How to Grow Baby’s Tears (Soleirolia soleirolii)
Plant Overview
Baby’s Tears (Soleirolia soleirolii) is a charming houseplant known for its dense mat of tiny, round, emerald-green leaves. Given its love for humidity and filtered light, it’s a favorite for terrariums and indoor gardens.
- Family: Urticaceae
- Growth: Low, mat-forming ground cover
- Native: Mediterranean region
- Also known as: Angel’s Tears, Mind-Your-Own-Business
Light Requirements
Prefers bright, indirect light.
Avoid harsh sun, which can scorch the delicate leaves.
Will tolerate lower light but may lose fullness.
Avoid harsh sun, which can scorch the delicate leaves.
Will tolerate lower light but may lose fullness.
Bright filtered
No midday sun
West/East windows best
Watering
Keep soil lightly moist, but never soggy.
Water when the top half inch of soil feels dry.
Tip: Consistency is crucial—dramatic swings between dry and wet harm the plant.
Water when the top half inch of soil feels dry.
Tip: Consistency is crucial—dramatic swings between dry and wet harm the plant.
- Use room-temperature, filtered water if possible
- Mist occasionally for higher humidity but avoid wetting foliage regularly
- Reduce watering in winter when growth slows
Soil & Potting
Use a peat-based, well-draining potting mix.
Commercial houseplant mix with added perlite or peat moss works well.
Commercial houseplant mix with added perlite or peat moss works well.
- Repot every 1-2 years to refresh soil and manage roots
- Optimal pH: 6.0 – 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Choose shallow pots with good drainage holes
Humidity & Temperature
Loves high humidity (60%+). Great for terrariums or bathrooms.
Temperature: 15°C–23°C (59°F–73°F). Avoid cold drafts.
Temperature: 15°C–23°C (59°F–73°F). Avoid cold drafts.
- Mist to boost humidity, or place pot on pebble tray
- Keeps leaves lush and prevents browning
Fertilizing
Feed with a diluted balanced liquid fertilizer once a month in spring and summer. Skip feedings in fall and winter. Over-fertilizing can scorch leaves.
Propagation
Easy to propagate!
- Divide mature plant into sections, or snip healthy portions with roots attached.
- Plant divisions in moist potting mix, keep warm & covered until well-established.
- Stems root wherever they touch soil—simply press shoot tips onto soil for new starts.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Yellowing leaves
Overwatering or underwatering. Adjust so soil is always slightly moist.
Overwatering or underwatering. Adjust so soil is always slightly moist.
Leggy growth
Not enough light. Move to brighter, indirect light source.
Not enough light. Move to brighter, indirect light source.
Wilting, browning
Root rot from soggy soil; allow better drainage and cut back watering.
Root rot from soggy soil; allow better drainage and cut back watering.
Pests
Keep an eye out for aphids, mealybugs. Wash off with water or use gentle insecticidal soap.
Keep an eye out for aphids, mealybugs. Wash off with water or use gentle insecticidal soap.
Quick Care Cheat Sheet
Bright, indirect light
Keep soil just moist
Well-draining, peat-rich soil
High humidity preferred
Easy propagation
