Boat Lily Tradescantia spathacea

Boat lily is a clumping, broadleaf evergreen, herbaceous perennial houseplant in the spiderwort family (Commelinaceae). Its native range is southern Mexico to Guatemala. It grows 6 inches to 1 foot tall and 1 to 2 feet wide. It was formerly known as Rhoeo spathacea and is still found listed under that name.

Plant boat lily in well-drained potting media and give it plenty of bright indirect light. When the plant does not receive enough light it may stretch out and become more lanky or its purple leaves may revert back to green. If kept outdoors in the summer, provide it with afternoon shade. Allow the top 1 to 2 inches of soil to dry out between waterings and cut back on water during the winter. This low-maintenance plant may bloom at any time of the year, and it is easy to propagate by seed, division, or stem cutting.

Boat lily is desired for its attractive foliage. The unusual inflorescences and small white flowers are a bonus. Look for the purple underside of the leaf and the unusual bract-enclosed flowers to distinguish this plant from other plants. 

Grow boat lily in a container that can be moved inside when there is the threat of frost. This species grows upward instead of down, so it will not work well in a hanging basket. In zones 9 and higher, it can grow outdoors where it will form a dense mat groundcover, but beware that it naturalizes easily and tends to become weedy. 

Quick ID Hints

• Linear leaves with purple undersides are arranged radially

• Flowers are axillary, white, inside a pair of boat-shaped bracts

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems. This plant can cause contact dermatitis in humans and dogs.