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You love the look of Monstera deliciosa or banana tree plant, but maybe you don’t have the room for these large, dramatic houseplants. No worries!
There are plenty of easy-care houseplants that don’t take up a lot of real estate in your home. If you need a plant for more compact spaces, baby’s tears may be the right choice for you.
The tiny rounded leaves give this adorable plant its name. The plant also is known as angel’s tears or Paddy’s wig, perhaps because it looks like a head of curly hair. The foliage is lime green, though several varieties have gold or silvery foliage.
Native to the Mediterranean, including Italy and the islands of Sardinia and Corsica, baby’s tears is actually a vigorous perennial ground cover. It grows in USDA Hardiness zones 9 and warmer and can spread up to 6-feet-wide in the garden. (Find your zone here.)
In fact, it is considered invasive in some regions because it roots itself wherever the creeping stems contact soil.
But indoors, baby’s tears is better behaved and makes a charming houseplant that stays compact in its pot. It looks beautiful cascading from a hanging pot, and it’s also a good choice for terrariums.
Im a garden writer with more than 15 years of experience growing houseplants, edibles, and landscape plantings. I also trial new plant cultivars for performance and reliability, and test garden products to evaluate practicality and durability.
I absolutely love finding new ways to bring some greenery into my home. As someone who doesn’t have a ton of space, I’m always looking for unique plants that can add a pop of green without taking up too much room. Recently, I discovered the hanging baby’s tears plant and fell in love with its cascading leaves and graceful appearance. In this article, I’ll tell you all about this amazing plant and give you some tips for caring for it and incorporating it into your home decor.
What Is a Hanging Baby’s Tears Plant?
The hanging baby’s tears plant, also known by its scientific name of Soleirolia soleirolii, is a low-growing creeper that is native to the Mediterranean region. It gets its name from the teardrop shape of its tiny, rounded leaves that grow in clusters along thin, dangling stems. This gives the plant a delicate, weeping effect that perfectly lends itself to hanging planters and containers.
Some other common names for this plant include angel’s tears, Corsican creeper, mind-your-own-business, Polly’s carpet, and Irish moss. However, it should not be confused with the true Irish moss (Sagina subulata), which is a different species.
Caring for Your Hanging Baby’s Tears
Caring for a hanging baby’s tears plant is relatively straightforward as long as you provide the right growing conditions Here are some tips
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Light Bright indirect light is best. Avoid direct sunlight which can scorch the leaves.
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Water: Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Water when the top inch becomes dry.
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Humidity: Mist the plant regularly or place on a pebble tray to increase humidity. Ideal levels are around 70-80%.
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Temperature: Prefers temperatures between 60-80°F. Keep away from drafty areas.
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Soil: Use a rich, well-draining potting mix. Amend soil with compost or peat moss to retain moisture.
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Fertilizer: Feed monthly during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength.
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Pruning: Trim back overgrown strands to encourage bushier growth. Prune any damaged or unsightly growth.
Displaying Your Hanging Baby’s Tears
One of the best parts about the hanging baby’s tears plant is how easy it is to incorporate into your living space. Here are some fun ways to show it off:
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Hang in a macrame or decorative planter to let the strands spill over the sides.
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Place in a glass terrarium or Wardian case for a Victorian feel.
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Use as a trailing element in mixed planters or hanging baskets.
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Top dress houseplant soil with a patch of baby’s tears.
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Let it creep along a bookshelf or mantle.
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Plant between pavers or stones in shady garden beds.
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Surround fairy gardens with a carpet of baby’s tears.
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Tuck into wire baskets or vertical gardens.
No matter where you decide to display your baby’s tears, it’s sure to add a delicate touch of charm. With the right care, this plant can thrive for years and provide a flutter of greenery in any space. Give it a try if you’re craving a little magic!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is baby’s tears difficult to grow?
No, baby’s tears is quite easy to grow as long as you provide adequate moisture, humidity, and indirect light. It’s a great option for beginner gardeners.
How fast does baby’s tears grow?
Baby’s tears is a relatively fast grower. If kept happy, it can spread to fill in a 10-12 inch pot or hanging basket in 3-4 months. Growth slows in winter.
Can you grow baby’s tears outdoors?
Baby’s tears can be grown outdoors year-round in frost-free climates (zones 9-11). In colder zones, it should be grown as an annual or brought indoors before first frost.
Does baby’s tears bloom?
Baby’s tears may produce occasional tiny white flowers in optimal outdoor conditions. However, it is mainly grown for its foliage.
Is baby’s tears toxic to pets?
No, baby’s tears is non-toxic to both dogs and cats. However, ingestion can potentially cause minor stomach upset.
How do you propagate baby’s tears?
Baby’s tears can easily be propagated by stem cuttings or by dividing the plant. Root the cuttings in water or moist potting mix. New plants will take root in 3-6 weeks.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a petite plant that can liven up shelves, tabletops, and more, look no further than the hanging baby’s tears. This demure creeper is sure to add a touch of Victorian charm and grace to your space. With the proper care, it will reward you with cascades of delicate foliage that spill poetically from any container or hanging basket. Let this wispy wonder weave its magic!
How Do You Propagate Baby’s Tears Plant?
Baby’s tears is super-easy to propagate. Simply chunk off the edges of the plant, place the section in moist potting soil, and keep in bright, indirect light. The pieces will root in a few weeks to a month and start taking off! It’s a great pass-along plant for this reason.
What is Baby’s Tears Plant?
Baby’s tears plant is a creeping, mat-forming ground cover that spreads vigorously in the right conditions. Its tiny, round, drop-like foliage give it its common name. It’s actually in the nettle family, but it will not sting like some other kinds of nettles.
Several other plants also go by the common name of baby’s tears, including Hemianthus callitrichoides, an aquatic plant, and Pilea depressa, a trailing plant with tiny rounded leaves. But these are entirely different plants, though they have similar appearances.
