vibrant purple or burgundy, giving it a unique charm.
Unfortunately, it’s considered toxic to both humans and pets. The sap from the leaves can cause rashes, dermatitis, and oral pain if ingested.
Taking Care of Moses-in-the-Cradle
What soil is best for Moses-in-the-cradle?
The best soil for Moses-in-the-cradle is a loose, well-draining potting mix that provides good aeration and can retain sufficient moisture. It’s also ideal to maintain a pH of 5.0 to 6.0 for optimum growth.
Any general houseplant soil mix should be good enough for your Moses-in-the-cradle. Just make sure that the pot has drainage holes for the excess water to escape.
How do I make my own soil mix for Moses-in-the-cradle?
A 70% loam soil, 10% horticultural sand, 10% compost, and 10% coco coir or peat moss is an ideal mix for Moses-in-the-cradle. Combine all the ingredients in a container and mix them thoroughly to ensure even distribution of materials.
The horticultural sand will improve the soil’s drainage. At the same time, the coco coir component will help retain sufficient moisture for the plant.
Compost will provide the plant with the necessary nutrients while also improving the soil’s drainage.
How often should I water my Moses-in-the-cradle?
Water your Moses-in-the-cradle only when the top one to two inches of the soil is dry. On average, you can expect to water your Moses-in-the-cradle every 1 to 2 weeks during spring and summer.
Lessen the frequency of watering during winter since the plant won’t be actively growing and won’t need much moisture. Wait until the top three inches of the soil is dry before watering.
Remember to water the plant until you see some water dripping out of the pot’s drainage holes to make sure the entire root ball is watered. It’s also important to discard any water that collects in the saucer beneath the pot.
Does Moses-in-the-cradle require sun or shade?
If grown indoors, Moses-in-the-cradle will thrive if it receives bright, indirect light for at least 6 hours daily. However, if it’s grown outdoors, it’s best to keep it in locations where it receives partial shade.
Place the plant near a south or west-facing window to get the most light. Just put a sheer curtain or screen on the window since direct sunlight can be too hot for the plant’s leaves.
Moses-in-the-cradle can tolerate lower light conditions for a while but avoid full shade for extended periods. This can lead to leggy growth and dull colors on the leaves.
What temperature is recommended for Moses-in-the-cradle?
Moses-in-the-cradle thrives in temperatures ranging from 60°F to 85°F since it’s native to tropical regions. It’s sensitive to cold weather, and a drop below 50°F in temperature can cause damage to the plant.
If you live in a region with harsh winters, make sure to protect your plant from chilly drafts and avoid placing it near windows.
What humidity level is recommended for Moses-in-the-cradle?
Moses-in-the-cradle is a relatively adaptable plant when it comes to humidity levels. However, it does appreciate a slightly more humid environment, preferably around 60% to 70% humidity.
One way to increase humidity around the plant is by using a humidifier. Place it near your Moses-in-the-cradle to create the optimal humidity condition for the plant.
Misting the leaves with water regularly can also create a humid environment around the plant. This is highly encouraged during winter since the house’s heater can reduce indoor humidity.
How often should I fertilize my Moses-in-the-cradle?
Fertilize your Moses-in-the-cradle with a balanced, water-soluble, or general houseplant fertilizer every month during spring and summer. During winter, cease fertilization since it doesn’t require much nutrients during this period.
Water the plant thoroughly before applying fertilizer to prevent potential root burn. Then, dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength to avoid over-fertilization and salt buildup.
Make sure to not get any fertilizer on the leaves since it can cause chemical burns or damage to the plants. Fertilizer is also meant to be absorbed by the roots, so it would be useless if applied to the leaves.
How often should I prune my Moses-in-the-cradle?
Prune your Moses-in-the-cradle only if you notice some dead leaves, or it has become too leggy. It’s ideal to prune the plant during summer and spring since pruning during these seasons can stimulate branching and a fuller appearance.
If you want to maintain a particular shape or size for your Moses-in-the-cradle, you can prune it to achieve that shape and size. Just keep in mind that it naturally has a rosette growth habit, so the center will naturally be bushier, and the outer edges will be taller.
When pruning the stems’ tips, cut about an inch above the leaf node or the point where the leaves are attached to the stem. Trim the plant little by little instead of cutting a lot at once to avoid stressing it.
When should I repot my Moses-in-the-cradle?
Repot your Moses-in-the-cradle when its root system has become too crowded in the pot. It’s preferable to repot it during spring or early summer while it’s actively growing, as it’s likely to recover fast during this period.
