Babys tears (Soleirolia soleirolii) is a mat-forming tropical perennial with myriad tiny leaves. Often confused as a type of moss, it comes from the nettle family. What makes babys tears special is its dense, delicate mat of fine round or bean-shaped leaves on short, fleshy stems. Lower-light conditions, a warmer climate, and rich, moist soil will enable this plant to thrive. Babys tears plants are easy to grow for beginners, but they require regular attention to look their best.
Growing baby tears plants from seeds is a rewarding experience for any gardener. This delicate trailing plant can add a touch of charm to both indoor and outdoor spaces. In this comprehensive guide we’ll walk through everything you need to know about baby tears plant seeds – from how to germinate and store them properly to tips for sowing them successfully.
Also known by its botanical name of Soleirolia soleirolii, the baby tears plant is a low-growing evergreen perennial. It originated in Mediterranean regions but is now grown worldwide as a houseplant or ground cover.
Some key facts about baby tears:
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They grow up to 6 inches tall and spread rapidly along the ground or trail gracefully from containers,
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The tiny, round leaves emerge in lush shades of green, yellow or green-yellow variegation.
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When mature, they produce tiny white flowers in spring and summer. However, they rarely bloom when grown indoors.
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Baby tears thrive in moist, humid conditions and prefer partial shade to full sun
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They make excellent terrarium plants or ground covers beneath trees and shrubs.
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s look at germinating, storing and sowing those delicate little seeds!
Germinating Baby Tears Seeds
Getting baby tears seeds to sprout is a fairly simple process. Here are some tips for successful germination:
Gather Your Supplies
You’ll need a seed starting tray or small pots, a seed starting mix, baby tears seeds, plastic wrap and a spray bottle.
Prepare the Seed Starting Mix
Fill your seed trays or pots with a lightweight, nutrient-rich mix formulated especially for seeds. Moisten the mix until damp but not soggy.
Plant the Seeds
Sprinkle 3-5 baby tears seeds onto the surface of each cell or pot. Don’t bury them; light is needed for germination.
Cover and Hydrate
Mist gently with water, then cover trays/pots with plastic wrap to retain moisture.
Provide Warmth
Place in a warm spot (65-70°F) out of direct sun. Bottom heat, like a heat mat, speeds germination.
Wait for Germination
In 1-3 weeks, seedlings will emerge! Remove the plastic wrap once sprouted.
Storing Baby Tears Seeds
If you end up with extra seeds, proper storage is key to maintaining viability:
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Place seeds in an airtight container like a plastic bag or glass jar. Press out excess air and seal.
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Label with the seed type and date. Store in the refrigerator or another cool, dry spot.
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Check seeds yearly and discard any that are moldy or smell rancid.
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With ideal storage conditions, baby tears seeds remain viable for 1-3 years.
Tips for Sowing Baby Tears Outdoors
Once your baby tears seedlings have 2-3 sets of leaves, it’s time to transplant them into the garden! Follow these tips for success:
Pick the Right Spot
Select a sheltered spot with dappled sunlight and moist, humus-rich soil. Avoid harsh sunlight.
Give Space
Space plants 6-12 inches apart to allow for spreading. Baby tears make excellent ground covers.
Plant Carefully
Handle these delicate plants with care. Set each in a shallow hole at the same level it was growing in the pot.
Water Consistently
Ensure consistent moisture, especially for the first few weeks after transplanting. A layer of mulch helps retain water.
Be Patient
It may take 2-3 months for baby tears to establish and begin spreading. Once settled, they take off!
Common Problems and Solutions
Baby tears are relatively trouble-free, but watch for these potential issues:
Leggy, weak growth: Too little light. Move to a brighter (not direct sun) spot.
Yellowing leaves: Overwatering. Allow soil to dry out between waterings.
Brown leaf tips: Low humidity. Mist regularly or use a pebble tray.
Failure to spread: Too much sun. Move to a shadier position.
Mold or rot: Excess moisture. Allow soil to dry out before watering again.
Final Thoughts
With their trailing stems and diminutive leaves, baby tears make a big visual impact in any indoor or outdoor space. By understanding their preferences and providing warm temperatures, high humidity and bright, indirect light, even beginning gardeners can successfully grow these charming plants from seeds. Just be sure to start with fresh seeds and follow the germination, storage and sowing guidelines outlined above. In no time, you’ll have a thriving carpet of baby tears gracing your home or garden.
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Light
Babys tears plants dislike intense direct sunlight, which may scorch leaves. They look their best in bright, filtered light. Baby tears plants can thrive under artificial lights indoors. Outdoors, place it in a shadier location.
Caring for Baby’s Tears After It Blooms
The plant will bloom throughout the warm season. Once finished, its a good idea to prune the plant back, especially if it has overrun your container or garden.
Why Dwarf Baby Tears are one of the HARDEST Plants to Grow!
FAQ
Is baby tears an indoor or outdoor plant?
Where is the best place to plant baby tears?
Can you grow baby tears from seed?
Are baby tears hard to grow?
Can baby tears grow in soil?
However, too much and your baby tears soil won’t drain well, so add perlite to increase drainage. Ideal pH for growing baby’s tear is between 5.0 and 6.0. When you decide to plant baby tears plants seeds, it is important that you feed them with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once they start growing.
How do you propagate baby’s tears?
Baby’s tears plant propagates easily, especially in its growing season, usually during the spring and summer. Wherever stems touch the soil, they will form roots. Plants can spread without limit. If you want to keep the plant within its bounds but don’t want to kill the overgrowth, move it to a container. These plants are seldom propagated by seed.
How do you germinate baby tears plant seeds?
Germinating baby tears plant seeds is a relatively easy process. You will need a few basic supplies such as: Fill your seed tray or small pots with seed-starting mix. Sprinkle the baby tears plant seeds on the surface of the soil. Lightly cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil. Spray the soil with water until it is moist but not soaking wet.
How do you plant baby tears?
Here are some tips for sowing baby tears plant seeds: Use a seed-starting mix that is light and fluffy. Water the soil before sowing the seeds to avoid disturbing them once they have been planted. Sprinkle the seeds on the surface of the soil and lightly press them down so they make contact with the soil.