Moses in the Cradle (Tradescantia spathacea): Purple-Backed Leaves Year-Round

Botanical Name: Tradescantia spathacea

Related to Wandering Jew, Moses in the Cradle is just as easy to grow. Dark green, lance-shaped leaves with striking purplish-red undersides make it a beautiful year-round houseplant.

Pot in a small decorative container for a stunning table accent. The variegated cultivar 'Variegata' offers even more drama with striped foliage in burgundy, pink, green, and cream.

Small white, 3-petaled flowers bloom any time of year, nestled in boat-shaped leaf axils—hence the common name.

Care Essentials

• Light: Bright light year-round for best color and flowers. Tolerates lower light but leaves stay greener.
• Humidity: Raise in winter with daily misting or a humidifier. Pebble tray helps.
• Repotting: Spring, when crowded (every couple years). Move up just one pot size. Use drainage holes to prevent root rot.

Moses in the Cradle Care Quick Reference

• Origin: Mexico
• Height: 1–2 ft (30–60 cm)
• Light: Bright indirect light
• Water: Keep soil evenly moist year-round
• Humidity: Average room humidity. Brown tips = dry air. Mist or use humidity tray.
• Temperature: 65–80°F (18–27°C)
• Soil: Good all-purpose potting mix
• Fertilizer: Monthly spring/summer with balanced (10-10-10) liquid fertilizer at half strength
• Propagation: Division—remove offshoots with roots and pot separately