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.

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: 6 in (15 cm)

Light: Bright light, no direct sun. Will grow in low light.

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: Peat moss based

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.