Other Names: Boat Lily
Scientific Name: Tradescantia Spathaceae
Family: Commelinaceae
Genus: Tradescantia
Native: Belize, Guatemala
Tradescantia are a species of spiderwort, an evergreen perennial distinguished by elongated, pointed leaves. When in bloom it bears small, sterile three-petaled flowers of white, pink or purple with a distinctive heart shape. Foliage grows outward as a rosette and spreads across soil, making these plants excellent for ground cover. They can also be grown in hanging planters. They grow rapidly and may need to be contained/bounded. A very low maintenance plant. Tradescantia come in different types. This variety has long, waxy, boat-shaped leaves (up to 1 foot in length), with a distinctive green upper and purple underleaf color.
*Highly rated as an airpurifier when placed indoors.
***All our plants are grown in organically enriched living soil without the use of any chemical fertilizers, fungicides or pesticides.
Tradescantia/Moses in Cradle
GROWING: Re-pot in a larger container to increase root and foliage growth. Grow in a container/hanging basket or bounded outdoor space as this plant is quite demanding of soil/water resources and will grow rapidly. Trim off old, drying leaves from time to time and add this as shredded foliage around your plant to increase humus and soil health.
LIGHT: If growing indoors, place in a bright spot with exposure to indirect light for at least six hours daily. If growing outdoors, place in semi-shade. Avoid direct sunlight as it will burn its leaves.
WATERING: Daily in summer and thrice a week rest of the year. Allow soil to dry out completely between watering events. Never let its roots sit in stagnant water. If growing indoors, ensure that drip trays are emptied regularly.
FERTILIZING: Our plants are sold in organically enriched, NPK+MagSulf strong, potting mixes that would need no additional soil amendments for at least one year. If re-potting/migrating to a larger container, we recommend the use of Mandy's Farm Foliage Plant Potting Mix or one similar to it.