• Easy-care Oyster Plant with purple foliage in a pot. Striped leaves reveal green tops and purple undersides. Shipped live by Plants & Roses Inc.
  • Easy-care Oyster Plant with purple edged green striped leaves in a small pot bold pattern and vibrant color. Shipped live by Plants & Roses Inc.
  • Easy-care Oyster Plant with bold purple foliage in a small terracotta pot. Held by a denim apron wearing hand. Shipped live by Plants & Roses Inc.
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    Oyster Plant (Tradescantia spathacea) Purple Foliage Live Houseplant

    $20.00 USD
    Shipping calculated at checkout.

    Sourced from trusted local U.S. plant nurseries

    Carefully inspected for pests and diseases before shipping

    Shipped with eco-friendly packaging and care tips

    Includes heat packs during cold weather to prevent freezing

    Size: 4" Pot
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    Product description

    Oyster Plant Introduction: Oyster Plant (Tradescantia spathacea) captivates with sword-shaped leaves that shift from green-to-metallic grey on top to a vivid purple underside, delivering two-tone drama without relying on flowers.

    Why You Need a Oyster Plant

    Oyster Plant brings a bold, evergreen aesthetic to any space, enriching interior decor with living color. This plant supports a lush indoor jungle vibe and remains a reliable foliage focal point in mixed plantings. Its distinctive leaf contrast adds depth to moody corners and bright windowsills alike, while fitting seamlessly into thoughtful houseplant care routines.

    Key Features

    • Foliage: Thin sword-shaped leaves with green to metallic grey tops and striking purple undersides
    • Dimensions: Current shipping size in a compact pot; growth potential includes clumping rosettes that spread with time
    • Growth Habit: Clumping rosettes; can trail in hanging baskets
    • Origin: Native to Central and South America; well-documented ornamental perennial

    Oyster Plant Care Guide

    • Light: Indirect sunlight is ideal; tolerates brighter rooms but avoid harsh, direct sun.
    • Water: Water when the top well-draining soil dries; monitor to prevent overwatering and root rot prevention.
    • Humidity: Average indoor humidity is fine; appreciates occasional misting or gentle airflow.

    Safety Note

    Is the Oyster Plant pet-safe? No, the Oyster Plant is toxic to pets if ingested. Keep out of reach of cats and dogs to avoid irritation or digestive upset.

    Horticulturalist's Pro-Tip

    Rotate the plant monthly to encourage balanced growth, and refresh the crown with a light repot and airy soil mix to maintain vibrant color.

    Ready to elevate your space? Add Oyster Plant to your collection and watch it transform your living decor.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How much light does an Oyster Plant need to stay vibrant?

    Oyster Plant thrives best in bright, indirect light, though the Oyster Plant can tolerate lower light conditions at the cost of slower growth.

    How often should I water my Oyster Plant to avoid root rot?

    To keep the Oyster Plant healthy, water only when the top two inches of soil are dry, as the Oyster Plant is susceptible to root rot in standing water.

    Can the Oyster Plant thrive in low humidity or dry indoor air?

    Oyster Plant tolerates average indoor humidity but appreciates occasional misting to keep leaves vibrant; this helps the Oyster Plant perform well in typical home environments.

    What type of soil is best for the Oyster Plant?

    Oyster Plant performs best in well-draining soil; a lightweight mix with perlite or orchid bark helps maintain aeration for the Oyster Plant.

    How can I propagate my Oyster Plant?

    Oyster Plant propagates readily from offsets or stem cuttings; gently divide clumping rosettes and root in well-draining soil to expand your Oyster Plant collection.

    What fertilizer does the Oyster Plant prefer and how often?

    Feed the Oyster Plant with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer at half strength every 4-6 weeks during the growing season to support healthy color and growth for the Oyster Plant.

    How should I prune the Oyster Plant to maintain shape?

    Trim brown or faded leaves and pinch back leggy stems to encourage a denser, more compact Oyster Plant habit for the Oyster Plant.

