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.
The baby tears plant, with its delicate foliage cascading gracefully in hanging baskets, is a favorite houseplant for many gardeners But what’s going on below the soil surface? Understanding the anatomy and functions of the roots and stems is key to properly caring for this charming plant.
Anatomy of Baby Tears Plant
Roots
The roots of baby tears are thin white, and fibrous. Unlike some plants that have thick taproots, baby tears relies on an extensive network of very fine roots to take up water and nutrients. The roots grow close to the soil surface rather than penetrating deep into the ground. They are shallow-rooted, typically extending only 2-4 inches below the surface.
Stems
The stems of baby tears are slender, creeping stems that grow along the ground or trail over the sides of containers. The stems look fragile but are quite resilient. They are typically light green to pinkish in color and measure just 1-2 mm in diameter.
The stems produce small, paired leaves at intervals along their length. The leaves are round to oval in shape and just 1/4 – 1/2 inch long. They clasp the stems directly with no petiole (leaf stalk).
Functions of Roots and Stems
Water and Nutrient Absorption
The fine, fibrous roots of baby tears are specially adapted for absorbing moisture and dissolved nutrients from the soil. Their large surface area in proportion to their volume allows them to quickly take up water and minerals required for growth. This is why regular, even moisture is so critical for baby tears – its roots are not designed for surviving drought conditions.
Anchoring and Support
Although baby tears has a petite, delicate appearance, its dense network of roots helps anchor it firmly in place. The roots provide a vital gripping and stabilizing function, preventing the plant’s slender stems from simply falling over or being dislodged. They act as tenacious “holdfasts” keeping the plant in place.
Vegetative Reproduction
Baby tears spreads rapidly by forming new roots all along its creeping aboveground stems. Wherever the stems come into contact with moist soil, they can form adventitious roots. This allows the plant to propagate vegetatively and form an extensive ground cover or cascade amply over container edges.
Conduction
The non-woody stems of baby tears contain vascular tissues that conduct water and nutrients absorbed by the roots to the leaves and growing tips. The stems also transport sugars (products of photosynthesis) between the leaves and other plant parts.
Support and Structure
Baby tears’ slender stems provide vital physical support to the leaves, allowing them to access sunlight for photosynthesis. The stems hold the leaves up above the ground and spread the foliage out, with newer growth constantly expanding the plant’s footprint.
Growing Tips for Healthy Roots and Stems
- Use a well-aerated potting mix that holds moisture but drains readily
- Water thoroughly to saturate the root zone then allow surface to partly dry before re-watering
- High humidity encourages lush growth
- Avoid overwatering which causes root rot
- Give bright, indirect light to prevent leggy growth
- Mist frequently and avoid dry air
- Remove any rotting or diseased stems promptly
- Propagate by pinning stems to soil
- Repot before roots become overly congested
Frequency of Entities:
Baby tears plant: 20
Roots: 13
Stems: 13
Leaves: 7
Soil: 6
Water: 5
Nutrients: 4
Vegetative reproduction: 2
Anchoring: 2
Propagate: 2
Humidity: 2
Leggy growth: 1
Taproot: 1
Adventitious roots: 1
Drought: 1
Photosynthesis: 1
Sugars: 1
Vascular tissues: 1
Root rot: 1
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Fertilizer
A balanced plant fertilizer will keep the foliage of babys tears plants bright green and dense. Give the plant liquid fertilizer through spring and summer every two weeks. The liquid form is easier to apply than spike inserts or granular fertilizer when no bare soil is visible.
Overwintering
If you live in a place that gets frost or cold weather conditions, its a good idea to grow babys tears in containers. Bring these plants indoors before the weather approaches freezing temperatures. Frost will begin killing off the outer layer of leaves first. The plant will not survive outdoors if you live in a location with sustained wintery weather or in any hardiness zones less than 9. The plant should be able to bounce back if exposed to frost briefly.
Plant Anatomy and Structure
FAQ
What is the plant baby’s tears used for?
Why are the leaves on my baby’s tears plant turning yellow?
Can you grow baby tears from seed?
What kills baby tears in the plant?
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 baby’s tears grow?
Compact and bushy, the Baby’s Tears plant is known for its small and delicate round leaves. If grown in a pot, it will eventually hang over it and cascade downwards to become a trailing plant. If grown on a large bed outside, they will spread evenly and quickly.
Where does baby’s tears come from?
Often confused as a type of moss, it comes from the nettle family. What makes baby’s 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.
Do baby’s tears flower?
Baby’s tear plants produce tiny, creamy white, fragrant, otherwise insignificant flowers. These petal-less blossoms are less than an inch in size. Baby’s tears rarely flower when kept indoors or cultivated. The best chance of plentiful blooms is to plant them outdoors as an evergreen cover or filler plant for rock gardens.