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Tradescantia Spathacea

Tradescantia Spathacea

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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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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.


Delivery Policy for Plant Condition

"I have only received part of my order. What to do?

No worries if you've only got part of your order! Our plants come from different nurseries and might arrive in separate shipments, typically 1-2 days apart. It's all part of ensuring your green friends reach you in top-notch condition!

If you do not receive the remaining packages within 48 hours contact support at info@mygreenscape.ca

What is the Life Time Support?

Absolutely! Lifetime support means you can count on us whenever you have questions or uncertainties about your plant. Whether you're puzzled by its behavior or just want to ensure it's thriving, we're here for you. Connect with us on Instagram @mygreenscapeto or shoot us an email at support@mygreenscape.ca.

When it comes to our guarantee for plants shipped with standard or express, rest assured that we offer a 30-day happy healthy plant guarantee on all such shipments. This ensures that your plants are covered for 30 days after delivery, giving you peace of mind regarding their condition. If you have any concerns within this period, feel free to reach out to us for assistance.



For further details, please visit our Local Delivery, Store Pickup, Standard Shipping Guide Page.

What to expect

Your plant will arrive in a standard nursery pot, typically 0.5" - 1" smaller than the stated size to seamlessly fit into your chosen decorative pot. Washable Paper Planter Bags are available for separate purchase.

Just like nature intended, each plant is unique, showcasing natural variations in size, shape, and characteristics. Our commitment is to deliver a plant that closely resembles the one featured on our website, matching your chosen size, and with the potential to thrive happily in your home.

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 & Pot Size Chart

Choosing the right pot size for your plants can be a daunting task, especially if you're new to gardening. But fear not! Our pot sizes chart can help you find the perfect match for your plants, ensuring they have enough space to grow and thrive. With our guide, you'll be able to confidently choose the right pot size and plant variety for your gardening needs.

Plant Pot Size Guide.

Plant & Pot Size Chart
Extra Small 7-10 cm 2.5 - 3 inches
Small 11-12 cm 3.5 - 4 inches
Medium 14-17 cm 5 - 6 inches
Large 19-21 cm 8 - 10 inches
Extra Large 24-27 cm 12 - 14 inches


All sizes are specified in product details.

Your Complete Guide to Pot Sizes: What Size Should You Choose?

When selecting a pot for your plant, it's important to find the right size. But with all the different options out there, how do you know which one is best? We're here to help!

MyGreenscape's pot sizes chart is a great resource for finding your perfect fit. Our easy-to-read chart takes out all the guesswork and helps you quickly choose the right size for your plant.

Smaller pots are best for seedlings or small plants just starting out. These tend to be shallow but wide, allowing enough room for the roots of the young plant but not too much where they get overcrowded. Medium-sized pots are ideal when your plant has grown from its infancy and is ready for more space. These are deeper and wider than small pots, so that it can accommodate larger root systems - making sure your plant gets enough nourishment while still giving it breathing room. Large pots are top choice if you have an established plant in need of lots of space - think trees and large shrubs! The spacious depth and width allow plenty of room for deep root systems without struggling for air or light.

No matter what size you choose, MyGreenscape has got you covered, with our pot sizes chart guaranteeing you find the perfect fit every time!

Winter Shipping Protection

We take extra care with each package during the colder months. For destinations experiencing cold weather, we provide insulated packaging and heat packs as needed to protect your plants from freezing temperatures. With Winter Shipping Protection, your plants are equipped to arrive safe and sound, even in winter’s chill.

Care Guide

Explore essential care tips. check out our Comprehensive Resource for Indoor Plant Care.

View full details

WATERING MADE EASY

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

Hear From Happy Plant Parents.

Who have brought Mygreenscape plants into their homes.