Moses-in-the-cradle
ExplorePlants
Moses-in-the-cradle
Tradescantia spathacea
Moses-in-the-cradle is a beautiful plant with green leaves and purple flowers. It loves to grow in warm places and can be found in many gardens and homes.
Habitat: Urban areas
Appearance
The Moses-in-the-cradle has striking, sword-shaped leaves that are dark green on top and vibrant purple underneath. Its small, white or pinkish flowers are nestled within unique boat-shaped purple bracts, resembling tiny cradles.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassLiliopsidaOrderCommelinalesFamilyCommelinaceaeGenusTradescantia
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Its purple sap was once used as a natural dye for cloth!
More sunlight makes its leaves turn an even brighter, richer purple color!
New plants can sprout easily from just a leaf or stem cutting!
Some call it 'oyster plant' because its flower bracts look like tiny shells!
Special abilities
Ability
Sun Guard
Its purple leaf undersides contain pigments that protect the plant from too much intense sunlight.
Ability
Flower Cradle
The unique boat-shaped bracts act like a cradle, protecting its tiny, delicate flowers as they grow.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 15-30 cm
- Spread
- 15-30 cm
- Flower Size
- 1-2 cm
- Bloom Season
- Year-round
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- Mild
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
European honey bee
Apis mellifera
Bees visit its small, hidden flowers for nectar.
eaten by
Garden snail
Helix aspersa
Snails sometimes munch on its succulent leaves.
eaten by
Two-spotted spider mite
Tetranychus urticae
Tiny mites can sometimes feed on its leaves.
Traits
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Ornamental
Ornamental plants are cultivated primarily for their aesthetic appeal, enhancing landscapes and gardens with their attractive foliage, flowers, or form.
Shade Tolerant
Shade tolerant plants are adapted to grow and thrive in areas with low light levels, requiring less direct sunlight.
Evergreen
Evergreen plants retain their foliage throughout the year, never shedding all their leaves at once.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Rapid Growing
Rapid growing plants exhibit accelerated growth rates, quickly increasing in size and biomass within a short period.
Urban Friendly
This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
Also known as
Boat Lily
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always wash your hands after touching plants, just in case.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Moses-in-the-cradle?
15-30 cm
How wide does Moses-in-the-cradle spread?
15-30 cm
How big are the flowers on Moses-in-the-cradle?
1-2 cm
When does Moses-in-the-cradle bloom?
Year-round
Is Moses-in-the-cradle edible?
No
Is Moses-in-the-cradle toxic?
Mild
What is Moses-in-the-cradle's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is Moses-in-the-cradle pollinated?
Insect
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