Rhoeo, also known as Moses-in-the-cradle, is an easy-to-grow plant that adds a touch of the tropics to any garden or indoor space. Rhoeo is a perennial evergreen with long, strap-like leaves that are dotted with white or pink flowers. The plant is native to Mexico, Central America, and the West Indies, but it can be grown in any climate.
Is it easy to grow Rhoeo plant? When it comes to houseplants, there are many that are easy to grow and require little care. One such plant is the Rhoeo, or Tradescantia spathacea. This plant is native to Mexico and Guatemala, and is a member of the spiderwort family. The Rhoeo is a perennial plant that can grow up to 12 inches tall. It has long, sword-shaped leaves that are dark green in color with purple stripes running along the center. The plant produces small, white flowers that bloom in the summer. The Rhoeo is easy to care for and is tolerant of both low and high light conditions. It does best in moist, well-drained soil and should be allowed to dry out between watering.
How big can it be? known as Moses-in-the-cradle, Rhoeo plant reaches a size of 30-50 cm in height and width when grown at home. The plant has long, thin, purple and white leaves that grow in a rosette pattern. The flowers are small and white, and they grow in clusters.
How fast is the growth? Sometimes, the plant produces offsets at the base of the plant, which can be removed and planted as new separate plants. The plant flowers in the summer, producing small, white, three-petalled flowers. The Rhoeo plant is a popular houseplant because it is easy to care for and is relatively fast-growing. On average, young plants increase by a few cm per year, but with age, the diameter of the rosette increases by 10-15 cm per season. The plant flowers in the summer, producing small, white, three-petalled flowers. Sometimes, the plant produces offsets at the base of the plant, which can be removed and planted as new separate plants.
| Plant Form | Shrub |
| Family | Commelinaceae |
| Origin | Florida, Mexico, Antilles |
How long is the lifespan? The average lifespan of a Rhoeo plant is 3-4 years. Rhoeo plants are perennial plants that typically have a lifespan of 3-4 years. After rooting, the plant needs to be renewed every 3-4 years in order to continue growing. Rhoeo plants are known for their sword-like leaves and their ability to grow in both sun and shade.
What is the ideal temperature? Although it is a plant that can adapt to different temperature conditions, it is best to maintain a temperature of 64.4-75.2 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer and at least 53.6 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter.
What about the humidity? Since the plant is native to warm and humid climates, it will need more moisture than other houseplants. The best way to provide extra humidity is to use a pebble tray or humidifier. The plant is relatively easy to tolerate the dry air of apartments, but it responds well to a very fine spraying in the summer 3-4 times a week and the content of pots in a pallet with wet claydite. In winter it is better to place away from the radiators so that dry tips do not appear in the leaves.
What amount of light this plant needed? Because this plant prefers bright diffused light, it's best to grow it near a south-facing window that's shaded by a thin curtain. It can also adapt to partial shade, so it can be kept 0.5-2 meters away from a brightly lit window. However, insufficient light will make the leaves lose their color and the stems will become stretched.
What is good soil for Rhoeo? The best way to make sure your Rhoeo gets the right amount of nutrients and moisture is to prepare the soil yourself. For the soil of your own preparation, take: 2 pieces of leaf land, 1 part of coarse-grained sand or perlite, 2 parts of turf ground, 2 parts of peat. Good drainage is required.
How much I must water Rhoeo? Eventually, it will need to be watered every three days with standing water. The soil should be constantly moist, but waterlogging should be avoided. In autumn, it should be watered once a week and in winter no more than once every ten days.
About fertilizer. Since the plant grows quickly, it is necessary to fertilize it 1 time in 2-4 weeks with liquid fertilizer, diluted twice. If the plant is overfed, the bottom part of the stems will be exposed.
How to reproduce Rhoeo? known 3 ways: apical cuttings, separation of lateral shoots, division of the rhizome. The easiest and most popular way is apical cuttings. To do this, choose 10-12 cm long cuttings and cut them diagonally. The lower cut is placed in a mixture of sand and peat. The temperature should be 71.6-75.2 degrees Fahrenheit. In 2 weeks the cuttings will take root. The second way is to separate the lateral shoots with roots. It is necessary to do it very carefully so as not to damage the plant. The third way is to divide the rhizome during transplantation.
Why Rhoeo won't bloom? The plant blooms all year long. The small white flowers are collected in the inflorescence at the base of the leaves.
How much I must water Rhoeo? Common ly, young plants are transferred every year during late spring. On the other hand, large plants are transferred once every 3-5 years, only when the pot becomes too tight for the overgrown roots. It is essential that the pot is shallow because the root system of rheo is not so powerful. Eventually, with age, the shoots become bare and need to be replaced with young cuttings.
How to care the plant? The Rhoeo plant is a tropical perennial that originates from Mexico and Central America. It is a popular plant in many households because it is very easy to care for and is tolerant of neglect. The plant can reach a height of up to two feet and has long, thin, sword-like leaves that are dark green in color. The plant produces small, white flowers that bloom in the summer.
What is the challenge when caring Rhoeo plant? known that it is very demanding to the conditions of detention. The most common problems arise from spider mites, too high or too low temperature, too much sun or lack thereof. All these factors lead to the fact that the leaves of the plant begin to turn yellow, dry out, stretch or, conversely, lag behind in growth. Also, with improper care, the leaves of the plant can become covered with spots, and the plant itself - to slow down the growth. If you carefully observe the plant, you can quickly identify the problem and take appropriate measures to eliminate it.
Are Rhoeo poisonous? Unless you have a very good reason to do so, don't grow the Rhoeo plant in your garden. All parts of the plant are toxic, and it can cause skin irritation. If you have kids or pets, it's best to keep this plant out of reach.
