Dwarf Moses in the Cradle

Dwarf Moses in the Cradle (Tradescantia spathacea 'Dwarf') is a tough, clumping foliage plant that forms a colony of upright rosettes, each about 30cm high and 30cm wide. The sword shaped leaves are deep green on top and deep purple underneath, so the colour glows where light shines through them. It clumps up quickly, shrugs off dry ground and is easy to divide for more plants.

Why you'll love it

• Two-tone foliage. Deep green above and deep purple below gives rich contrast, especially where the sun catches the leaves from behind.
• Clumps up fast. It is fast growing and sends up new rosettes, so a few plants soon become a colony.
• Drought hardy. Once established it copes with dry spots, rockeries and the dry ground beneath trees.
• Sun or part shade. It is happy from full sun to part shade, so it fits many parts of the garden.
• Free new plants. The pups can be lifted and replanted to spread contrasting colour elsewhere.

Where it works best

Groundcover for dry areas. Plant 30cm apart for a dense groundcover that closes over the soil within a few seasons. It suits dry banks and gravel gardens.

Rockeries and accents. Use clumps as accents among rocks, where the purple underside of the leaves stands out against stone.

Underplanting and mass planting. Plant under trees and tall shrubs, or in drifts along a border, where its upright rosettes add structure at ground level.

Pots and patios. A patio container shows it off well. Place it where light can shine through the leaves for the strongest colour.

Growing Dwarf Moses in the Cradle in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade; plant it where the light shines through the leaves for the richest colour. It is a plant for warm gardens, suited to tropical, subtropical and frost free warm temperate climates, because frost damages the foliage.

Soil. Plant in free draining soil rich in organic matter, which suits both garden beds and pots.

Water and feed. It grows fast, so mulch and water it well until established. After that it is drought hardy and needs water only in prolonged dry spells. Feed with a controlled release or liquid fertiliser twice a year.

Pruning. Little pruning is needed. Lift and replant the pups wherever a splash of contrasting colour is wanted, and remove any tatty outer leaves. Wear gloves when you divide the clumps, because the sap can irritate skin.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Dwarf Moses in the Cradle as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, in 140mm pots in packs of 10 and in 200mm pots in packs of 6. Tubes are the economical choice for a large groundcover planting, while the potted packs give a fuller look at once. Expect a small rosette that bulks up into a clump as the weather warms.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse groundcovers
• Drought tolerant plants
• Grasses and strappy leaf plants
• A guide to groundcover plants

Common questions

How far apart should I plant it as a groundcover?

Plant 30cm apart. Each rosette is about 30cm wide and sends out pups, so the gaps close up as the colony grows.

Does it need full sun?

No. It takes full sun to part shade, but the foliage colour is strongest where light shines through the leaves, so avoid deep shade.

Is it safe to handle and around pets?

Wear gloves when dividing it, because the sap can irritate skin. Keep it away from pets that chew plants.