If you’re looking for a plant that is both beautiful and easy to care for, then the Rhoeo spathacea, or Moses-in-the-cradle plant, is the perfect choice for you.
This tropical perennial is native to Mexico and Central America, and its name comes from the shape of its flowers, which resemble Moses in a cradle.
The Rhoeo spathacea is a member of the Commelinaceae family, including the Tradescantia and Zebrina plants.
It is a succulent plant, meaning that it has thick, fleshy leaves that store water.
The leaves are dark green with purple stripes running through them, and the plant produces small, white flowers.
It is easily recognizable by its long, slender leaves arranged in a rosette pattern and its small white flowers that bloom in summer.
The Rhoeo spathacea is a low-maintenance plant that is relatively easy to care for.
It also makes an attractive addition to any indoor or outdoor space.
Some of the common household names for the rhoeo spathacea include:
- Moses in the cradle
- Moses in a boat
- Boat lily
- Oyster plant
- Tradescantia spathacea
The rhoeo spathacea got its common names because the leaves look like boats or cradles.
Quick Facts On Rhoeo Spathacea
- Family: Commelinaceae
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Temperature: 70° to 85° degrees Fahrenheit
- Water: Moist, not soggy
- Fertilizer: All-purpose fertilizer
- Propagation: Offsets
- Common Problems: Aphids, whiteflies, spider mites, mealybugs, scale
Rhoeo Spathacea Care
What Does The Moses In A Boat Plant Look Like, And How Big Does It Grow?
Rhoeo spathacea is a small succulent that typically grows to about 12″ inches tall and wide.
It is commonly grown as an ornamental in gardens and containers.
It features small, lance-shaped leaves about 3″ long that are borne in basal rosettes and arching stems of small, three-petaled white flowers, about ½” wide that bloom in summer.
Flowers are followed by spherical, three-lobed seed capsules that mature in fall and explode when ripe to release their seeds.
The oyster plant typically forms dense clumps over time but may also spread by offsets or rhizomes.
When Does The Moses In A Boat Plant Flower? Are The Flowers Fragrant?
Rhoeo spathacea typically blooms in summer. The small white flowers are not particularly fragrant.
What Are The Lighting Needs And Temperature Requirements?
When grown outdoors, Moses in a boat plant prefers a location in full sun to partial shade.
When grown indoors, it prefers a spot in bright, indirect light.
If the leaves start to yellow, it indicates that the plant is getting too much direct sunlight.
Moses-in-a-cradle prefers bright, indirect sunlight but can tolerate lower light levels.
The plant will do best in a room with 70° to 85° degrees Fahrenheit temperature.
Despite its tropical origins, Rhoeo spathacea is quite tolerant of cooler temperatures and can even handle a light frost.
How And When To Water And Fertilize The Moses In A Boat Plant?
Water your Moses-in-a-cradle plant when the top of the soil feels dry to the touch.
The plant prefers to be drier, so allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again.
Fertilize monthly during the spring and summer with a balanced fertilizer diluted to half strength.
What Is The Best Soil For Rhoeo Spathacea, And When Should You Transplant?
Rhoeo Spathacea tolerates a wide range of soils but prefers well-drained soil high in organic matter.
If you use heavy or clay-like soil, you can increase drainage by mixing some sand into the soil.
The plant can be transplanted at any time of year.
Does Rhoeo Spathacea Need Special Grooming Or Maintenance?
No, Rhoeo Spathacea does not need special grooming or maintenance. You can trim it back when it gets too big or leggy.
Other than that, just enjoy this easy-care plant!
How To Overwinter A Moses-in-the-Cradle Plant?
To overwinter your Rhoeo spathacea, start by doing the following steps:
- Reduce watering about 2 months before the first expected frost in your area.
- Stop fertilizing the plant about a month before the first expected frost.
- Once the temperature consistently drops below 50° degrees Fahrenheit, you can bring your Rhoeo spathacea indoors.
- Place the plant in an area that receives bright, indirect light and maintain moderate humidity around the plant.
- Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and fertilize every few weeks.
If you live in an area with severe winters, you may want to consider growing your Moses-in-the-cradle as a houseplant during winter.
How To Propagate An Oyster Plant?
Oyster plants can be propagated via stem cuttings.
Here’s how to do it:
- Choose a healthy stem to take your cutting from and make sure it has some leaves.
- Cut the stem at a 45-degree angle just below a leaf node using a sharp knife or pair of scissors.
- Remove lower leaves from the cutting and dip the cut end in the rooting hormone.
- Place the cutting in a pot filled with moistened potting mix and water lightly.
- Cover the pot with a plastic bag or dome to create a humid environment and place it in indirect light.
- Keep an eye on the soil moisture levels and water as needed to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
After a few weeks, you should see new growth emerging from the cutting.
Once the plant is established, you can remove the plastic cover and treat it like a mature plant.
Rhoeo Spathacea Pests And Diseases
Moses-in-a-cradle is a relatively pest and disease-free plant.
However, the plant may attract mealybugs and spider mites if stressed or not getting enough light.
These pests can be controlled with regular insecticidal soap or neem oil applications.
You’re likely dealing with mealybugs if you notice small, white, cottony-looking bugs on your Moses-in-a-cradle plant.
These pests can be difficult to eliminate, but you can try using a horticultural oil or an insecticidal soap.
Other tips for dealing with mealybugs include:
- Encouraging beneficial insects, like ladybugs and green lacewings, to your garden. These predators will help keep the mealybug population in check.
- Keep your plant healthy by giving it adequate light, water, and nutrients. A stressed plant is more likely to be attacked by pests.
- Regularly inspect your plant for mealybugs and take quick action to control them if they are found.
Moses-in-a-cradle is a relatively disease-resistant plant but can be susceptible to root rot if grown in soggy soil.
To avoid this problem, do the following:
- Make sure you plant your Moses-in-a-cradle in well-drained soil and don’t over-water it.
- If you notice any signs of disease, such as yellowing leaves or stunted growth, remove the affected plant parts and dispose of them.
- Treat the plant with a fungicide to help prevent the spread of disease.
If your plant starts to yellow or the leaves begin to drop, it is likely due to too much direct sunlight or overwatering.
Move the plant to a shadier spot and reduce watering frequency.
Suggested Uses For A Boat Lily
Boat lilies are most often grown as ornamental plants. They are commonly used in borders, containers, or houseplants.
You can use the boat lily in the following landscaping or decorative ways, such as:
- Borders: Plant boat lilies along your garden’s border to add height and interest.
- Container: Grow boat lilies in containers on your patio or deck. Be sure to use a well-draining potting mix and water regularly.
- Houseplant: Bring boat lilies indoors during the winter months or grow them as houseplants year-round. Place the plant in an area that receives bright, indirect light.
Overall, the boat lily is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for.
With proper care, your plant will thrive and provide you with beautiful foliage and flowers for many years to come.