Baby's tears care: watering, light and repotting
Also called soleirolia, mind-your-own-business · Soleirolia soleirolii · Urticaceae family
5 d in winter
How often to water the baby's tears?
Allow about 3 days between waterings in spring and summer, and 5 days in autumn and winter, when growth slows down. These rhythms apply to a room with its favourite light: in a darker room the plant drinks less; in a brighter one, it drinks more.
Its soil must never dry out: water from the saucer. It prefers cool to warm.
Misting every 3 days helps keep the air humid around its leaves, especially in winter when central heating dries the house out.
What light does it need?
The baby's tears likes bright but filtered light: near an east- or west-facing window, or a little back from a south-facing one. Direct afternoon sun can mark the leaves.
Repotting and fertiliser
Repot every year, ideally in April, into a pot only slightly bigger than the last one. As for fertiliser, from April to September, feeding every 30 days is enough; the rest of the year, let it rest.
Adult size: 2–4 in (5–10 cm) tall, carpeting.
Safe for cats and dogs, according to the ASPCA.
Common problems
Dry, brown patches
Cause: The root ball dried out. What to do: Cut off the dry parts and water from below.
Thinning carpet
Cause: Not enough light. What to do: Give it bright light without direct sun.
Frequently asked questions
How often should you water the baby's tears?
About every 3 days in spring and summer, and every 5 days in autumn and winter, in a room with its favourite light. The darker the room, the longer you wait between waterings. Before watering, check that the top inch of soil has dried.
Where should you put the baby's tears?
The baby's tears likes bright but filtered light: near an east- or west-facing window, or a little back from a south-facing one. Direct afternoon sun can mark the leaves.
Should you mist the baby's tears?
Yes, misting every 3 days does it good, especially in winter when heating dries the air. Use soft, room-temperature water.
When should you repot the baby's tears?
Every year, ideally in April, or sooner if roots come out of the drainage hole. Choose a pot only slightly bigger, 1 to 1.5 in (2 to 4 cm) wider, always with a hole in the bottom.
Cats, dogs, children: is the baby's tears safe?
The baby's tears is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. A pet that eats a lot of it may still vomit, so it's best not to let it nibble.
Is it an easy plant to care for?
Fairly: the baby's tears needs a little attention, mostly with watering and light. Nothing complicated with a reminder at the right time.
These are guidelines for an indoor plant in a temperate climate. Trust the soil too: a finger pushed an inch into it will tell you whether it's thirsty.