Baby Tears genus are a classic indoor plant with small green leaves that are easy to care and grow by splitting. They are suited to the climate, but cannot withstand frost.
Angel’s tears may not be as well-known in India as it is in other parts of the globe, but it is definitely the most beautiful plants to grow in small pots.
Baby’s tears have been popular for decades and are easy to cultivate. Baby’s tears is a great houseplant for practically any décor style due to its densely growing leaves.
Baby Tears Plants
Baby Tears (Soleirolia soleirolii) is a nettle-like plant. It has been known to as Irish moss; it is not a moss and should not be confused with Sagina subulata or Chondrus crispus, which are also known to as “Irish moss.”
This species is native to the northern Mediterranean region in and around Italy and nearby islands, but it has been imported and grown as an ornamental and garden plant almost worldwide.
It’s a dainty creeping plant with juicy bright green or yellow leaves and masses of small white blooms. It grows in mats near to the ground and is also used in decorative gardens with ferns and other moist-loving plants.
Angel’s tears is a nettle-like plant. The leaves are usually 5 mm wide and slightly stalked. Oval seeds are produced by the tiny flowers. At distance Baby’s Tears’ low habit and dense mat of tiny small leaves cover the ground like a carpe.
Plant Overview
- Common Name: Baby tears, baby’s tears, angel’s tears
- Botanical Name: Soleirolia soleirolii
- Family: Urticaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial, often grown as an annual
- Mature Size: 4 in. tall; 36 in. wide
- Sun Exposure: Partial sun to shade
- Soil Type: Rich, moist loam
- Soil pH: 5.0 to 6.0 (slightly acidic)
- Light: Bright, indirect light, morning sun
- Water: Medium
- Food: Balanced houseplant food
- Temperature and Humidity: Cool temperatures, high humidity
- Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer; May to June
- Flower Color: Creamy ivory
- Hardiness Zones: 9 to 11 (USDA)
- Native Area: Mediterranean
Baby Tears Planting Guide
Baby’s Tear Plants thrive outside in wet, well-drained soil in partial to full shade. Despite their reputation for rapid growth, baby tears are sensitive to bright sunshine and dry conditions. However, if the soil is rich, well-drained, and wet, the plant will send out runners and spread over the area.
Pruning
When cultivated outdoors, baby’s tear plants may be rather invasive. Prune them often to keep them from expanding their container or overflowing onto pathways out.
Pruning is essential in small plant pots. Use sharp scissors and don’t be afraid to prune hard. In a limited location, baby’s tears may swiftly overtake other small plants.
Propagation
Baby’s tears propagate readily, especially during its growth season, which is normally in the spring and summer. Roots will grow wherever the stems come into contact with the earth.
Move the plant to a container if you want to keep it inside its limits but don’t want to kill the overgrowth. Seeds are seldom used to propagate these plants. Baby’s tears are best grown by division and cuttings. Here’s how to go about it:
To Propagate Via Division:
- A trowel, new growing container or growth place for divided plant are required to divide plant.
- Using a tiny trowel, separate a piece of stems from dirt and roots.
- Don’t be worried if you damage the plant; it will regenerate quickly.
- Plant the division again in wet, well-draining potting soil.
To Propagate Via Stem Cutting:
- You’ll need scissors or pruning snips, a potting container, moistened potting mix, and, if desired, rooting hormone.
- Healthy stems at least 2 inches long should be cut. Remove the base leaves and preserve just the upper leaves of the stem.
- Make holes in the potting media with finger and insert the cuttings. Dip the cut ends in rooting estrogen water before burying the cut tip in the hole for best results.
- Wrap the cuttings in plastic wrap or a clear plastic or glass dome to protect them. The stems should be well-rooted after 3 to 4 weeks.
How To Get Baby Tears to Bloom
Baby tears have a proclivity for spreading. It thrives outside in wet, well-drained soil in partial to full shade. Despite its reputation for rapid growth, baby tears are susceptible to bright sunshine or dry conditions.
Baby’s tear plants produce small, milky white blooms that are otherwise insignificant. They easily blossom outside in late spring. They lack petals and are unappealing, so they are not utilized decoratively. When kept indoors or cultivated, baby’s tears rarely blossom.
Baby Tears Plant Care
Baby tears have a tendency for growing. It grows outside moist, well-drained soil in partial to full shade. Despite their reputation for rapid growth, baby tears are sensitive to harsh sunlight and dry conditions.
In warm areas, this plant will remain evergreen; it will die back and re-grow in spring. Baby’s tears grow well in a basic potting mix as a potted plant.
It is an excellent houseplant, baby’s tears is grown as an annual in mixed pots. It prefers a shady place outside and regular watering. Avoid direct sunlight since it will burn the leaves.
Soil and Water
Baby’s tears plants require rich soil that has been treated with humus, compost, or manure. It will also aid in the regulation of plant moisture. Baby tears can be grown as a houseplant or in a container garden with standard potting soil.
Baby’s tears plants are thirsty and do not like to be dry. Allowing plants to dry out will lead to severe withering. Observe Water wilting, and they should recover within a day. In the winter, the houseplants will demand less water. The soil top might be dry, but the soil around the roots should be wet.
Fertilizer and Light
A balanced plant fertilizer will keep baby’s tears plants’ leaves bright green and thick. During spring and summer, apply liquid fertilizer to the plant every two weeks. When there is no visible bare soil, liquid fertilizer is easier to apply than spike inserts or granular fertilizer.
Baby’s tears plants detest direct sunshine, which can burn their leaves. They appear best in direct, filtered light. Indoors, baby tears plants can grow under artificial lighting. Put it in a shadier spot outside.
Temperature and Humidity
The baby’s tears plant thrives in climates ranging from 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The gardener must pay more attention to light and humidity as the temperature rises.
Baby’s tears plants may survive a mild frost, but cold weather, which can occur in USDA hardiness zone 9, can kill the plant’s top growth.
Baby’s tears like high humidity levels of at least 75%. These plants are perfect for a hot bathroom or kitchen. If you reside in a dry climate, these plants will enjoy living in a humid terrarium.
Pests and Diseases
There are almost no major pest or disease issues with baby’s tears. Some of the same pests that afflict many houseplants, such as aphids, mites, and mealy bugs, may damage it inside.
Use neem oil or a soap solution to keep them away. To keep most potential diseases at bay, avoid overwatering the plant.
Hope you enjoyed reading the Planting guide of Baby Tears Plant. If you think we missed something or have a suggestion, please leave it in the comments section below.
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