The Boatlily (Tradescantia spathacea) is a popular ornamental plant known by common names like Moses-in-the-Cradle and Oyster Plant. This tropical perennial is admired for its distinctive foliage and adaptable nature, making it a favored choice for indoor and outdoor cultivation in warmer climates. Its striking appearance adds a vibrant touch to various settings.
Boatlily Characteristics
The Boatlily features an upright, rosette-forming growth habit, reaching 6 to 12 inches tall and 1 to 2 feet wide. Its sword-shaped leaves are dark green or metallic green on top, with a vibrant, glossy purple underneath. Some cultivars may also display variegated leaves with green, white, or pale yellow stripes.
Small, white, three-petaled flowers emerge from unique boat-shaped, purple bracts at the leaf axils. This distinctive floral arrangement gives rise to its common names like “Moses-in-the-Cradle.” Native to tropical Central and South America, the Boatlily thrives in warm, humid conditions, making it suitable for indoor environments or as outdoor groundcover in USDA hardiness zones 9 through 11.
Caring for Boatlily
Boatlilies thrive in bright, indirect light, maintaining vibrant foliage. They tolerate some morning or late afternoon sun, but prolonged midday sun can scorch leaves. Insufficient light leads to duller colors and leggy growth.
Water when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil are dry, thoroughly moistening until water drains from the bottom. Avoid overwatering, as soggy soil causes root rot; conversely, complete drying leads to wilting and yellowing. During fall and winter, reduce watering as growth slows, keeping soil only slightly moist.
A well-draining potting mix is suitable for Boatlilies, such as sandy loam or a mix with perlite or sand to enhance drainage. These plants prefer soil that remains moist but not waterlogged, ideally with a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 6.1 to 6.5. Temperatures between 60°F and 85°F are ideal for healthy growth, and the plant benefits from moderate to high humidity, around 50-55%. If indoor humidity is low, placing the pot on a pebble tray or using a humidifier can help.
Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) monthly during spring and summer. Dilute to half strength to prevent fertilizer burn, which causes wilting or brown tips. Reduce or cease fertilization during fall and winter as growth slows.
Propagating and Pruning Boatlily
Boatlilies are easy to propagate, primarily by dividing offsets (pups) that emerge at the plant’s base. To divide, carefully separate a pup with roots attached and plant it directly into a well-draining soil mix. Stem cuttings can also be used; take a healthy cutting with a few leaves and place it in soil or water until roots develop.
Pruning maintains the Boatlily’s appearance and encourages bushier growth. Remove yellowing, dead, or damaged leaves to keep the plant tidy and reduce pest or disease issues. Leggy stems, often from insufficient light, can be cut back in early spring to rejuvenate growth and promote a compact shape. Regular trimming manages the plant’s size, as it grows quickly.
Troubleshooting Boatlily Issues
Leaf discoloration often signals environmental imbalances. Yellowing leaves indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiency; browning tips often signal low humidity or insufficient watering. Fading vibrant purple and green foliage suggests insufficient bright, indirect light.
Boatlilies may encounter common houseplant pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and whiteflies. Pests cause symptoms like stippled or yellowed leaves, and spider mites may produce fine webbing. Treat by isolating affected plants and applying neem oil or insecticidal soap as directed. Leggy growth, with stretched stems and sparse foliage, usually indicates inadequate light, remedied by moving the plant to a brighter location.
Boatlily Safety
The Boatlily contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation if ingested or if its sap contacts skin or eyes. Ingestion can lead to burning sensations in the mouth, tongue, and throat, as well as pain and swelling. Skin contact with the sap may result in dermatitis or irritation, especially for sensitive individuals.
Keep Boatlily plants out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion or contact. When handling the plant, especially during pruning or repotting, wear gloves to protect skin from sap. This minimizes skin irritation risk.