Tradescantia spathacea (Boat Lily) Indoor Care, Propagation, Common Problems

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Boat Lily (Tradescantia spathacea) grows best in bright indirect light, average warmth, moderate humidity and moderately moist, rich, well-drained soil coupled with monthly feeding in the growing season.

Tradescantia spathacea also called Moses-in-the-Cradle, Moses-in-a-Boat, Cradle Lily or Oyster Plant is one of the popular Tradescantia varieties on account of its ease of care and ability to adapt to a wide range of growing conditions.

Moses-in-the-Cradle bears small white flowers in purple 'boats' at the base of the lower leaves and hence the common names, 'Moses-in-the-Cradle', 'Boat Lily' and 'Moses-in-a-Boat'. It flowers at any time of the year if grown under good light.

Moses-in-a-Boat is a low-growing plant with a short stem. The leaves are fleshy, sword-shaped, glossy green with purplish-red undersides placing it amongst the purple-leaved plants for the home or office space.

Oyster Plant is a low maintenance, easy-care, compact plant and is one of the best plants for the limited spaces in the home, office and other places.

Botanical name: Tradescantia spathacea
Synonym: Rhoeo spathacea
Family: Commelinaceae
Common names: Boat Lily, Moses-in-the-Cradle, Moses-in-a-Boat, Cradle Lily, Oyster Plant

Origin

Tradescantia spathacea is native to Mexico, West Indies and Central America.

Varieties

Boat Lily has many new varieties like the spectacular cultivar Rhoeo discolor 'Variegata' which bears foliage that is striped in burgundy, pink, green and cream.

Is Boat Lily Poisonous?

Tradescantia spathacea is mildly toxic to both humans and pets. If ingested, the plant sap causes burning in the mouth, tongue and throat. The sap may also cause skin irritation in sensitive skin; always wear gloves when handling the plant.

Why Grow Boat Lily Indoors?

• Low maintenance: It requires minimal care and thrives in various conditions.
• Compact & versatile: It fits well in pots, hanging baskets, or terrariums.
• Fast-growing:It quickly fills up space, making it ideal for lush indoor greenery.

Where to Buy

If you are looking to add Boat Lily to your collection, you may get them online from Amazon (Link to Amazon) or from Etsy (Link to Etsy).

Caring for Moses-in-the-Cradle Indoors

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about caring for and propagating Moses-in-the-Cradle indoors, ensuring it remains healthy and thriving in your home.

Tradescantia spathacea grows best in bright indirect light, average warmth of 18-27⁰C, moderate humidity of 50-55% and moderately moist, fertile, well-drained, all purpose soil coupled with monthly feeding during the growing season.

Boat Lily requires repotting only when extremely pot-bound as it grows best when slightly root-bound. Regular pruning is needed to keep it neat, to reduce pest and disease infestations, to encourage a bushy, compact growth and to rejuvenate growth. Keep reading for more on these growing conditions and how to achieve them.

Watering

Water your Moses-in-the-Cradle thoroughly during the growing season while allowing the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Maintain the soil moderately moist but not soggy to prevent mushy, yellowing leaves.

Cut down on watering in cold season to keep the soil slightly moist as growth is minimal. Do not allow the soil to dry out completely for a prolonged period to prevent wilting and drooping leaves.

Make sure that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy soil as it can lead to yellowing and root-rot. Avoid getting water on the leaves, as excess moisture can cause fungal diseases.

Light Requirements

Boat Lily grows best in bright indirect light (filtered light). Keep it away from direct sunlight to avoid scorching of the leaves. It can grow in semi-shade (partial shade) but the growth will be slower.

Too little light for Moses-in-the-Cradle will result in dull leaves and leggy growth. To avoid these you may grow the plant under a grow light if the natural light is not adequate.

Regularly rotate the pot to ensure that the plant receives light on all sides for uniform growth and prevent unbalanced growth.

Temperature and Humidity

Boat Lily requires an average warmth of 18-27⁰C with a minimum of 13⁰C to thrive. A room temperature that is comfortable for you is ideal for this plant. Keep it away from drafts as they can cause leaf drop and reduced growth. It is not a cold hardy plant.

Moses-in-the-Cradle has no need for extra humidity. Moderate air humidity of 50-55% is adequate for this plant. Brown, shrivelled leaf tips and edges are signs of too low humidity; to increase humidity, set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier.

Fertilizer

Feed your Boat Lily with a balanced, liquid fertilizer every 4 weeks during the growing period for lush growth. Minimize feeding or stop feeding in the cold season as the growth is minimal. Feeding at this time may lead to fertilizer burn which is indicated by wilting leaves and brown leaf tips.