    Is the Oyster Plant safe for pets?

    Yes, the Oyster Plant is toxic to pets if ingested; keep the Oyster Plant out of reach of cats and dogs to prevent irritation or digestive upset.

    What is the best growth habit for the Oyster Plant in containers?

    The Oyster Plant forms clumping rosettes and can trail in hanging baskets when given space, making the Oyster Plant versatile for shelves and planters in your indoor jungle.

    What temperature range does the Oyster Plant prefer?

    Oyster Plant enjoys typical room temperatures, ideally between 60-85°F; avoid frost and excessive heat for the Oyster Plant’s best color and vigor.

    How quickly does the Oyster Plant grow?

    The Oyster Plant grows at a moderate pace, with rosettes slowly spreading to fill space and create a lush look in your Oyster Plant display.

    Can the Oyster Plant be grown in bathrooms or kitchens with indirect light?

    Yes, the Oyster Plant can thrive in indirect light found in bathrooms or kitchens, provided it isn’t in constant direct sun and the space maintains adequate humidity for the Oyster Plant.

    What pests commonly affect the Oyster Plant and how can I treat them?

    Watch for spider mites and mealybugs on the Oyster Plant; treat early with a damp cloth wipe-down and, if needed, a gentle insecticidal soap to protect the Oyster Plant.

    Does the Oyster Plant need high humidity?

    While the Oyster Plant tolerates average indoor humidity, occasional misting or airflow helps the Oyster Plant maintain vibrant leaves, especially in dry climates.

    What signals indicate the Oyster Plant needs repotting?

    When roots become visible at the drainage holes or the growth slows despite proper care, the Oyster Plant benefits from a fresh, airy soil mix and a slightly larger pot for the Oyster Plant.

    Can I use the Oyster Plant in mixed plant arrangements?

    The Oyster Plant’s striking foliage contrasts beautifully in mixed plant arrangements, enhancing the Oyster Plant’s role in an indoor jungle-style display.

    Are there any signs of overwatering in the Oyster Plant?

    Yellowing leaves, soft stem bases, and a musty soil smell can indicate overwatering in the Oyster Plant; adjust watering and ensure well-draining soil to protect the Oyster Plant.

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    Oyster Plant (Tradescantia spathacea) Purple Foliage Live Houseplant

