Harvesting Baby’s Tears Plant: Timing and Techniques to Get the Most Out of Your Plant

If you’re growing the delicate trailing Baby’s Tears plant (Soleirolia soleirolii), you know how rewarding it can be to watch those tiny teardrop-shaped leaves spread into a beautiful green carpet. But when is the best time to harvest your Baby’s Tears, and what techniques will keep your plant happy and encourage more growth? We’re here to walk you through it in detail.

When Should I Start Harvesting My Baby’s Tears Plant?

Timing is everything when it comes to getting the most out of your Baby’s Tears harvests Here are some tips

• Wait until the plant is at least 6 months old before harvesting, This gives the plant time to mature and produce enough leaves to withstand being trimmed back

• Harvest in spring or summer when the plant is actively growing. The increased light and warmth will encourage faster regrowth after pruning.

• For culinary uses, harvest when leaves are fully mature and developed lots of flavor. For decorative uses, harvest when plant looks full and lush.

• Avoid harvesting more than 1/3 of the plant at one time. Doing too much at once will stress the plant.

• After harvesting, allow 4-6 weeks recovery time before taking any more cuttings.

Step-By-Step Guide to Harvesting Baby’s Tears

When the time is right, use these techniques to harvest your Baby’s Tears successfully:

Pruning for Shaping and Maintaining

Pruning helps keep your Baby’s Tears neat and tidy. Follow these steps:

• Use clean, sharp scissors or snips to avoid crushing stems.

• Snip off stem tips just above a leaf node where new growth can emerge.

• Remove any dead, damaged, or unsightly growth as needed.

• Prune conservatively, no more than 1/3 of total foliage at once.

• Prune strategically to shape plant as desired or contain outward spread.

Harvesting for Culinary Use

If using Baby’s Tears for cooking or garnishes, harvest individual leaves as needed:

• Choose fully developed, mature leaves for best flavor. Avoid new growth.

• Gently pluck leaves from stems near the base. Don’t remove entire stems.

• Rinse leaves thoroughly before using in recipes. Pat dry before garnishing dishes.

• Use leaves soon after harvesting for maximum freshness and flavor.

Propagating from Cuttings

Taking cuttings from your Baby’s Tears is an easy way to propagate new plants:

• Select a healthy 3-4 inch stem with 2-4 leaf nodes.

• Cut stem at a 45 degree angle just below a node using a sterilized knife or scissors.

• Optionally dip cut end in rooting hormone to encourage root growth.

• Plant cutting in moist potting mix, about 2 nodes deep.

• Cover pot with plastic to increase humidity while roots develop.

• Keep soil moist but not soggy. Roots may emerge in 3-6 weeks.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Follow these tips to avoid potential problems with harvesting your Baby’s Tears:

• Harvest conservatively to avoid shocking or stressing the plant.

• Sterilize pruning tools before each use to prevent spreading disease.

• Water plants thoroughly after harvesting to help recovery.

• Provide bright, indirect light after harvesting to energize regrowth.

• Mist propagated cuttings daily to prevent leaves from drying out before roots form.

Caring for Your Plant After Harvesting

Proper aftercare is key to keeping your Baby’s Tears happy and productive after harvesting:

• Water thoroughly right after harvesting and maintain evenly moist soil.

• Apply balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks to provide nutrients for recovery.

• Place in bright, indirect light to encourage rapid new growth. Avoid direct sun, which can scorch tender new leaves and stems.

• Watch for signs of shock, including wilting, spotty leaves, or failure to root in cuttings. Lessen stress by providing ideal conditions.

• Be patient! It takes time for the plant to bounce back and fill in after being trimmed back.

Tips for Maximizing Your Harvest

Follow these tips to get the most out of each Baby’s Tears harvest:

• Use a sterile, sharp blade for clean cuts that heal rapidly.

• Make angled cuts just below leaf nodes to direct new growth outward.

• Take cuttings from the plant’s active growing tips for the best success rate. Older wood is less likely to root well.

• Prune frequently but lightly to shape the plant without shocking it.

• Provide optimal light, water, temperature, and humidity for fastest regrowth after harvesting.

• Fertilize regularly during the growing season for vigorous, harvestable growth.

With the right timing and technique, you can harvest your Baby’s Tears plant for culinary use, propagation, or shaping without harming it. Pay close attention to the plant’s signals, harvest conservatively, and provide diligent aftercare. In no time, you’ll have a lush, growing carpet of beautiful green leaves again!