Baby's Tears
Soleirolia soleiroliiUSDA | Grow Zone
9-11Outdoors all year in zones 9 to 11. Anywhere colder, keep it as a houseplant. Protect it below 40°F.
- Light
- Bright, indirect
- Water
- When top inch is dry
- Humidity
- 50-70%
- Temperature
- 60-75°F (15-24°C)
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Growth
- Moderate
- Mature size
- 6-12 in tall, 12-24 in wide
- Pets
- Non-toxic to pets and children
Baby's Tears, or Soleirolia soleirolii, is a charming, low-growing plant known for its lush, green foliage. Native to Europe, it thrives in moist, humid environments, making it a popular choice for indoor gardens and terrariums.
Ask Vesper about Baby's Tears
Ideal temperature
60-75°F is where it grows fastest. Below 40°F cold damage starts.
Spacing and harvest
- Mature size
- 6-12 in tall, 12-24 in wide
- Plant apart
- 12-24 in
- Frost
- Tender: no frost
Everything it needs
9 essentials at a glance
Watering
Baby's Tears prefers consistently moist soil, so water it thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry.
During the growing season (spring and summer), water every 1-2 weeks, adjusting frequency based on humidity levels. In the winter, reduce watering to every 2-3 weeks. Signs of over-watering include yellowing leaves and root rot, while under-watering may cause the leaves to wilt and become crispy.
Light
This plant thrives in bright, indirect light but can tolerate partial shade.
Ideally, it should receive 4-6 hours of filtered sunlight daily. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves. If the plant becomes leggy, it may indicate insufficient light, and you should consider moving it to a brighter location.
Soil
Baby's Tears prefers a well-draining, rich potting mix with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0.
A mix of peat, perlite, and compost works well. Ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
Humidity
This plant thrives in high humidity levels, ideally between 50-70%.
To increase humidity, consider using a humidity tray or a humidifier, or mist the leaves regularly. Signs of humidity stress include browning leaf edges and leaf drop.
Temperature
Baby's Tears prefers temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C) and is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
It does not tolerate frost well, so bring it indoors during colder months. Avoid placing it near drafts or heating vents to prevent temperature fluctuations.
Fertilizing
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10, applying it every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
Reduce or stop fertilizing in the fall and winter when the plant's growth slows. Signs of nutrient deficiency include yellowing leaves and stunted growth.
Pruning
Prune Baby's Tears in spring to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth.
Use clean, sharp scissors to trim back any leggy or overgrown stems. Deadheading is not necessary, but removing any yellow or dead leaves will help maintain the plant's health.
Repotting
Repot Baby's Tears every 1-2 years or when it becomes root-bound.
Choose a pot that is 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one. Signs it needs repotting include roots growing out of the drainage holes or stunted growth. When repotting, gently remove the plant from its pot, loosen the roots, and place it in fresh potting mix.
Propagation
Propagation can be done through stem cuttings or division.
For stem cuttings, take a 4-6 inch cutting from a healthy plant, remove the lower leaves, and place it in water or moist soil. Roots should develop in 2-4 weeks. For division, carefully separate the root ball into smaller sections during repotting, ensuring each section has roots and leaves.
When it's unhappy
Yellow leaves
Why it happens
This can be caused by over-watering or insufficient light.
How to fix it
Adjust your watering schedule and ensure the plant receives adequate light.
Root rot
Why it happens
Root rot occurs due to waterlogged soil and poor drainage.
How to fix it
Ensure the pot has drainage holes and allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
Leggy growth
Why it happens
Leggy growth is often a result of insufficient light.
How to fix it
Move the plant to a brighter location to encourage bushier growth.
Browning leaf edges
Why it happens
This is typically due to low humidity levels.
How to fix it
Increase humidity by misting the plant or using a humidity tray.
Leaf drop
Why it happens
Leaf drop can occur from sudden temperature changes or over-watering.
How to fix it
Maintain stable temperatures and adjust watering practices.
Care through the year
Spring
In spring, increase watering as the plant begins to actively grow. Prune any leggy stems to encourage bushier growth.
Summer
During summer, maintain consistent moisture and ensure the plant receives bright, indirect light. Consider misting more frequently to boost humidity.
Fall
In fall, gradually reduce watering as the plant's growth slows. Monitor for any signs of stress as temperatures begin to drop.
Winter
During winter, reduce watering to every 2-3 weeks and keep the plant in a warm location away from drafts. Ensure it still receives adequate light.
Toxicity & Safety
Baby's Tears is non-toxic to pets and children, making it a safe choice for households. However, ingestion of large quantities may cause mild stomach upset.
Good to know
Why are my Baby's Tears leaves turning yellow?
Yellow leaves on Baby's Tears can indicate over-watering or insufficient light. Check the soil moisture and ensure the plant is receiving adequate indirect sunlight.
How often should I water my Baby's Tears?
Water your Baby's Tears every 1-2 weeks during the growing season, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. In winter, reduce watering to every 2-3 weeks.
What type of soil is best for Baby's Tears?
Baby's Tears thrives in a well-draining potting mix with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A blend of peat, perlite, and compost works well for this plant.
How can I increase humidity for my Baby's Tears?
To increase humidity, mist the leaves regularly, use a humidity tray, or place a humidifier nearby. Baby's Tears prefers humidity levels between 50-70%.
When should I repot my Baby's Tears?
Repot your Baby's Tears every 1-2 years or when it becomes root-bound. Signs include roots growing out of the drainage holes or stunted growth.
Can Baby's Tears be grown indoors?
Yes, Baby's Tears can be grown indoors as long as it receives bright, indirect light and consistent moisture. It makes an excellent houseplant.
Is Baby's Tears toxic to pets?
No, Baby's Tears is non-toxic to both pets and children, making it a safe choice for homes with animals and kids.
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