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is the Oyster Plant 'Moses in the Cradle' easy to care for?
    Yes. The Oyster Plant (Tradescantia spathacea) is widely regarded as an easy-care ornamental because it tolerates a range of light conditions, recovers quickly from brief underwatering, and propagates readily by division or stem cuttings. Specifically, its tolerance of bright indirect light to partial shade, preference for well-draining soil, and compact size (typically 6–12 inches tall, 12–24 inches wide) make routine maintenance simple. This makes it ideal for beginner gardeners, apartment dwellers, and busy plant owners who want attractive foliage without intensive upkeep. A limitation is that it is not frost hardy, so growers in cool climates need to keep it indoors through cold weather or provide frost protection.
    How much light does the Oyster Plant need to thrive indoors?
    Bright indirect light is best. Tradescantia spathacea performs well with several hours of bright, indirect sunlight each day because that light intensity preserves the metallic green top leaves and the characteristic purple undersides. It also tolerates partial shade, which makes it suitable for east- or north-facing windows or rooms with filtered light. Under very low light the leaf color and growth rate may fade, while prolonged direct midday sun can scorch leaves. This plant suits indoor gardeners who can provide filtered natural light or strong ambient light from a nearby window, and it is less suitable for spaces with no natural light unless supplemented with grow lighting.
    How often should I water my Oyster Plant 'Moses in the Cradle'?
    Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Tradescantia spathacea prefers evenly moist but well-drained soil, so a reliable rule is to check the top 1 inch of potting mix and water thoroughly when it is dry. In practice this often means watering roughly once a week for indoor plants in temperate conditions, with adjustments for seasonal changes, pot size, and humidity. Overwatering that causes constantly soggy soil can lead to root rot, while prolonged drought will cause leaf drop and browning. This recommendation benefits plant owners who monitor soil moisture rather than adhering to a fixed schedule.
    Can I grow this plant outdoors in my garden?
    Yes, in warm climates the Oyster Plant can be grown outdoors. Tradescantia spathacea is commonly hardy in USDA zones 9 through 11 and thrives in shaded to partially shaded garden beds where temperatures remain mild. Outdoors it forms low mounds of sword-shaped leaves with vivid purple undersides, making it a good groundcover or border plant in frost-free landscapes. If you live in cooler regions, it can be grown outdoors in summer but should be brought inside when night temperatures approach 50 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. This plant is not suited to areas with regular freezes without protective measures.
    Is the Oyster Plant safe for pets and children?
    No, the Oyster Plant is considered mildly toxic and should be kept out of reach of pets and small children. Tradescantia spathacea can cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested and may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals, so contact with mouths or bare skin should be avoided. For households with curious dogs, cats, or toddlers, placing the plant on a high shelf or in a hanging basket helps reduce risk. If a pet or child consumes the plant, contact your veterinarian or local poison control for guidance. This caution benefits families prioritizing safety around plants.
    How do I propagate the Oyster Plant 'Moses in the Cradle'?
    Propagation is straightforward by division or stem cuttings. Tradescantia spathacea can be divided at the root clump during repotting to produce multiple plants, or you can root 2–4 inch stem or shoots placed in moist potting mix or water until roots form, typically within one to three weeks. Use a well-draining mix and keep humidity moderate to encourage fast rooting. This method suits gardeners who want to multiply plants for containers, gift giving, or to refresh crowded specimens. Compared with seed propagation, cuttings are faster and preserve the parent plant's leaf color and form.
    What potting mix and pot should I use for best results?
    Use a well-draining potting mix in a container with drainage holes. A quality indoor potting soil blended with coarse perlite or orchid bark improves aeration and prevents waterlogging, which Tradescantia spathacea dislikes. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the root ball to avoid excess moisture retention; terracotta pots are a good option because they wick moisture and help the soil dry between waterings. This setup benefits indoor growers and container gardeners who need reliable drainage and airflow to prevent root disease. If you prefer slower drying soil, reduce watering frequency accordingly.
    Does the Oyster Plant tolerate low-light office conditions?
    It tolerates lower light but prefers brighter indirect light for best color. Tradescantia spathacea will survive in moderate office lighting and can brighten workspaces with its purple undersides, but in consistently low-light environments the foliage may thin and lose intensity. For long-term display in offices, place it near a north or east window or supplement with a low-intensity grow light to maintain compact growth and vibrant coloration. This makes it a good option for offices with some natural light or reliable artificial lighting, while completely dark corners are not suitable.
    How fast does the Oyster Plant grow and how long will it live?
    It is a moderately fast grower with a multi-year lifespan under proper care. Tradescantia spathacea typically reaches its mature size of roughly 6–12 inches tall and 12–24 inches wide within a single growing season when provided with bright indirect light, regular watering, and occasional fertilization. With consistent indoor conditions and periodic division to prevent crowding, individual plants can live for many years. Growth rate slows in cooler months or low light. Compared with annual bedding plants, this is a long-lived perennial in warm climates or when grown as a houseplant.
    What common problems should I expect and how do I fix them?
    Yellowing leaves, limp growth, and leaf browning are the most common issues and are usually linked to culture. Yellowing or soft leaves often indicate overwatering and poor drainage, so reduce water frequency and ensure the pot has drainage holes and a free-draining mix. Brown leaf tips or crisp edges typically mean underwatering, low humidity, or direct sun scorch; increase humidity, move to filtered light, and adjust watering. Pests such as spider mites or mealybugs can occur; treat early infestations with insecticidal soap or by wiping leaves. These troubleshooting steps help homeowners and office plant keepers maintain healthy foliage.
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