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Description
Soleirolia, also known as Baby’s Tears or Angel’s Tears, is a creeping herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the nettle family (Urticaceae). It is native to Corsica and Sardinia but has become naturalized in many parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America. The plant is named after the botanist named Soleirol.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Urticaceae |
| Genus | Soleirolia |
Appearance
Soleirolia has small, round, and delicate leaves that resemble teardrops, hence the common names Baby’s Tears or Angel’s Tears. The leaves are light green in color and have a glossy texture, which makes them look like they are covered in tiny water droplets. The plant grows in a creeping manner and forms a dense mat-like groundcover. It can reach a height of 3-6 inches and a spread of up to 3 feet. Soleirolia produces tiny white or pink flowers, but they are insignificant and rarely seen.
Care Guide
Soleirolia is a low-maintenance plant that can thrive in a variety of conditions. Here are some care tips:- Water: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.- Fertilization: Soleirolia doesn’t require frequent fertilization. You can feed it with a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month during the growing season.- Soil: Use well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Soleirolia can tolerate slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil.- Sunlight: Soleirolia prefers bright but indirect light. It can also grow in partial shade or full shade.- Hardiness Zones: Soleirolia is hardy in USDA zones 9-11. It can also grow indoors in a bright spot.
Common Pests & Diseases
Soleirolia is generally pest-resistant and disease-free. However, it can occasionally suffer from:- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and webbing on the leaves. You can control them by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.- Mealybugs: These white, cottony pests can infest the leaves and stems. You can remove them manually or use insecticidal soap.- Root rot: This fungal disease can occur if the soil is too wet or poorly drained. You can prevent it by allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings and using well-draining soil.
Habitat
Soleirolia is a versatile plant that can grow in a variety of habitats, including:- Forest floors: Soleirolia can thrive in the shade of trees and shrubs, where it can form a dense mat-like groundcover.- Rock gardens: Soleirolia can grow in crevices and cracks between rocks, where it can add a touch of green to the landscape.- Containers: Soleirolia can be grown in pots and hanging baskets, where it can spill over the edges and create a cascading effect.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Soleirolia a good indoor plant?A: Yes, Soleirolia can grow indoors in a bright spot with indirect light.Q: How often should I water Soleirolia?A: Water Soleirolia when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.Q: Can Soleirolia tolerate full sun?A: No, Soleirolia prefers bright but indirect light and can also grow in partial shade or full shade.Q: How do I propagate Soleirolia?A: Soleirolia can be propagated by stem cuttings or by division.
Related Plants
– Pilea microphylla- Pilea glauca- Soleirolia soleirolii Aurea- Baby Tears Fern (Hemigraphis alternata)- Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia)
References
– “Soleirolia,” Missouri Botanical Garden, accessed August 16, 2021, https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=280996.- “Soleirolia soleirolii,” Plants of the World Online, Kew Science, accessed August 16, 2021, http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:125077-1.
