Size Matters:
Choosing the Right Baby Tears Plant for Your Landscape

Are you looking to add a touch of greenery to your landscape that’s both delicate and stunning? Then look no further than the Baby Tears plant! Known for its small, teardrop-shaped leaves, this plant is perfect for adding a pop of color and texture to any garden or indoor space. But with so many different varieties of Baby Tears available, choosing the right one can be a challenge. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the different types of Baby Tears plants and help you find the perfect one for your landscape.

Types of Baby Tears Plants

Soleirolia soleirolii

The most common type of Baby Tears is Soleirolia soleirolii, also known as Mind Your Own Business or Helxine soleirolii. This variety is native to the Mediterranean and has tiny, round leaves that grow in dense clusters. It’s an excellent ground cover, and it thrives in damp soil or as a houseplant in a bright spot with indirect sun.

Soleirolia soleirolii ‘Aurea’

If you’re looking for a more striking variety of Baby Tears, then consider Soleirolia soleirolii ‘Aurea.’ As the name suggests, this plant has bright yellow-green leaves that add a vibrant pop of color to any garden or indoor space. It’s also slightly more tolerant of direct sunlight than its green counterpart.

Soleirolia soleirolii ‘Albomarginata’

Another variety of Baby Tears is Soleirolia soleirolii ‘Albomarginata.’ This plant has green leaves with creamy white edges, giving it a unique and distinctive appearance. It’s a great option for adding contrast and texture to your landscape.

Pilea depressa

Pilea depressa is another type of Baby Tears that has small, round leaves that grow in clusters. However, this variety has a slightly different shape than Soleirolia soleirolii – its leaves are more oval-shaped with pointed tips. It’s a great option for hanging baskets or as ground cover in shady areas.

Choosing the Right Baby Tears Plant for Your Landscape

When choosing the right Baby Tears plant for your landscape, there are a few things to consider:

Climate

Different varieties of Baby Tears have different climate requirements. For example, Soleirolia soleirolii thrives in damp soil and mild temperatures. On the other hand, Pilea depressa prefers more humidity and can handle slightly warmer temperatures.

Sunlight

Most varieties of Baby Tears prefer indirect sunlight or partial shade. However, some varieties like Soleirolia soleirolii ‘Aurea’ can tolerate more direct sunlight than others.

Soil

Baby Tears plants prefer moist soil that drains well. They don’t do well in soil that dries out quickly or becomes waterlogged.

Maintenance

Some varieties of Baby Tears require more maintenance than others. For example, Soleirolia soleirolii ‘Aurea’ may need to be pruned occasionally to keep it from becoming too leggy.

By considering these factors, you can choose the right type of Baby Tears plant that will thrive in your landscape.

FAQ

Q: Are Baby Tears plants easy to care for?

A: Yes! Baby Tears plants are relatively low maintenance and require moist soil and indirect sunlight.

Q: Can I grow Baby Tears indoors?

A: Yes! Many varieties of Baby Tears make excellent houseplants and thrive in bright spots with indirect sunlight.

Q: How often should I water my Baby Tears plant?

A: Baby Tears plants prefer moist soil, so they may need to be watered more frequently than other plants. However, be careful not to overwater them as they don’t do well in waterlogged soil.

Q: Can I propagate my Baby Tears plant?

A: Yes! You can propagate your Baby Tears plant by taking stem cuttings and placing them in moist soil or water until they root.

Q: Are Baby Tears plants toxic to pets?

A: Yes, some varieties of Baby Tears plants are toxic to pets if ingested. If you have pets, be sure to choose a non-toxic variety or keep your plants out of reach.