Short answer
Yes. Rhoeo is commonly grown as an indoor plant, and it adapts well to ordinary home conditions when given bright, indirect light and careful watering. In warm, frost-free climates it is also grown outdoors.
What Rhoeo is
“Rhoeo” is an older name for what is now called Tradescantia spathacea. You may also see it sold as oyster plant, boat lily or Moses-in-the-cradle (the small white flowers sit in boat-shaped bracts, which is where the last two names come from). Leaves are dark green on top and purple underneath, which is why it appears in lists of indoor plants with a purple underside.
Although it belongs to the same genus as the trailing wandering jew, Rhoeo usually grows as an upright rosette rather than a trailing vine.
Indoors or outdoors
In regions that never experience frost, Rhoeo is often used in garden beds. In cooler climates it is treated as a houseplant or a summer outdoor plant that comes inside before the weather turns cold. Because of this flexibility, it works well in pots and planters.
Basic care indoors
- Light: Bright, indirect light is ideal. Avoid hot, direct afternoon sun.
- Water: Water when the top of the soil begins to dry. Do not leave it sitting in water.
- Soil: Well-draining potting mix.
- Temperature: Standard room temperatures are fine. Protect from cold drafts.
- Feeding: Light feeding in spring and summer.
For fuller steps, including propagation and troubleshooting, see oyster plant care indoors.
Where to put it
Good places include a bright windowsill that avoids strong direct sun, a shelf near an east- or west-facing window, or a table where the leaf undersides can be seen. If you want something that hangs down instead, check our list of indoor plants that grow downwards.
Is it a good bedroom plant?
Some readers ask which plants are best for a bedroom. Any houseplant that fits your light and care routine can work, but be cautious about claims that a specific plant will clean the air or improve sleep. The evidence for noticeable air-quality benefits from houseplants in ordinary homes is limited (see the best plants for bedrooms). If you share your bedroom with a pet or a child, safety should come first, which matters with this plant.
Safety
Rhoeo sap may irritate skin, and the plant is generally listed as mildly toxic or irritating to cats, dogs and people if eaten. Place it out of reach of pets and young children, wear gloves when pruning or dividing, and wash your hands afterwards. If someone has chewed the plant or shows symptoms, contact a vet, doctor or poison helpline.
FAQ
Is Rhoeo the same as the oyster plant?
Yes. Rhoeo, oyster plant, boat lily and Moses-in-the-cradle usually refer to Tradescantia spathacea.
How do I care for Moses in the cradle?
Bright, indirect light, moderate watering and a well-draining mix.
Is Rhoeo easy to grow?
It is generally regarded as an adaptable, fairly easy plant, though it dislikes soggy soil and cold.