Tradescantia spathacea
oyster plant
An evergreen perennial to 30cm, forming a clump of rosettes of narrowly lance-shaped, dark green leaves, deep purple beneath, to 30cm in length; axillary clusters of small white flowers with leaf-like purple bracts
Other common names
boat lilyChrist in the manger
see morecradle lily
men in a boat
Moses in his cradle
Moses in the bulrushes
Moses in the cradle
Moses on a raft
prayer plant
purple-leaved spiderwort
three men in a boat
Synonyms
Rhoeo discolorRhoeo spathacea
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Green Purple | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green Purple | ||
| Autumn | White | Green Purple | ||
| Winter | White | Green Purple |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing or North–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1BBotanical details
- Family
- Commelinaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Potentially harmful
- Skin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Tradescantia can be trailing or tufted perennials with usually fleshy, evergreen foliage and distinctive, 3-petalled flowers
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- C America
How to grow
Cultivation
Undemanding, easy-to-grow houseplant, or for summer outdoor displays planted in fertile, free draining soil. Direct sunshine may scorch the leaves. Indoors grow in bright filtered light, planted using peat-free, houseplant or multipurpose compost. When in active growth water moderately and liquid feed monthly. Reduce watering in winter. See houseplant cultivation for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by taking stem tip cuttings or by division
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Sub-tropical
- Patio and container plants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
Remove faded flowered stems
Pests
May be susceptible to red spider mite, mealybugs, aphids, vine weevil and thrips
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.