Avoid repotting the plant during winter and fall since it’s most likely dormant. During this time, its energy and resources are directed to survival, so it may not be able to bounce back from the stress caused by repotting.
On average, you’ll need to repot it every two to three years. This can vary depending on the plant’s growth rate, the size of the pot, and its growing condition.
How to Repot Moses-in-the-Cradle
Step 1: Select a pot that’s one size larger than the current one
Prepare a pot that’s about one or two inches larger than the current one to give the roots more space to grow. Make sure it has drainage holes at the bottom because Moses-in-the-cradle isn’t fond of soggy soil.
Step 2: Prepare a new potting mix
You can either use high-quality general-purpose soil or make a mix on your own. It should be fine as long as the potting mix can hold moisture without trapping excessive amounts of water in the soil.
Step 3: Gently remove the Moses-in-the-cradle from its current pot
Gently tap the current pot’s sides and bottom to loosen the plant inside. Hold the plant at its base and carefully slide it out of the current container.
Carefully shake off any excess soil to see the roots better.
Step 4: Trim the roots a bit
If the plant has become root-bound, trim the roots a bit to encourage new growth. Make sure not to cut more than ⅓ of the roots, as this will cause a lot of stress to the plant.
Step 5: Add a fresh potting mix to the new pot
Add about an inch layer of fresh potting mix to the new pot. This will prevent the plant’s roots from directly contacting the pot’s drainage holes, which can cause clogging over time.
Step 6: Place the Moses-in-the-cradle in the new pot
Position the Moses-in-the-cradle at the center of the new pot. Then, fill the space around it with a potting mix to secure it in place.
Step 7: Water the plant thoroughly
After repotting, water the plant until you see the water dripping from the drainage holes. This will help the soil settle and ensure that the roots are in close contact with the soil.
This will also help minimize transplant shock, so it’s an important part of the repotting process.
How to Propagate Moses-in-the-Cradle
How to Propagate a Moses-in-the-Cradle through Division
Step 1: Carefully remove the Moses-in-the-cradle from its current pot
Gently remove the plant from the pot. Shake off or tap off the excess soil to expose the root system and get a better view of their natural divisions.
Step 2: Divide the root system
Look for natural divisions or sections where the roots can be separated. You’ll notice that the plant has formed multiple clumps of stems, which you can separate and grow as individual plants.
Step 3: Separate the roots from each other
Once you’ve identified its natural division, carefully twist the roots to see if they can be separated by hand. If not, use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to separate the divisions.
Make sure that each division has a healthy stem with several leaves for faster growth.
Step 4: Plant the divisions
Plant each division into their individual pots. Make sure that the crown or the point where the stem meets the roots is slightly above the soil level.
Use the same potting soil as the parent plant to minimize the risk of transplant shock.
Step 5: Water the plant thoroughly
Water each pot thoroughly after planting to hydrate the cuttings and help them settle into their new home.
How to Propagate a Moses-in-the-Cradle through Stem Cuttings
Step 1: Snip off a cutting from a healthy Moses-in-the-cradle
Look for a healthy stem and cut it just below the leaf node. The stem cutting should be about four to six inches long with multiple leaves.
You can cut multiple stems to increase your chances of success.
Step 2: Remove the leaves from the lower part of the stem cuttings
Take off all the leaves on the bottom part of the stem. This bare part will be where new roots will emerge.
Stem 3: Place the stem cuttings in a jar with water.
Fill the jar with clean water, then place the stem cuttings. Make sure that only the part with no leaves is submerged in water to avoid fungal growth.
Regularly change the water to make sure no bacteria can harm the stem cuttings.
Step 4: Plant the cuttings
Once you start seeing about three to four inches of roots on the cutting, you can now plant it in a new pot. Let the roots dry first while you prepare the pot and potting mix.
Insert the prepared cuttings into the soil, burying the cut end just deep enough to support the cutting upright. You can bury multiple cuttings in one pot as long as they’re spaced a few inches apart from each other.
Step 5: Water the cutting
After planting the cuttings, make sure to water the soil thoroughly to provide enough moisture for the plant. Make sure to keep the potting mix consistently moist but not waterlogged while the stem cuttings are growing.
Step 6: Cover the pot with clear plastic
The stem cuttings from your Moses-in-the-cradle will benefit from a humid environment, so always keep the humidity level around them high.
