• Tradescantia Spathacea 3.5" Pot - Small
  • Tradescantia Spathacea
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Tradescantia Spathacea

Tradescantia Spathacea

$12
$12
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Tradescantia Spathacea – Bold Texture, Tropical Color

Meet the Tradescantia Spathacea, also known as Moses-in-the-Cradle. This eye-catching plant is celebrated for its upright rosettes of sword-like leaves that boast a dramatic contrast—deep green tops and vibrant purple undersides. Perfect for adding structure, dimension, and color to tabletops, shelves, or office spaces.

Why You’ll Love Tradescantia Spathacea

  • 🌈 Two-tone leaves with tropical flair
  • 🪴 Compact growth ideal for small spaces
  • 🌿 Low-maintenance and beginner-friendly
  • ✨ Air-purifying and easy to propagate
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Common Names

  • Tradescantia Spathacea
  • Moses-in-the-Cradle
  • Boat Lily

Botanical Classification

  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Order: Commelinales
  • Family: Commelinaceae
  • Genus: Tradescantia
  • Species: Tradescantia spathacea

Where It Comes From

Native to southern Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize, this plant thrives in warm, humid climates and is widely cultivated as a houseplant due to its bold foliage and compact size.

Decor Impact

With its structural form and vivid leaf coloration, Tradescantia Spathacea brings an architectural edge to indoor displays. It shines in modern settings, contrasting beautifully with minimalist décor or acting as a lively accent among neutral tones.

Why It’s So Popular

  • Easy-care and ideal for low-light spaces
  • Compact rosette shape fits tight spots
  • Great for desks, windowsills, or terrariums
  • Colorful year-round with minimal effort
What Does It Look Like?

Appearance

Its sword-shaped leaves emerge in a symmetrical rosette. The upper surface is glossy green, while the underside bursts with violet-purple hues, making it attractive from all angles.

Growth Habit

It grows upright, typically reaching up to 12–18 inches in height, forming dense, layered clusters that make it great for decorative pots or grouped displays.

Popular Tradescantia Varieties

Tradescantia Nanouk

  • Colorful pink and green striped leaves with fuzzy texture.

Tradescantia Bubblegum

  • Playful blend of pink, lavender, and white on cascading stems.

Tradescantia Pink Panther

  • Dainty, pastel-striped leaves ideal for compact areas.

Tradescantia Fluminensis

  • Fast-growing green foliage with trailing habits perfect for baskets.

Tradescantia Zebrina

  • Bold silver, purple, and green striped leaves with a trailing habit.
Dealing with Pests

Spider Mites

Increase humidity and mist leaves regularly. Learn More

Mealybugs

Wipe with alcohol-soaked cotton swabs and isolate the plant. Learn More

Fungus Gnats

Let soil dry out and use sticky traps. Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions

How much light does Tradescantia Spathacea need?

It thrives in bright, indirect light but can tolerate partial shade. More light helps bring out richer colors.

Is it safe for pets?

No, Tradescantia plants can cause mild irritation if ingested by pets. Keep out of reach of curious animals.

Can I grow it outdoors?

Yes, in warm climates (zones 9-11). Otherwise, it works best as an indoor plant.

How do I propagate Tradescantia Spathacea?

It propagates easily from stem divisions or offsets. Simply separate a rosette and replant in fresh soil.

Learn More About Tradescantia Plant Care

For detailed care instructions and expert tips on maintaining your Tradescantia, visit our Tradescantia Plant Guide.

Ready to Elevate Your Indoor Jungle?

Bring home Tradescantia Spathacea today and transform your space with its bold, spiky charm.

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How to take care of Tradescantia Spathacea

Light: Medium

Aim for moderate to bright indirect light for optimal growth.

Sun: Indirect

Tradescantia Spathacea prefers bright, indirect sunlight but can tolerate lower light conditions.

Water: When half dry

Water moderately, allowing the soil to partially dry out between waterings. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot

Humidity: High

This plant can adapt to normal household humidity levels but appreciates slightly higher humidity. Misting occasionally can help, especially in dry indoor environments.

Pet Friendly: Caution

This plant carries a moderate level of toxicity and may lead to adverse reactions if ingested by pets. As a precaution, it's advisable to prevent pets from accessing it, which is a general rule for all indoor plants. The severity of the reaction depends on the quantity consumed. If your pet typically avoids consuming plants, incorporating this one into your home should pose minimal risk.

Pro Tip

Prune regularly to maintain a compact shape and encourage new growth. Additionally, periodically check for pests such as spider mites and mealybugs, especially in warmer months.


Shipping and Delivery Details

Shipping across Canada. Orders are packed and shipped within 1-2 business days. Delivery takes 3-5 business days depending on where you are.

30-Day Happy Plant Guarantee

If your plant arrives damaged or isn't healthy, contact us within 30 days with a photo. We'll sort it out with a replacement, refund, or store credit whichever works best for you. View our complete guarantee policy

Frequently Asked Questions

Certainly! If you're pondering about ordering plants online, you're not alone. We've compiled the most frequently asked questions. Check out our FAQ section here for quick answers! Happy planting!

Plant and Pot Size Guide

4" Pot (Small): plant is approx. 6-10 inches tall. 6" Pot (Medium): approx. 12-18 inches tall. All plants come in a standard nursery pot. Decorative pots are sold separately.

Winter Shipping Protection

Between November and March we add extra insulated packaging and heat packs to protect your plant from cold temperatures during transit. You can add winter shipping protection at checkout.

Returns Policy

If a plant arrives with significant damage, pests, or disease, we offer a full replacement or refund.Our guarantee covers the viability and health of your plant for 30 days.

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WATERING MADE EASY

Check soil moisture before watering and use a potting mix that drains well. It’s the secret to healthy, happy plants!

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