Tradescantia spathacea

Tradescantia spathacea, more commonly referred to as the oyster plant, is a tropical herbaceous perennial native to Central America.  Prized for their striking foliage, oyster plants produce lengthy blades of foliage, often dark green and pale pink or white on top, with purple covering the bottom.  Clusters of foliage spill out from the oyster plant in a loose rosette, presenting as mesmerizing multicolored tendrils curling out in all directions.  Boat-shaped flower bracts conceal elegant, lacey white blooms, which resemble oysters in their shells.  Oyster plants make great indoor or potted outdoor plants, as they fill up their containers with their exquisite foliage, but they require protection from the harsh midday heat.  However, they are not a good option for basket planters, as they fervently grow upward instead of drooping out.  Plant responsibly, as all parts of this plant are toxic and should be kept out of the reach of children and pets.

Provide oyster plants with a location that receives copious amounts of bright, indirect sunlight, as they cannot readily withstand direct midday sun exposure.  Rich, well-draining, slightly acidic soil is best for growing oyster plants, with sandy loams or rocky soils being ideal.  Through the growing season, water when the top two inches of soil have dried out.  Cut watering back to no more than once every two weeks during the winter, as the plant should enter a period of dormancy and overwatering occurs more easily.  Temperature consistency is important for oyster plants, and they should be kept away from drafty locations if kept indoors.  Lacking a tolerance to cold, keep outdoor plants in pots that can be brought inside during winter frosts.  Oyster plants require humidity in their environment and should be kept in a bathroom or over a wet pebble tray if the indoor air is overly dry.  Feeding is not generally necessary with oyster plants, but a small amount of houseplant fertilizer can be used at the beginning of the growing season in the event that the growth rate has declined significantly.  Learn more in the Plant Story community!

3-6 hours of sun per day, with protection from intense mid-day sun

Water moderately, allowing the top 3cm to dry out between watering.

Tradescantia Spathacea

Tradescantia spathacea

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