Soleirolia spp.

Baby's tears

Urticaceae

Western Mediterranean (Corsica, Sardinia, and nearby islands)

Container Friendly

SunPart Shade – Full Shade

WaterHigh

HardinessZones 9–11

Overview

Soleirolia spp. is a genus in the family Urticaceae containing a single mat-forming evergreen perennial, S. soleirolii, native to the western Mediterranean. Plants creep across the ground at 1-4 inches (2.5-10 cm) tall, rooting at the nodes of thread-like stems and spreading 12-36 inches (30-90 cm) or more to form a dense, moss-like carpet. The tiny rounded leaves are 0.1-0.2 inch (2-5 mm) wide and bright green, packed closely along the stems. Minute greenish-white flowers appear among the foliage from late spring into summer but are barely visible against the leaves. The genus grows in cool, shaded, constantly moist sites and spreads quickly, which can let it run into paths and crowd smaller neighbours. It has little frost tolerance and is grown outdoors only in mild, frost-free regions; elsewhere it is kept as a houseplant or in terrariums. Foliage browns and collapses after hard frost. Hardiness spans roughly USDA zones 9 to 11.

Native Range

Soleirolia spp. is native to the western Mediterranean, where it grows on the islands of Corsica and Sardinia and nearby coasts. It occupies cool, shaded, humid spots such as rock crevices, walls, and damp banks.

Suggested Uses

Used as a groundcover in shaded, moist gardens in mild climates, and as a trailing or carpeting plant in containers, terrariums, and houseplant displays. Spaced 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) apart, plants knit together within a season. It also softens the surface of pots and the bases of larger container plants.

How to Identify

Recognized by a dense, low carpet of thread-like stems set with tiny rounded leaves about 0.1-0.2 inch (2-5 mm) wide and bright green. The mat roots at the nodes and seldom rises above 4 inches (10 cm). Minute greenish-white flowers sit hidden among the leaves, and the moss-like texture on a flowering plant separates it from true mosses, which never flower.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1" - 4"

Width/Spread1' - 3'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~6 weeks

Spring Summer

Minute greenish-white flowers appear among the foliage from late spring into summer, generally May to July. They are stalkless and nearly hidden by the leaves. Flowering continues sporadically through the warm months.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

Bright green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunPartial Shade SunFull Shade

Tolerates up to 4 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam peat

Drainagemoist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

High

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

1 year

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plants grow in partial to full shade in cool, humid conditions and constantly moist, humus-rich soil. A pH from 5.5 to 7.0 suits the genus, in loam or peaty mixes that never dry out fully. The foliage scorches in direct sun and browns if the soil dries, so even moisture and shelter from midday sun keep the carpet dense. Indoors it grows in bright indirect light with high humidity and regular watering. It has little cold tolerance and is damaged below freezing. Outdoor culture is limited to USDA zones 9 to 11.

Pruning

Routine pruning is not required. The mat can be sheared or trimmed at the edges through spring and summer to keep it within bounds. Frost-damaged growth is cleared in spring, after which the plant regrows from surviving stems.

Pruning Schedule

late springsummer