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Moses-in-the-cradle

Tradescantia spathacea

Last reviewed: October 2026

Moses-in-the-cradle (Tradescantia spathacea)
Photo: no rights reserved, uploaded by Parker Hopkins

Toxicity unknown

Moses-in-the-cradle (Tradescantia spathacea) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

6"–12" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Native alternatives to Moses-in-the-cradle

Moses-in-the-cradle is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.

Before you buy

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Picture natives in your own yard

Wondering what could grow where Moses-in-the-cradle is now? Upload a photo of the spot and Patch Vision shows a rendering of it replanted with natives for your region.

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Moses-in-the-cradle is a compact perennial groundcover with distinctive purple undersides on its thick, lance-shaped leaves. The small white flowers are nestled in boat-shaped bracts, creating an interesting architectural look. This low-growing plant maintains a neat, clumping habit and provides year-round color in shaded areas.

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In an HOA neighborhood

Moses-in-the-cradle takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

Wildlife value

While not a major pollinator plant, the small flowers may attract occasional small bees and beneficial insects. The dense foliage can provide shelter for small wildlife like lizards and ground-dwelling insects.

Common questions

How much sun does Moses-in-the-cradle need?
Moses-in-the-cradle grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Moses-in-the-cradle bloom?
Moses-in-the-cradle blooms in March, April, May, June, July, and August.
Is Moses-in-the-cradle HOA-friendly?
Moses-in-the-cradle takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Moses-in-the-cradle? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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