How to Grow and Care for Baby Tears

The Baby Tears plant, Soleirolia soleirolii, is a delicate, mat-forming perennial recognized by its dense covering of tiny, round green leaves. Its slender stems create a lush, carpet-like appearance, making it a popular choice for houseplants and terrariums. This plant’s spreading habit allows it to form a soft mound that spills over container edges, adding a gentle texture to indoor gardens.

Essential Baby Tears Plant Care

Light

Baby Tears flourishes in bright, indirect sunlight, such as from a north or east-facing window. Avoid direct, intense sunlight, as it can scorch the plant’s delicate foliage. If natural light is limited, this plant adapts well to artificial grow lights placed several inches above the foliage. Insufficient light will cause the plant to become leggy with sparse growth as it stretches toward a light source.

Water

Baby Tears needs consistently moist soil but is susceptible to overwatering. The soil should never dry out completely, as the plant will wilt, though it often recovers quickly once watered. Water when the top layer of soil feels slightly dry. To prevent rot on the leaves and crown, bottom watering is an effective method where the pot absorbs moisture from a saucer of water.

Soil

A standard, well-draining potting mix is suitable for Baby Tears. The soil should be rich in organic matter, like peat moss, to retain moisture without becoming waterlogged. To enhance drainage and prevent roots from sitting in wet conditions, incorporating perlite into the mix is beneficial.

Temperature and Humidity

This plant thrives in household temperatures between 60°F and 75°F (15°C to 24°C). It is sensitive to sudden temperature changes and should be kept away from cold drafts or direct heat. High humidity is important for Baby Tears. To increase ambient moisture, you can mist the plant, use a room humidifier, or place the pot on a pebble tray filled with water.

Fertilizer

During its active growing season in spring and summer, Baby Tears benefits from light feeding. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half-strength, once every four to six weeks. Feeding should be paused during the fall and winter when the plant’s growth slows.

Propagating Baby Tears

Propagating a Baby Tears plant is easily done through division in the spring, taking advantage of its natural tendency to root where stems touch the soil. To begin, gently remove the plant from its pot to access the root ball. Carefully tease apart natural sections, ensuring each new clump has a healthy portion of foliage and roots.

Plant the divisions in new pots with moist potting mix at the same depth they were growing. Water the new plants well to settle the soil. To encourage establishment, cover the pots with a clear plastic bag to create a humid environment that helps the divisions acclimate.

Common Issues and Solutions

Yellowing leaves are a common sign of overwatering or poor drainage. If the soil is soggy, reduce watering and ensure the pot has drainage holes. Brown, crispy patches on the foliage indicate the plant is not receiving enough water or that humidity is too low. Increasing humidity and checking the soil for dryness can remedy this.

Wilting can be caused by either underwatering or overwatering. Check the soil to determine the cause; if it is dry, the plant needs water. If the soil is waterlogged, wilting is likely due to root rot. Root rot may produce a foul smell from the soil and requires repotting the plant into fresh mix after removing any blackened, mushy roots.

Creative Uses for Baby Tears

The dense growth of Baby Tears is well-suited for decorative uses. Its high humidity requirement makes it a good choice for closed terrariums, where it can create a living carpet. It is also used as a top-dressing for larger potted plants, covering the soil surface with a layer of green.

The plant’s trailing habit is ideal for spilling over the edges of mixed containers or hanging baskets. Its fine texture is suited for miniature or fairy gardens, where it can simulate a lawn or mossy groundcover. In suitable climates, it can be used outdoors as a ground cover in shady areas, filling gaps between stepping stones.