You can do this by covering the pot with clear plastic, as this will help retain moisture and humidity around the cuttings.
After a few weeks, try pulling the stem cutting from the pot. If it feels like it has settled in on the soil, you can remove the clear plastic.
Common Problems with Moses-in-the-Cradle
Overwatering
Like most houseplants, overwatering is a huge problem for Moses-in-the-cradle plants. If it’s always exposed to excessively moist and waterlogged conditions, there’s a huge possibility that fungi will grow in the soil, leading to bigger problems.
Overwatering and fungi growth can lead to a decay in the Moses-in-the-cradle’s root system, which can lead to yellowing and wilting leaves. If this problem is not addressed immediately, the plant can die.
How to Fix Overwatering
If the soil is severely waterlogged, it’s best to change it with a fresh, well-draining potting mix. Trim any rotting or damaged root to make way for the growth of healthier roots.
The plant will need time to recover, so keep monitoring it. Adjust your watering schedule as needed.
Make sure to check if the soil is dry before watering to avoid the same problem again.
Brown Leaves
Moses-in-the-cradle is well-loved for its vibrant green and purple color, so seeing them turn brown is concerning. It’s a sign of various issues, including sunburn, nutrient deficiency, and low humidity levels.
If the plant is exposed to direct sunlight for a long period, it can be scorched, leaving brown spots on the leaves. If the plant continues to be exposed to intense heat, the entire leaf may die and turn brown.
Moses-in-the-cradle can also experience severe stress from a lack of essential nutrients like magnesium and calcium. This will prompt the plant to conserve the little nutrients it receives and redirect its energy to survival, leading to dying and browning leaves.
How to Fix Brown Leaves
If you’re growing your Moses-in-the-cradle outdoors, it’s best to move it somewhere with dappled sunlight to avoid further sunburn. If it’s grown indoors, move it to an area with bright, indirect light to give the plant time to recover.
Remove the leaves that are severely damaged and monitor the plant. If you notice new spots after a few weeks, then the plant is probably suffering from nutrient deficiency instead of sunburn.
Fertilize it with a balanced houseplant fertilizer or add vermicompost to the soil to compensate for the lack of nutrients. Ensure to water the plant before applying fertilizer to avoid burning the roots with the sudden increase in nutrients.
Pests
Moses-in-the-cradle is fairly pest-resistant, which makes some plant owners complacent. However, there’s still a possibility that pests may infest the plant and cause several issues.
Among the pests that may infest Moses-in-the-cradle are spider mites and mealybugs. Both these pests target the plant’s leaves and suck the sap out of it, causing damage to the plant.
These are relatively small and may be hard to see, but some signs you can look for are webbing on the leaves, indicating the presence of spider mites, and a white cotton-like substance on the leaves, indicating mealybug infestation.
How to Fix Pests
The first thing to do when your Moses-in-the-cradle is infested by pests is to isolate it from other plants. Get rid of the heavily infested leaves and focus your treatment on the ones you can still save.
Dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and remove the pests you see individually. After this, use insecticidal soap or neem oil to treat the rest of the plant.
You may need to apply insecticidal soap or neem oil several times before completely getting rid of the pests.
Lack of Flowers
Although Moses-in-the-cradle is typically not grown for its flowers, the presence of its beautiful blooms is a great indicator that the plant is growing healthily. If it’s not producing flowers, it’s probably not receiving enough light.
Since sunlight is the primary energy source for photosynthesis, lack of it may hinder the plant’s ability to flower and reproduce.
How to Fix Lack of Flowers
Move your Moses-in-the-cradle to a location where it can receive at least six or eight hours of bright, indirect light. The ideal location would be west-facing and south-facing windows since they receive the most light in houses.
Don’t forget to put sheer curtains or screens on the window to filter the light hitting the plant.
Lack of Purple Color
One of the most charming points and well-known characteristics of Moses-in-the-cradle is its two-toned leaves. That’s why it can be concerning for plant owners if their Moses-in-the-cradle only has green colors.
The lack of purple color in the plant is often because of low-light conditions. The plant cannot produce anthocyanin, which is responsible for the purple color of the leaves, if it doesn’t receive enough light, resulting in a green-only plant.
How to Fix Lack of Purple Color
Place the plant in a room that receives bright, filtered light. This will help produce not just purple hues but also a more vibrant green color.
It will also be beneficial for the plant if you occasionally rotate it. This will help the entire Moses-in-the-cradle to receive equal amounts of sunlight.
