Baby's Tears, scientifically known as Soleirolia soleirolii, is like a living carpet of lush greenery for your garden. Its dainty, cascading leaves create a soft blanket that adds a touch of enchantment to any space. Perfect for ground cover or as a charming addition to hanging baskets, this delightful plant thrives in moist, shaded areas, making it an inviting choice for gardeners looking to add a cozy, welcoming atmosphere to their outdoor retreat.
Planting Calendar
Babies Tears can be grown indoors in all seasons but is best planted from spring to autumn when grown outdoors.
Prepare
Soleirolia soleirolii has small, dainty, bright-green leaves that grow along slender stems, creating a loose, lush mat. Baby’s Tears is a great choice for a terrarium or houseplant! Grows best in moist, rich soil with regular water. Beautiful when used as a shady groundcover, in miniature gardens or allowed to naturalize in a woodland setting
Position
Baby's Tears does best when planted areas that are shaded and with moist soil. When grown indoors place in medium to high indirect light.
Soil
When planted into the ground Baby's Tears prefer a free-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. To improve the organic content in your soil, break up the soil and add Kings Compost and Kings Sheep Pellets then mix together well. When growing indoors plant into Kings House Plant Mix.
Plant
When planting into the ground, gently tap the plant out of its pot. Dig a hole twice the depth and width of the plant’s root ball. Mix Kings Compost into your existing soil at a 50/50 ratio, add Kings Sheep Pellets, then mix together. Backfill the hole with this soil, so that when planted the top of the plant’s roots sit level with the surrounding ground. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster. In heavier clay soils, where drainage is likely to be an issue, plant onto a raised mound and sprinkle Gypsum Clay Breaker into the bottom of the hole, this helps slowly condition the soil and help to break down the clay.
Care
Watering
Water slowly and deeply so that water sinks down to the root zone. Aim to keep the soil moist and don't allow it to dry out.
Feeding
When planted in the ground liquid feed every month with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster, from Spring through to the end of Autumn, this encourages root growth and increases the microbial activity in the soil. Monthly applications of Kings Sheep Pellets will help with soil conditioning and plant health.
Protecting
The worse thing that can happen to Baby's Tears is allowing the soil to dry. Keep moist at all times.
Pruning
Cut back to maintain size and spread.
Beginner Tip
Babies Tears is very easy to grow from cuttings, tease out individual stems with some roots attached and replant.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Baby's Tears?
Baby's Tears (Soleirolia soleirolii) is a low-growing, mat-forming plant known for its small, round, vibrant green leaves. It is often used as ground cover or in hanging baskets.
How do I plant Baby's Tears?
When planting into the ground, gently tap the plant out of its pot. Dig a hole twice the depth and width of the plant’s root ball. Mix Kings Compost into your existing soil at a 50/50 ratio, add Kings Sheep Pellets, then mix together. Backfill the hole with this soil, so that when planted the top of the plant’s roots sit level with the surrounding ground. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster. In heavier clay soils, where drainage is likely to be an issue, plant onto a raised mound and sprinkle Gypsum Clay Breaker into the bottom of the hole, this helps slowly condition the soil and help to break down the clay.
How often should I water Baby's Tears?
Water slowly and deeply so that water sinks down to the root zone. Aim to keep the soil moist and don't allow it to dry out.
How do I propagate Baby's Tears?
Baby's Tears can be easily propagated by division. Simply separate a section of the plant with roots attached and plant it in a new location or pot.
Are Baby's Tears safe for pets?
Baby's Tears are non-toxic to cats and dogs, making them a pet-friendly plant option.