Moses in the Cradle (Tradescantia spathacea), 4-Inch Pot

Moses in the Cradle (Tradescantia spathacea) forms an upright rosette of sword-shaped leaves with rich purple undersides. This variegated plant brings green, cream and pink tones to a bright shelf, where changing angles reveal its contrasting foliage.

Points of interest

• Long, overlapping leaves create a compact, architectural rosette.
• Variegated foliage combines green and pale stripes with pink tones and purple undersides.
• Small flowers can appear inside boat-shaped bracts, giving the plant its familiar common name.
• Offsets gradually develop around the base to create a fuller cluster.

What you’ll receive and mature size

You’ll receive one live Moses in the Cradle plant growing in a 4-inch nursery pot. Shipping height, fullness and variegation vary naturally. Established plants commonly reach approximately 6–12 inches tall and 12–18 inches wide, depending on growing conditions and variety. Decorative planters and styling props are not included.

Optional BASEL planters

Complete the styled look with a white BASEL 4.7-inch planter or black BASEL 4.7-inch planter. These smaller BASEL planters are suitable options for many 4-inch grow pots. Planters are optional separate purchases and are not included with this plant. Compare your nursery pot’s actual outside width with the 4.7-inch planter opening before ordering. BASEL planters have no drainage holes; remove the nursery pot to water and let it drain completely before returning it to the decorative planter.

Care guide

• Light: Provide bright indirect light or gentle morning sun. Acclimate gradually to stronger light and protect from harsh afternoon sun. Too little light may weaken growth and reduce coloration.
• Water: Water thoroughly when the top 1–2 inches of mix have dried, then drain completely. Avoid keeping the soil constantly wet or allowing prolonged severe dryness. Reduce watering in cool or low-light conditions and never leave the pot standing in water.
• Soil: Use a well-draining houseplant mix with added perlite or pumice in a container with drainage holes. Ready to repot? Shop our Rich Houseplant Soil Blend, hand-blended in small batches and sold separately. Add perlite or pumice as needed to maintain good drainage.
• Temperature and humidity: Ordinary indoor temperatures and average household humidity are suitable. Protect from frost, cold drafts and prolonged cold rain; provide good airflow.
• Feeding: Feed lightly during active growth with a balanced slow-release houseplant fertilizer, following its label directions. Ready to feed? Shop our 2 oz Slow-Release Fertilizer for Houseplants & Succulents, sold separately. Pause or reduce feeding when growth slows and avoid fertilizing a stressed plant. Pause feeding during inactivity or extreme heat or cold.
• Pruning: Remove damaged or dry outer leaves with clean tools. Wear gloves when handling cut tissue, as sap can irritate skin.
• Repotting: Repot when roots crowd the container into a slightly larger draining pot with fresh mix. Keep the rosette base at its original soil level.
• Propagation: Separate established offsets that have roots of their own. Pot into fresh draining mix and water gently while they establish.

Pet and child safety

Tradescantia spathacea can be harmful if eaten, and its sap can irritate skin. Keep it out of reach of pets and children and wash your hands after handling.