Soleirolia soleirolii
Baby's tears
Western Mediterranean (Corsica and Sardinia)
Overview
Soleirolia soleirolii is a low, creeping evergreen perennial that forms dense, moss-like mats only 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) high but spreading indefinitely across the ground. The thread-like pink-tinged stems root as they spread and carry tiny rounded leaves 0.1-0.2 inch (2-6 mm) across, bright green and closely set, creating a soft cushioned surface. Minute pinkish-white flowers form in the leaf axils in summer but are barely visible. The plant spreads quickly by rooting stems and brittle fragments, and even small pieces re-root readily. It grows naturally on damp, shaded rocks, walls, and stream banks, and is widely grown as a ground cover and houseplant. A limitation is its invasive spread in mild, moist climates, where it can swamp lawns, paving joints, and small plants; it is also frost-sensitive, with top growth cut back by hard freezes.
Native Range
Soleirolia soleirolii is native to the western Mediterranean, chiefly the islands of Corsica, Sardinia, and nearby coasts. It grows on damp, shaded rock and walls, and has naturalized in mild, moist regions worldwide as a garden escape.Suggested Uses
Soleirolia soleirolii is used as a ground cover in damp shade, between paving and stepping stones, and in shaded rock gardens, as well as in terrariums and as a trailing houseplant. Its dense low mats soften hard edges and fill gaps in shaded planting. It is contained where its spreading habit would overtake nearby plants.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1" - 2"
Width/Spread1' - 3'
Bloom Information
Tiny pinkish-white flowers appear in the leaf axils through summer, roughly June to September. They are only 0.04 inch (1 mm) across and easily overlooked among the foliage. The plant spreads far more by creeping stems than by seed.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
bright greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-5 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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Soleirolia soleirolii grows in part shade to full shade in moist, freely drained soil, tolerating a pH from about 5.5 to 7.5. It needs steady moisture and humidity and scorches in dry, sunny positions. The plant grows quickly and roots from every node, forming a complete carpet within a season. It needs no feeding and only occasional trimming to keep it within bounds. In containers and as a houseplant it does well in bright, indirect light with regular watering. Hard frost cuts back the top growth, though established plants usually regrow from the base in mild areas.Pruning
Trimming with shears or a mower keeps the mat low and contained where it spreads beyond its space. Stray stems rooting into paving or lawns are pulled out to limit spread. Frost-damaged growth is cleared in spring as new shoots appear.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons