Baby Tears Plant
pilea depressa
Also known as: ["Creeping Pilea","Swiss Cheese Plant"]
Overview
A low-growing, creeping plant with small, round, bright green leaves, often used as a groundcover or hanging plant.
Benefits & Perks
["low maintenance","shade tolerant","aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Urticales |
| Family: | Urticaceae |
| Genus: | Pilea |
| Botanical Name: | Pilea depressa |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Leaf Plants
- Suitable Location: indoor pot in a humid environment with bright, indirect light
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"18–27°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"10–12"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days to maintain high humidity
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining potting mix with added perlite or sand for aeration.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 2–3 months or after flowering.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate, removing no more than 20% of foliage at a time.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; adjust to lower light in summer to prevent scorching.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Gradually acclimate to brighter light; protect from direct sun; place in a spot with filtered light indoors or dappled shade outdoors.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
bright, indirect light
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid south-facing windows in summer.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; ensure good drainage; avoid wetting foliage.
Soil
well-draining, peat-based potting mix
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils; top-dress with compost annually.
Temperature
Ideal range 65–75°F (18–24°C); prefers stable temperatures, avoiding extremes below 50°F or above 85°F.
Avoid placing near drafty windows; maintain stable room temperature; use a humidifier in dry climates.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring and summer)
Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings in water or soil.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a 3–4 inch cutting, remove lower leaves, place in medium, keep moist, wait for roots.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid, and bright indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix or water with occasional changes.
Hormone
Optional but can speed up root development.
Timeline
Roots in 2–4 weeks; new growth in 6–8 weeks.
Tools Needed
Sharp scissors, rooting hormone (optional), small pots or jar, moist medium.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep cuttings out of direct sun; change water regularly if using water propagation.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back stems or use clean shears for larger cuts.
Pruning Plan
Remove leggy growth and encourage bushier habit; maintain compact size.
Tools
Sharp scissors or pruning shears, clean cloth for sterilization.
Checklist
Sterilize tools, prune above a leaf node, remove dead/damaged growth, clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot, ensuring it’s not too big to retain excess moisture.
Method
Use fresh well-draining soil, trim roots if necessary, ensure pot has drainage holes.
Suggestions
Repot every 1–2 years or when roots fill the pot; prevents root-bound conditions.
Checklist
Prepare new pot, gently remove plant, trim roots, add fresh soil, water lightly.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water thoroughly, ensure drainage, avoid foliage wetting.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, ensuring even moisture distribution to the root zone; water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate organic matter like peat moss for moisture retention.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing leaves, stunted growth, bud drop, or leaf curling.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, causes leaf discoloration, and may lead to root damage.
Solution: Move to a warmer location, insulate pots, and avoid cold drafts.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, and dehydration even if soil is moist.
Solution: Increase humidity, provide shade, and water more frequently in hot spells.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase, dilute fertilizer, apply to moist soil, avoid contact with leaves.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); cease in fall/winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicPilea depressa is not considered toxic to cats. It does not produce any known compounds that are harmful upon ingestion.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicPilea depressa is not considered toxic to dogs. It does not produce any known compounds that are harmful upon ingestion.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicPilea depressa is not considered toxic to humans. It does not produce any known compounds that are harmful upon ingestion.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I water Pilea depressa?
A: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, ensuring the plant is not sitting in water to prevent root rot.
Q: Does Pilea depressa require direct sunlight?
A: No, it prefers bright, indirect light and can tolerate partial shade.
Q: Can Pilea depressa be grown outdoors?
A: Yes, it can be grown outdoors in shaded, humid environments, but it is typically cultivated as an indoor plant.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Urticaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | bright, indirect light |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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