The Moses-in-the-Cradle plant (Tradescantia spathacea), also known as Oyster Plant or Boat Lily, is a popular houseplant. Its striking appearance, unique floral structure, and vibrant foliage make it a favored choice for ornamental display. Its widespread appeal comes from both its visual charm and manageable care requirements.
Aesthetic Appeal and Low Maintenance
The Moses-in-the-Cradle plant offers significant visual appeal with sword-shaped leaves, typically dark green on the upper surface and glossy purple underneath. Some varieties display pale yellow stripes, adding decorative interest. The plant grows in a dense, upright rosette, usually reaching 6 to 12 inches tall and spreading 1 to 2 feet wide, providing a compact and colorful accent. Its small white flowers, nestled within purple, boat-shaped bracts, contribute to its unique charm and common names.
Beyond its vibrant aesthetics, the Moses-in-the-Cradle plant is valued for its low-maintenance nature. It is easy to care for and tolerates various growing conditions, including different light levels from full sun to partial shade. Bright, indirect light is ideal for maintaining vibrant leaf colors. Its adaptability and ease of propagation by seed, stem cuttings, or division further enhance its appeal.
Air Purification Capabilities
Plants, including the Moses-in-the-Cradle, contribute to indoor air quality, which can be affected by pollutants from building materials and organic compounds. While extensive studies on Tradescantia spathacea’s direct air-purifying efficacy are limited, houseplants are recognized for absorbing volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Research, such as the 1989 NASA Clean Air Study, indicated certain houseplants can help reduce airborne toxins like formaldehyde and benzene in sealed environments.
Common indoor pollutants originate from sources like furniture, cleaning products, and cooking fuels. While a single houseplant’s effectiveness for significant air purification in a typical home is less pronounced than in controlled laboratory conditions, the presence of plants can still contribute to a healthier atmosphere. The plant’s leaves and root-soil zone are believed to absorb and break down these airborne chemicals.
Traditional Uses and Potential Health Applications
Tradescantia spathacea has a history of traditional medicinal use across various cultures, particularly in tropical regions. Its leaves have been applied as poultices to reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain. The plant is also used in folk remedies to promote the healing of wounds, cuts, and bruises, with sap or crushed leaves applied topically to aid recovery and prevent infection.
It is believed to possess antimicrobial properties, making it useful in traditional practices for treating minor infections and skin conditions like rashes, insect bites, and minor burns. In some traditional systems, the plant has been used internally for digestive issues such as stomachaches, diarrhea, and dysentery, often prepared as a tea. Traditional uses also include alleviating respiratory conditions like colds, coughs, and bronchitis. The plant is also thought to contain antioxidants and has been used as a natural diuretic. It is important to acknowledge that these are traditional applications and not scientifically proven medical treatments; any use for health purposes should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Important Considerations for Cultivation
While the Moses-in-the-Cradle plant offers aesthetic and traditional benefits, handle it with care due to its sap. The plant contains calcium oxalate crystals in all its parts, which can cause irritation upon contact or ingestion. For humans, direct contact with the sap can lead to skin irritation, including a painful rash or contact dermatitis. Wearing gloves when handling the plant, especially during pruning or repotting, is advisable.
If ingested, the plant’s sap can cause immediate pain and irritation to the mouth, tongue, and throat. This plant is toxic to pets, including cats and dogs, and can induce symptoms such as excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, vomiting, and in severe cases, difficulty breathing. To ensure safety, keep the Moses-in-the-Cradle plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, rinse the mouth with water and seek immediate medical or veterinary attention.