Care of the indoor plant Tradescantia spathacea or Moses in a Basket |
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The genus Tradescantia, family Commelinaceae, comprises 30 species of herbaceous and perennial plants native to the American continent. Some species are: Tradescantia spathacea, Tradescantia sillamontana, Tradescantia pallida, Tradescantia multiflora, Tradescantia zebrina, Tradescantia fluminensis, Tradescantia albiflora, Tradescantia brevicaulis. Common names: Moses in a Basket, Oyster Plant, Boat lily, Moses-in-the-cradle. This species is native to Southern Mexico and Central America. They are perennial and herbaceous plants with decorative concave and erect leaves that are arranged in a rosette on the short stem and are green on the upper side and purple on the underside. The flowers have no ornamental interest and are white or bluish and appear at the base of the leaves. Moses in a Basket is used as indoor or greenhouse plants; in tropical and subtropical climates it's used as coverings in understory. It's a poisonous plant by ingestion. Tradescantia spathacea needs a light exposure but without direct sun, an average annual temperature of 20 ºC (68 ºF) and high humidity (spray frequently if the environment is dry). It does not resist frost. The soil can be normal garden soil with abundant organic matter. Water frequently so that the soil is always slightly damp (never flood); in winter reduce watering. Oyster Plant can be lightly pruned to keep it compact. Fertilize every 15 days with mineral fertilizer during spring and summer. Tradescantia spathacea is quite resistant to pests if the humidity is high. If there is excess watering it can be attacked by fungi. Moses in a Basket is propagated from seeds or by lateral cuttings. |
Images of the indoor plant Tradescantia spathacea or Moses in a Basket |
 Tradescantia spathacea  Tradescantia spathacea  Tradescantia spathacea |