Baby's Tears
soleirolia soleirolii
Also known as: ["Mind-your-own-business","Angel's Tears","Peace in the Home"]
Overview
A delicate, creeping herbaceous plant with tiny, round leaves and delicate stems, often used as a ground cover or in hanging baskets.
Benefits & Perks
["aesthetic foliage","pet-friendly","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Urticales |
| Family: | Urticaceae |
| Genus: | Soleirolia |
| Botanical Name: | Soleirolia soleirolii |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Leaf Plants
- Suitable Location: indoor pot or shaded garden bed
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–25°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, peat-based potting mix with added perlite or sand.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: low
- Pruning Frequency: Every 4–6 weeks or as needed to control growth.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; remove up to one-third of growth if overgrown.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light; 6–8 hours of filtered sunlight per day; adjust for lower light in winter.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to brighter light; protect from direct sun to prevent scorching; place in a spot with dappled light or near a north-facing window.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
partial shade
Avoid direct sunlight; rotate plant for even growth; provide shade during peak hours.
Watering
every 3–5 days
Water thoroughly when top inch of soil feels dry; ensure good drainage to avoid waterlogging; maintain humidity around the plant.
Soil
moist, well-draining potting mix
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use a mix with good drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; maintain consistent moisture.
Temperature
Average room temperature, 65–75°F (18–24°C); cooler temperatures (55–60°F or 13–15°C) acceptable during dormancy.
Avoid sudden temperature changes; keep away from drafty areas; maintain stable room temperature.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth
Dilute fertilizer to prevent burning; apply to moist soil; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings in water or soil.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 3–4 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Place in water or soil.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light.
Medium
Peat-based potting mix or water for rooting.
Hormone
Optional, but can speed up rooting.
Timeline
Roots develop in 2–3 weeks; new growth appears in 4–6 weeks.
Tools Needed
Sharp scissors, rooting hormone (optional), small pots or jars.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep cuttings out of direct sun; maintain high humidity.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back stems or use clean scissors to cut just above a leaf node.
Pruning Plan
Regular pruning to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth; remove leggy or dead stems.
Tools
Sharp, clean scissors or pruning shears.
Checklist
Use clean tools; prune to shape; remove dead or damaged stems; encourage bushier growth.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
One size up from current pot; ensure good drainage.
Method
Use fresh potting mix; gently tease out roots; place in a slightly larger pot with drainage holes.
Suggestions
Repot every 1–2 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for maintaining vigor.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil; ensure drainage; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture daily; water thoroughly; ensure drainage; maintain humidity.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water evenly until it drains from the bottom; focus on the root zone; avoid wetting foliage to prevent fungal issues; water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Keep soil consistently moist, especially during active growth; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate organic matter for fertility; ensure good aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or leaf drop.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, causes leaf drop, and may lead to root damage if temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).
Solution: Move to a warmer location; insulate pots; avoid cold drafts; maintain consistent temperatures.
Hot Stress
Leaf scorch, wilting, and dehydration if temperatures exceed 85°F (29°C) for extended periods.
Solution: Increase humidity; provide shade; water more frequently; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding; flush soil periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength; fertilize every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer; avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicSoleirolia soleirolii is not considered toxic to cats. The plant does not contain known toxic compounds that would cause significant harm to felines.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicSoleirolia soleirolii is not considered toxic to dogs. The plant does not contain known toxic compounds that would cause significant harm to canines.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicSoleirolia soleirolii, commonly known as Baby's Tears, is generally considered non-toxic but can cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested in large quantities. The plant contains small amounts of irritant compounds that may provoke a reaction in sensitive individuals.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I water Baby's Tears?
A: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Q: Can Baby's Tears grow in low light?
A: Yes, it tolerates low light but thrives in bright, indirect light.
Q: Why are my Baby's Tears leaves turning yellow?
A: Yellow leaves may indicate overwatering, underwatering, or poor drainage; adjust watering and ensure proper soil conditions.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Urticaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | partial shade |
| Water: | every 3–5 days |
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