Oyster Plant

The Oyster Plant (Tradescantia spathacea), also known as Moses-in-the-cradle or boat lily, is a striking tropical plant admired for its bold foliage and low-maintenance nature. The plant features sword-shaped leaves that are green on top and a rich purple underneath, creating a beautiful contrast that adds depth and color to gardens or indoor spaces. The plant gets its common name from the way its small, white flowers nestle in boat-shaped bracts at the base of the leaves, resembling oysters or a cradle.

Oyster plants are versatile and easy to grow, thriving in warm climates and preferring partial shade to full sun. They're commonly used as groundcover in tropical and subtropical landscapes but also do well as houseplants in containers. They prefer well-draining soil and only need occasional watering, making them ideal for busy gardeners. In addition to their ornamental value, oyster plants are known for their ability to purify the air, making them a popular choice for indoor environments. However, it's worth noting that the plant’s sap can be irritating to skin and toxic to pets if ingested.

Stop into any of our locations and allow one of our expertly trained nursery professionals to help you with your landscape design and show you how to incorporate beautiful plants like these into your yard.