Meet the Tradescantia Spathacea, a plant with as many names as it has colors. Known as the Boat Lily, Moses in a Boat, and even Three Men in a Boat, this plant is as quirky as its names suggest. With its stunning leaf colors and spectacular flowers, it's a plant that's sure to turn heads.
Tradescantia spathacea
Partial To Full Sun
Can handle a mix of direct and bright light throughout the day.
Moderate Water Needs
Requires balanced watering. Prefers soil that's neither too wet nor too dry. Suitable for regular indoor care with moderate watering needs or for balanced outdoor conditions.
Adaptable to Shallow Rocky and Silt Loam
Grows well in shallow rocky and silt loam soils, adapting to these soil conditions. Needs frequent watering. Tolerates dry conditions. Requires good soil drainage.
Moderately Adaptable Soil pH
Adapts well to acidic (pH < 6.5) and neutral (pH 6.5-7.5) soil conditions.
Moderate Safety Concerns
Toxic if ingested, handle with caution. Can cause skin irritation and toxic if ingested.
Safe for All Animals
No known safety risks to pets or livestock.
68%
Adaptability Score
80%
Safety Score
About Tradescantia spathacea
The Boat Lily is a non-woody perennial that grows to a height of 6-12 inches and spreads to a width of 1-2 feet. Its leaves are a spectacular combination of ecru, jade, and plum, often streaked together in a beautiful display. The flowers bloom in harvest time, vernal season, summertime, and wintertime, offering extended periods of beauty. They are a stunning alabaster color, adding to the plant's overall charm.
Despite its venomous classification, the Boat Lily is a popular domestic plant. It's often used as a soil cover plant, adding a pop of color to any room or garden.
Also known as
Boat lily
Boat plant
Boat-lily
Boatlily
Moses in a boat
Moses in the cradle
Moses-In-The-Boat
Moses-in-a-basket
Moses-in-the-cradle
Oyster plant
Oysterplant
Three men in a boat
Edibility
The Boat Lily is not known for its edibility. In fact, it is classified as a venomous flora, so it's best to admire its beauty from a distance.
Our design recommendations
The Boat Lily's vibrant colors make it a fantastic choice for adding visual interest to your garden. Its extended blooming period means you'll have a spectacular display for much of the year. Plus, its compact size makes it perfect for planter arrangements or as a room plant. The Boat Lily is a versatile plant that can thrive in a variety of locations. It's often found in planters or used as a room plant, bringing a touch of nature indoors. Its ability to cover soil also makes it a great choice for garden beds.