Babies Tears - Care Sheet
Overview
Baby's Tears (Soleirolia soleirolii) is a delightful creeping perennial with tiny, round, tear-shaped leaves that form a lush, moss-like mat. Native to the Mediterranean region, particularly Corsica and Sardinia, this low-growing plant thrives in moist, shaded spots, making it perfect for terrariums, fairy gardens, hanging baskets, or as a trailing houseplant. Its delicate charm and rapid spreading habit create a soft carpet of greenery, though it requires consistent moisture and humidity to stay happy. With proper care, it rewards you with dense foliage and subtle, inconspicuous flowers in spring to fall.
Quick Facts
| Scientific name | Soleirolia soleirolii |
|---|---|
| Common name | Baby's Tears |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Pet-safe? | Yes (non-toxic to cats, dogs, humans; mild stomach upset possible if eaten in quantity) |
| Light | Bright indirect; tolerates low light |
| Water | High (keep consistently moist) |
| Humidity | High (60-80%) |
| Temperature | 15-24°C / 60-75°F |
| Soil | Well-draining, organic-rich (peat moss + perlite) |
| Fertilizer | Balanced, diluted every 2-4 weeks (spring-summer) |
| Repotting | Every 2-3 years |
| Propagation | Division, stem cuttings |
Light
Place your Baby's Tears in bright, indirect light near a north- or east-facing window for the best lush growth. It tolerates lower light levels, making it suitable for bathrooms or offices, but avoid direct sun which scorches the delicate leaves. In too little light, stems become leggy and pale; supplement with LED grow lights (12-14 hours daily, 15-30cm / 6-12in above) if needed. Outdoors, choose partial to full shade.
Water
Keep soil consistently moist but never soggy—water when the top 2.5cm / 1in feels slightly dry. Use room-temperature, filtered, or rainwater to avoid chemical sensitivity. Increase frequency in spring-summer growth; reduce in fall-winter. Good drainage is key to prevent root rot. Signs of trouble: wilting or crispy edges (underwatering); yellowing or mushy stems (overwatering). A moisture meter helps dial it in perfectly.
Humidity
Baby's Tears loves high humidity (60-80%), mimicking its Mediterranean origins. Boost levels with a pebble tray, regular misting (morning only to avoid fungal issues), grouping with other plants, or a humidifier. Low humidity causes brown, crispy edges and leaf drop. It's a terrarium superstar! In dry homes, watch for slowed growth.
Temperature
Maintain steady 15-24°C / 60-75°F daytime temps, tolerating down to 10°C / 50°F briefly but not frost. Shield from drafts, cold windows, vents, or sudden changes. In winter, keep away from heaters; in summer, extra misting helps. Outdoors, suitable for USDA zones 9-11 in shade—bring indoors below 10°C / 50°F.
Soil & Potting
Use a rich, well-draining mix: equal parts peat moss, perlite, and loamy potting soil (pH 6.0-7.0). Add compost for moisture retention. Choose shallow, wide pots with drainage holes—plastic or glazed ceramic work best, as it likes being slightly root-bound. A gravel layer at the bottom prevents waterlogging. Watch for compaction or salt buildup; refresh if soil hardens.
Feeding
Feed sparingly during spring-summer every 2-4 weeks with half-strength balanced liquid fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 NPK). Water first to avoid burn. Opt for organics like compost tea, fish emulsion, or seaweed extract every 4-6 weeks. Skip phosphorus-heavy formulas. Overfeeding causes brown tips or crusty soil; underfeeding leads to pale, slow growth. No feeding in winter.
Repotting
Repot every 2-3 years in spring if roots peek from drainage holes or growth stalls. Go up just 2.5-5cm / 1-2in in pot size to keep it snug. Steps: Water a day prior, gently remove, trim damaged roots, add fresh mix, water well, and shade for a few days. Handle fragile roots carefully—no need for root pruning.
Propagation
Super easy in spring-early summer via division or stem cuttings (90%+ success).
- Division: Unpot, tease apart sections with roots/stems, replant in moist mix, keep humid—roots in 2-3 weeks.
- Cuttings: Snip 5-8cm / 2-3in stems, strip lower leaves, root in water or moist mix under plastic (optional hormone). Transplant once rooted (1-2 weeks).
New plants establish in 4-6 weeks. Stems root where they touch soil naturally!
Common Problems
Yellowing Leaves
Often over/underwatering, poor light, or nutrient issues. Check soil moisture, boost indirect light, and fertilize lightly. Repot if root rot (mushy roots).
Brown Crispy Edges
Low humidity or excess sun. Increase misting/pebble tray; move from direct light. Trim affected parts.
Leggy/Spindly Growth
Insufficient light. Relocate to brighter spot or add grow lights; prune to encourage bushiness.
Pests (Spider Mites, Mealybugs, Gnats)
Tiny webs/stippling, white fluff, or flies signal infestation. Boost humidity, isolate, wipe with alcohol, or use neem/insecticidal soap. Dry topsoil for gnats.
Root Rot or Fungal Issues
Mushy stems/mold from poor drainage/excess moisture. Trim rot, repot in fresh mix, reduce water, improve airflow.
Toxicity & Pet Safety
Pet-safe: Non-toxic to cats, dogs, and humans per reliable sources. Large quantities may cause mild vomiting or diarrhea. Keep out of reach to be safe—use deterrent sprays for nibblers. Great for pet households!
Seasonal Care
Spring-Summer (Active Growth): Water/fertilize more, prune for shape, propagate. Fall-Winter (Dormant): Cut back water/feeding, maintain humidity, ensure bright indirect light. Prune lightly if leggy. Outdoors, protect from frost.
Quick Tips
- Mist daily in dry air for that lush mat look.
- Use shallow pots to showcase trailing growth.
- Prune every 4-6 weeks to stay compact and bushy.
- Group with ferns or calatheas for humidity boost.
- Check for pests weekly—early neem spray prevents drama.
- Terrariums are ideal; open lid occasionally for air flow.
- Flush soil monthly to prevent salt buildup.