Skip to content
Log inStart trial

Moses In A Basket

Tradescantia Spathacea

Design with this plant

Overview

Moses in the Basket (Tradescantia spathacea) is a vibrant, tropical perennial with sword-shaped leaves, green on top and purplish below, reaching 6-12 inches in height. Its distinctive rosette arrangement cradles small white flowers, resembling a baby in a cradle. Preferring indirect sunlight, it flourishes in well-draining soil. Ideal for adding low-maintenance, colorful ground cover or accenting container gardens within USDA zones 9-11.

Sun Full, Half, ShadeWater HighZones 9–11Type PerennialClimate Subtropical
Moses In A Basket (Tradescantia Spathacea) — or as an accent in mixed borders due to its compact nature and vibrant foliage; reaching lengths of 6 to 12 inches

Culture

Sun
Full, Half, Shade
Water
High
USDA zones
9–11

Shape & size

Mature height
1–2 Ft.
Mature width
1–2 Ft.

Classification

Type
Perennial
Family
Commelinaceae
Climate
Subtropical

See full data, regional cultivation notes, and design tools. Build a client presentation around this plant.

Start your 14-day trial

Photos (118)

Moses In A Basket (Tradescantia Spathacea) — tropical perennial that offers a striking appearance for any landscape design; providing long-lasting, image 92
Moses In A Basket (Tradescantia Spathacea) — glossy green leaves with bold purple undersides
Tradescantia Spathacea
Tradescantia Spathacea
Tradescantia Spathacea
Tradescantia Spathacea
Tradescantia Spathacea
Tradescantia Spathacea
Tradescantia Spathacea
Tradescantia Spathacea
Tradescantia Spathacea
Tradescantia Spathacea
Tradescantia Spathacea
Tradescantia Spathacea
Tradescantia Spathacea
Tradescantia Spathacea
Tradescantia Spathacea
Tradescantia Spathacea
Tradescantia Spathacea
Tradescantia Spathacea
Tradescantia Spathacea
Tradescantia Spathacea
Photographs by 2 contributors

Related plants

Cobweb Spiderwort (Tradescantia Sillamontana) — Ideal for xeriscaping and suitable for containers, it adds a textured, silvery accent to the landscape; is a

Ground cover

Cobweb Spiderwort

Tradescantia Sillamontana

FullUSDA 6–10
Feeling Flirty™ Inch Plants (Tradescantia fluminensis) — The Feeling Flirty™ Inch Plant

Feeling Flirty™ Inch Plants

Tradescantia fluminensis

Full
Feeling Frosty™ Inch Plant (Tradescantia hybrid) — The Tradescantia hybrid is a trailing houseplant with small white leaves delicately striped in cool green

Feeling Frosty™ Inch Plant

Tradescantia hybrid

Full
Feeling Moody™ Inch Plants (Tradescantia hybrid) — Proven Winners - New Vogue® Feeling Moody™ - Inch Plants - Tradescantia hybrid plant details

Feeling Moody™ Inch Plants

Tradescantia hybrid

Full
Feeling Trendy™ Inch Plants (Tradescantia hybrid) — Proven Winners - New Vogue® Feeling Trendy™ - Inch Plants - Tradescantia hybrid plant details

Feeling Trendy™ Inch Plants

Tradescantia hybrid

Full
Inch Plant (Tradescantia Zebrina) — though regular trimming may be necessary to maintain its shape and encourage fuller growth; the soil should retain moisture

Ground cover

Inch Plant

Tradescantia Zebrina

FullUSDA 9–10