Baby's Tears

Botanical Name: Soleirolia soleirolii

Baby's Tears gets its name from the tiny, round leaves cascading down slender, fragile stems.

Other common names for this plant include: Mind-Your-Own-Business and Irish Moss.

This fast-growing evergreen has a low, spreading habit that spills beautifully over the sides of a container. Given enough light, it may produce tiny, single flowers in the leaf axils.

Although it seems well-suited for the moist environment of a terrarium, it is invasive and will crowd other plants. I'd recommend putting it in its own pot. Trim with scissors any time to keep it under control.

Repot S. soleirolii in spring, when it outgrows its pot.

If you just can't walk past a plant without fussing with it, this one is for you. Water it, mist it, and prune it to your heart's content.

Origin: Italy

Height: Up to 6 in (15 cm)

Light: Will grow in low light, but prefers bright, indirect light. Keep out of direct sun, which will scorch the leaves.

Water: Keep the soil moist at all times. It will not tolerate dry soil.

Humidity: Requires moist air.

Temperature: Normal room temperatures 60-75°F, 16-24°C

Soil: Any good potting mix

Fertilizer: Feed every 2 weeks spring through summer with balanced liquid house plant fertilizer diluted by half.

Propagation: Divide plant into smaller clumps by gently pulling it apart.