How to Take Care of a Rhoeo Tricolor
The tricolored white, pink and green foliage of the Rhoeo 'Tricolor' (Tradescantia spathacea, or sometimes sold as Rhoeo spathacea) also known as Moses-in-the-Cradle, Moses-in-the-Boat and oyster plant, is a bright addition to gardens in USDA plant hardiness zones 9b through 12. Native to southern Mexico and Central America, this evergreen perennial thrives outdoors as a border plant, as ground cover or as a hanging plant. In colder climates, it is grown as an annual or a houseplant. When given enough light, it also produces small white flowers in the center of its rosette of sword-like leaves.
Use caution when working with the Rhoeo 'Tricolor.' Always wear gloves and safety goggles when planting, trimming or propagating the plant. All parts of the plant are poisonous and should be kept out of the reach of children and pets. If eaten, the plant causes lips, mouth and throat irritation, and stomach pain. The sap is also an eye and skin irritant, causing stinging and itching. Just touching the leaves can result in contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
Always sterilize your cutting tools before and between cuts to prevent the spread of plant diseases. Dip the blades into full-strength Listerine or a household cleaner like Pine-Sol. Allow to air dry.
Plant in the Garden
Rhoeo 'Tricolor' prefers full or partial sun in a moist, well-drained location. Provide afternoon shade or dappled shade in very hot climates. If the soil is sandy or a heavy clay, dig in 3 to 4 inches of compost and well-decomposed manure to a depth of 8 to 12 inches. The plants have a spread of 12 to 16 inches; space them at least 16 inches apart. Add a 2- to 4-inch layer of mulch over the soil and pull it back 3 inches from the plant's base.
Grow as a Houseplant
When grown indoors, provide bright filtered light and keep the plant out of drafts. Add extra humidity to dry indoor air by misting daily, grouping houseplants, placing the flowerpot on top of a tray filled with pebbles and water, or by using a cool steam vaporizer. Feed with a balanced fertilizer monthly from spring through fall.
Repot every other spring or when the plant is crowded in its flowerpot. Use a peat-based potting mix, well moistened, to fill in around the plant in the new container. When repotting into a larger flowerpot, use only one size larger. Remove and discard any broken, decayed or dead leaves. After repotting, water thoroughly.
Propagating the Rhoeo 'Tricolor'
While you can grow new plants from seeds, it's easier to use stem cuttings or divisions. Use a sterilized knife or scissors to cut the stem. Dip the cut end in rooting compound and insert it into moist compost or sand in a paper cup or small flowerpot. Pat the mixture around the base of the cutting; then water thoroughly. Cover the container with plastic wrap or a plastic bag held above the cutting by bamboo stakes. Place in a brightly lit, warm location until new growth appears. Transplant into a flowerpot or outdoors.
When repotting or dividing the plants, simply remove the "babies" or plantlets around the perimeter of the parent plant. Each plantlet should have its own roots. Transplant into a small flowerpot or into the garden. Water regularly until the new plant is established.
Pests and Problems
Monitor your plants for signs of mealybugs, spider mites and whiteflies. Outside, you can knock off most pests with a strong blast of water. In severe infestations, you can use a neem oil spray or insecticidal soap to eliminate the pests.
Don protective gear, including gloves, goggles and a mask, and mix the spray according to the instructions. Apply when temperatures are less than 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Soak the foliage, top and bottom, and allow to air dry. Repeat every 10 to 14 days as needed.
In addition, watch for root rot. Avoid planting Rhoeo 'Tricolor' in wet or boggy soils. Consider planting it in raised beds or containers if the soil drains poorly. All containers should have drain holes to prevent the roots from sitting in water-saturated soil or potting mix.
- Avoid overwatering this plant to prevent problems such as fungus, root rot and leaf spot. Never allow standing water to collect on the topsoil, as this indicates overwatering.
- Tricolor rhoeo is somewhat toxic. Avoid contact with the juice or sap, as it may cause irritation or skin rash. Wear gloves when working with the plant and wash your hands immediately and thoroughly if your skin contacts the rhoeo's juice or sap. Keep pets away from this plant.
- The tricolor rhoeo prefers nutrient-rich, well-drained soil and full-to-partial sunlight, though it also flourishes under bright interior lights.
- Tricolor rhoeo does not require pruning.