How to Propagate Tradescantia spathacea (Boat Lily) by 3 Easy Methods

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Tradescantia spathacea (Boat Lily) is propagated by plant division or from stem cuttings which can be rooted in water or in soil.

The best time to propagate Boat Lily is in spring to early summer when the plant is actively growing to hasten root growth. Propagating in winter is not advisable unless you have a grow light, a heat pad and a humidity dome.

Tradescantia spathacea also called Moses-in-the-Cradle, Moses-in-a-Boat, Cradle Lily, Oyster Plant is among the popular Tradescantia varieties for indoor growing. Tradescantia spathacea thrives in bright indirect light, average warmth of 18-27⁰C, moderate humidity of 50-55% and moderately moist, fertile, well-drained soil coupled with monthly feeding in spring and summer. Learn how to grow and care for Moses-in-the-Cradle.

Oyster Plant is easily propagated by 3 easy methods. In this guide, we have outlined these 3 methods by which you can increase your plants successfully.

(A) Tradescantia spathacea propagation from stem cuttings

Step 1: Gather your supplies

• Sharp, sterilized pruning shears or scissors
• A clean jar of water or a propagation station
• Small pots with a drainage hole
• Well-draining soil

Step 2: Choosing a healthy plant

Select a vibrant, healthy plant which will give your cuttings a strong head start. The following is what to look for:

• Bright, colorful foliage.
• No signs of pests or disease.
• Firm stems.
• Strong growth; avoid weak, leggy plants.

Step 3: Take stem cuttings

1. Take 4-6 inches long stem cuttings with some leaf nodes. Cut the stem just below the node as this is where new growth will come from.


2. Strip off the lower leaves, leaving 2–3 leaves at the top and allow the sap to dry to avoid rotting.

Step 4: Choose water or soil propagation

Choose either water or soil propagation. Both methods are effective, and choosing one depends on your preference.

Water Propagation: Simple and visual; watch the roots grow in a clear jar.

Soil Propagation: Direct planting in soil, skips transplant shock later.

1. Propagating Tradescantia spathacea from stem cuttings in water

1. Place the cuttings in a jar of plain room temperature water or in a propagation station. Make sure the nodes are submerged, but not the leaves


2. Place in a warm, well-lit spot away from direct sunlight. Change the water every 5-7 days to prevent fungal growth.


3. Root should appear in 1-2 weeks. When the roots are about 2-4 inches long, transfer the cuttings into individual pots in moist, well-draining soil.


4. Position the set up in a warm, well-lit place away from direct sunlight to prevent scorching.


5. Maintain the soil moist until there is substantial growth after which you can begin routine care.

2. Propagating Tradescantia spathacea from stem cuttings in soil

1. Fill a small pot with well-draining soil, moisten it lightly and make a hole in the center. Ensure that the hole is slightly wider than the base of the cutting.


2. Insert about 1-2 inches of the lower cut end of the cutting in the previously made hole and lightly firm the soil around the cutting while taking care not to bury it too deep.


3. To hasten rooting, create a mini-greenhouse by covering the set up with a clear plastic bag or humidity dome.


4. Ensure the leaves of the cutting do not touch the plastic bag too much by propping it up with sticks.


5. Place the set up in warm place under bright indirect light away from direct sunlight.


6. Maintain the soil moist until new growth emerges; new growth indicates that the cutting has rooted. In about 2–3 weeks, rooting should occur.


7. Gradually over a period of two weeks, remove the plastic bag cover or humidity dome to acclimate the new plant to ordinary growing conditions after which you can begin routine care.

(B) Tradescantia spathacea propagation by division

Gather your supplies

• A healthy, mature Boat Lily
• Sharp, sterilized pruning shears or scissors
• Small pots with a drainage hole
• Well-draining soil

3. Propagating Tradescantia spathacea by division

1. Thoroughly water the plant at least 1 day before to make it easier to divide and also hasten establishment.


2. Slip the plant out of its pot, wash or shake off excess soil and carefully divide it into sections. Ensure each sections has adequate roots and at least some leaves.


3. 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.


4. Fill the pot halfway 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.


5. 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.


6. Water the soil thoroughly and position the set up under bright indirect in a warm place until the new plant is well established after which you can begin routine care.

Caring for newly propagated Tradescantia spathacea

• Use a well-draining soil and a pot with a drainage hole.


• Water sparingly until the plant is well established.


• Give it in bright indirect light away from direct sunlight.


• Maintain humidity of 50-55%; use a wet pebble tray or a humidifier to raise humidity.


• Keep temperatures at 18-27⁰C.


• Start fertilizing after 8 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer.

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