Stephen Albert
Rhoeo–commonly called Moses-in-a-cradle–is a small evergreen perennial native to Mexico. It has lance-shaped leaves that are colorfully two-toned, dark green on top, and iridescent purple underneath.
Rhoeo thrives in regular potting soil. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. During winter allow the top half-inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
Rhoeo is commonly listed as Tradescantia spathacea.
Get to know Rhoeo
- Plant type: Tropical evergreen perennial
- Growing Zones and range: 9-11
- Optimal growing temperature: Prefers cool night of 50°-55°F (10°-13°C) and daytime temperatures of 65°-70°F (18°-21°C)
- Light: Bright sun, filtered light, or deep shade
- Height and width: 6”- 1’ tall
- Foliage: Clusters of long sword-shape leaves along a thick stem up to 8” long; leaves are dark teal-tinged deep green on the top and rich violet below. Leaves grow from a mounded rosette to 1 foot (30cm) tall.
- Flowers: Small white three-petaled flowers are hidden in boat-shape purple bracts
- Bloom time: Year-round blooms
- Uses: Houseplant, groundcover in warm-winter regions
- Common name: Moses-In-A-Boat, Moses-in-the cradle, Moses-in-the-bulrushes, man-in-a-boat, boat-lily, oyster plant
- Botanical name: Rhoeo spathacea (syn. Trandescantia spathacea)
- Family: Commelinaceae
- Origin: Brazil, Guatemala, Southern Mexico
Where to plant Rhoeo
- Rhoeo will grow in bright sun to deep shade.
- Grow Rhoeo in all-purpose potting mix or soil rich in organic matter but will grow in sandy soil
How to water and feed Rhoeo
- Keep the soil just moist for Rhoeo. Allow the soil to just dry between waterings.
- Fertilize Rhoeo twice a month in spring and summer.
Rhoeo care
- Give plants extra humidity by placing the container on a tray with pebbles and water.
- Repot Rhoeo only when the plant is crowded in its container.
- Too little light will make the plant lanky and not as colorful; move the plant to a brighter spot.
- When older plants begin to look shabby, start new plants.
Growing Rhoeo as a houseplant
- Rhoeo needs bright light, an average room temperature, and medium to high humidity.
- The soil should be allowed to dry between watrerings.
- Fertilizer can be applied regularly in spring and summer.
Rhoeo pests and diseases
- Rhoeo is susceptible to mealybugs and spider mites.
Rhoeo propagation
- Take Rhoeo offsets or divide at any time or remove and repot seedlings that appear in the pot.
Rhoeo varieties to grow
- Rhoeo is sometimes listed as Tradescantia spathacea.
- ‘Variegata’ leaves are striped with pale yellow.
