Baby Tears

Baby tears plant, also called angel's tears, 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 baby tears special is its dense, delicate mat of fine round leaves on short, fleshy stems.

Lower-light conditions, a warmer climate, and rich, moist soil will enable this plant to thrive. Baby tears plants are easy for beginners to grow but require regular attention to look their best.

Here are the main requirements for growing baby tears plants:

• Plant outdoors in moist, well-drained soil.
• Place in a partial to fully shaded spot.
• Keep out of harsh direct sunlight and very dry conditions.
• Water generously during spring and summer.
• Maintain a 75% humidity level in the plant's environment, if possible.

Baby tears plants dislike intense direct sunlight, which may scorch leaves. They look their best in bright, filtered light. Baby tears plants can thrive under lights indoors. Place it in a shadier location outdoors.

A rich soil amended with organic matter or compost is sufficient for baby tears plants. It will also help to regulate the plant's moisture level. Commercial potting soil is suitable for growing baby tears as a houseplant or in a container garden. A baby tears plant is thirsty and never likes to dry out. The plant will dramatically wilt if you allow your plant to dry out. Water the plant as soon as you notice wilting and within a day it should recover

A baby tears houseplant requires slightly less water in the winter months. It's fine for the soil's surface to be dry, but the soil around the roots should be moist. However, do not let the roots sit in water, which can promote root rot. Make sure the soil stays moist but drains well. As an outdoor specimen, the baby tears plant grows best in a climate consistently between 50°F and 70°F. The higher the ambient temperature, the more attention the gardener must pay to light and humidity. If you live in a drier environment, these plants will appreciate life in a terrarium.

A balanced plant fertilizer will keep the foliage of baby 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.