The days of using artificial plants to decorate a vivarium are slowly becoming obsolete. Instead, more and more people are choosing to take the natural approach.
Real greenery is being added to all different types of enclosures in order to create a more realistic and functioning system.
Amongst the many vivarium plants that are being considered for use in tanks, the Baby Tears Plant is finding a comfortable place within the hobby.
In order to guarantee a high success rate for this plant’s survival, it is imperative to know how to properly take care of it.
This article will take a closer look at Baby Tears Plant, providing a complete understanding and care guide to growing one.
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Detailed descriptions of the baby tears plant, including its scientific name, origin, physical characteristics, etc.
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An overview of the different life stages of the baby tears plant from seed to mature plant.
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Tips on caring for a baby tears plant at each specific growth stage
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Advice on optimizing conditions like water light soil, etc to support growth.
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Troubleshooting problems at different stages like pests, diseases, nutrient deficiencies.
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Details on getting baby tears plants to flower and produce seeds.
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What Is A Baby Tears Plant?
Baby Tears Plant is a species of flora in the nettle family. It is a fast-growing evergreen, known for its low growth and spreading habit.
When grown inside a bucket-like container, the plant will usually be seen cascading over the sides.
Unlike some other vines, Baby Tears will not grow too far out.
This evergreen perennial’s creeping stems will need to remain in contact with the soil most of the time.
This is a relatively hardy plant that can be grown by beginners without much difficulty.
Despite its easygoing nature, it will require constant attention to keep healthy and lush.
Especially if it is being grown indoors or inside of a terrarium.
Baby Tears Plant Facts
Baby Tears Plant is scientifically known as Soleirolia soleirolii. Its Latin name was given after the botanist Joseph François Soleirol.
The botanist collected specimens in Corsica and after discovering this species, was the first to introduce it to the plant trade.
Aside from its botanical name, this plant has also acquired an assortment of different nicknames.
Baby tears, angel’s tears, bits and pieces, bread and cheese, Corsican creeper, Corsican curse, friendship plant, helxine, mind-your-own-business, mother of thousands, paddy’s wig, pollyanna vine, and Irish moss are all common names used to identify the plant.
Despite the similar label, Baby Tears is not to be confused with Sagina Irish moss.
Baby Tears is a delicate-looking species known for its myriad tiny leaves.
The leaves are usually apple-green and grow attached to a thread-like stem that roots as it runs.
The lush, dense, rich green foliage resembles a carpet as it spreads over the sides of its pot.
Most people describe it as having a moss-like appearance.
An interesting quality of Soleirolia soleirolii is its ability to take the shape of other objects.
As it covers the ground it will run over fallen logs, pieces of wood, rocks, or any other object and cling to their shape.
This way the features of the landscape are picked out. In addition, Baby Tears Plant produces tiny white star-shaped flowers in the late spring.
Even though the flowers are not very noticeable in general, they will most likely not bloom when grown inside a vivarium.
Baby Tears Plant is a species native to the northern Mediterranean region.
Although it originally grew in and around Italy (as well as other nearby islands), it is now being cultivated around the world.
It does exceptionally well in places that are known for their boggy climate.
According to scientific records, it has been documented growing from the northeast of Ireland in counties Down and Antrim.
In the wild, Soleirolia soleirolii can be easily seen growing on shaded banks, damp paths, roadside walls, gardens, and churchyards with dappled lighting.
Baby Tears Plant will remain green and vivid in very warm temperatures, but will usually die back with the least bit of frost.
The ideal temperature for optimal growth falls anywhere between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Baby Tears Plant tends to thrive with a slightly acidic pH. A pH of 7 is considered neutral. A pH below 7 is acidic and a pH above 7 is alkaline.
The ideal pH for Soleirolia soleirolii will range anywhere between 5.0 and 6.0.
When trying to decide what type of enclosure to grow Soleirolia soleirolii in, the best advice that can be given is to keep in mind its natural habitat.
It is a plant that will do well in a variety of vivarium types.
However, the proper setup and theme of the enclosure can make a big difference to the overall look and health of the plant.
Be sure to go with setups that are moist and high in humidity.
Here are recommended vivariums it will do well in:
- Paludariums – Half aquatic/ half terrain-based enclosure.
- Terrariums – Fully terrain-based enclosures with little to no aquatic features.
One of the best qualities of the Baby Tears Plant is its versatility as far as placement.
This plant can be placed almost anywhere in a vivarium. The final decision will always be up to the individual growing it.
This species is known for its carpeting nature, which can be an incredible asset inside a tank.
It can be placed towards the bottom of an enclosure or near a wall and allowed to cover the surface.
Doing so can help cover up unwanted equipment or areas of the enclosure that are otherwise empty.
In addition, Soleirolia soleirolii can also be placed within a pot, at the top of the tank, and allowed to cascade down.
Since the plant will not grow very large, this works well when placed both at the front as well as the back of the vivarium.
Last but not least, Baby Tears is a terrestrial-based plant. Therefore, it should not be placed fully submerged in water.
It is important to keep this in mind when using the vine in an enclosure with aquatic features.
Baby Tears Plant is not too complicated when it comes to the specific substrate it needs.
The number one most important factor is that the mix is able to maintain an adequate amount of moisture. Common terrarium soil should work well.
However, if for some reason the soil is constantly becoming dry, try adding some peat moss or perlite.
The peat moss will help maintain some water in the mix, while the perlite provides drainage.
Soleirolia soleirolii is not too strict when it comes to lighting. This plant prefers bright, filtered light.
Although it is capable of receiving short periods of direct sunlight, it is not really recommended.
A plant that is left unprotected in the sun will develop scorched, brown leaves.
When growing Baby Tears Plant inside of a vivarium, artificial lighting will work just fine.
Most hobbyists lean towards using LED lights. Such terrarium-type lights provide the option of cooler colors that resemble a bright, yet shaded day.
These will make sure the plant is getting all the light it needs, without being harmed.
Avoid any type of light that has high levels of UV rays. This will be like placing the vine under direct sunlight.
Why Dwarf Baby Tears are one of the HARDEST Plants to Grow!
FAQ
Should I trim my Baby Tears plant?
What’s wrong with my baby’s tears plant?
Why are the leaves on my baby’s tears plant turning yellow?