A white, crusty substance on the soil surface is a sign of excess salts buildup. Regularly, flush out accumulated salts from the soil by running a stream of water through the soil until it comes out through the drainage holets. Let it run for a few minutes and repeat the process several times.

Potting Mix

The best potting mix for Moses-in-the-Cradle should be rich and free-draining to prevent it from getting soggy while providing the required nutrients. Most all purpose potting mixes are perfect for the plant.

Repotting

Repot Boat Lily during the growing season only when the plant has become extremely pot-bound; it thrives when slightly rootbound. Use a pot one size larger than the current one and free-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.

Ascertain that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to root-rot and death of the plant. Check out these ceramic pots with drainage holes and saucer on Amazon.

Pruning & Grooming

Pruning Boat Lily involves regular removal of dead foliage to maintain the plant neat as well as reduce pest and disease infestations. To control the growth and encourage bushyness, pinch the growing tips. Cutback leggy stems at the beginning of the growing season to rejuvenate growth.

Occasionally clean the leaves by damp-wiping with a soft cloth to keep them clean as well as discourage pest and disease infestations. Ascertain that there is proper circulation to minimize fungal diseases.

Propagation: How to multiply your Boat Lily

Tradescantia spathacea can be propagated during the growing period by plants divison or from stem-cuttings.

Moses-in-the-Cradle propagation by plant division

Water the plant thoroughly at least 1 day prior to make it easier to divide and also hasten establishment. A well hydrated plant suffers less shock and takes a shorter time to take root.

Take the plant out of its pot and carefully divide it into sections. Ensure each sections has adequate roots and at least one set of leaves.

Select a 6 or 8 inches pot and ensure that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to rotting.

Fill the pot with free-draining soil and make a hole in the center of the pot. Ensure that the hole is slightly wider than the root base of the section.

Place the section in the previously made hole and lightly firm the soil around the base while taking care not to bury it too deep; maintain the section at the same soil level it was in the previous pot.

Water the soil thoroughly and place the set up in a well-lit, warm place until the new plant is well established after which you can begin routine care.

Moses-in-the-Cradle propagation from stem cuttings

The stem cuttings root easily so there is no need for rooting hormone. Take a stem cutting of about 4-6 inches from a healthy plant and ensure it bears at least two sets of leaves. Strip off the lower leaves.

Allow some time for the formation of a protective callus tissue over the cuts of the cuttings to prevent rotting.

Once callused, insert the cuttings in moist, free-draining and place in warm, well-lit place away from direct sunlight.

Maintain the soil moist until new growth emerges and there is substantial growth.

Transfer the rooted Tradescantia spathacea stem cuttings into individual pots and begin routine care.

Tradescantia spathacea Problems with Remedies

Boat Lily (Tradescantia spathacea) problems include plant dying, shrivelled leaf tips, yellowing leaves, lack of blooms, pests and diseases among others. Keep reading for more on these problems and how to fix them.

Plant dying

Moses-in-the-Cradle is dying due to root-rot which is promoted by soggy soil. Ensure that the soil is free-draining and that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy. Decrease watering in the cold season as growth is minimal at this time and thus the plant does not require a lot of water.

Diseases

Boat Lily is prone to leaf spot disease which is characterized by brown, moist spots on the leaves. Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to the other plants and treat the plant with a systemic fungicide. Make sure to follow the instructions on the label.

Pests

Common pests which attack Boat Lily are mealy bugs, aphids and scales. Isolate the affected plant and treat it with insecticidal soap or neem oil as indicated by the manufacturers.

Brown and shrivelled leaf tips

Brown and shrivelled leaf tips in Moses-in-the-Cradle are caused by to too dry air. To elevate humidity, set the pot on a wet pebble tray, use a cool mist humidifier or grow the plant in the humid areas of the home.

Yellow and spotted leaves

Yellow and spotted leaves in Boat Lily are caused by underwatering. This results in too little moisture in the soil which causes the leaves begin to turn yellow and die.

Maintain the soil moderately moist in the growing season. Lessen watering during the cold season to keep the soil slightly moist but do not allow the soil to dry out completely.

Lack of blooms

Boat Lily will not produce the white flowers where the light is too low (inadequate light). Move the plant to a brighter spot where it will receive bright indirect light or instal grow lights if you do not have adequate light in your home.

Conclusion

Boat Lily (Tradescantia spathacea) is a striking indoor plant that is easy to care for and propagate. By providing the right light, water, and occasional pruning, you can enjoy its vibrant foliage year-round. If you are looking for a low-maintenance yet bold houseplant, Boat Lily is an excellent choice.

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