Baby's Tears Care Instructions

Scientific Name: Pilea Depressa
Synonyms: Depressed Clearweed, Kiereweed, Shiny Creeping Charlie

The Baby's Tears plant has an enchantingly cute character, which makes it an excellent plant addition to most interiors. Native to the lush tropical rainforests of the Caribbean, the Pilea depressa, fondly referred to as Baby's Tears, thrives in environments reminiscent of its natural habitat, making it remarkably adaptable to medium to low-light spaces.

Boasting delicate, cascading foliage in deep green hues with charming red-tinged undersides, this petite plant introduces a subtle charm, perfect for enhancing bathrooms, kitchens, or any space in your home or office. It likes to grow horizontally over time - which means it lends itself well to terrariums, hanging baskets, or as a graceful ground cover in larger arrangements.

Caring for Baby's Tears is a breeze, requiring regular watering to maintain moist but not soggy soil, along with occasional misting to replicate its native humidity. Opt for bright, indirect light to prevent leaf scorching, making it an ideal choice for any beginner plant enthusiast.

When it comes to styling this cutie, consider showcasing the Baby's Tears in a spot where it can cascade, allowing its trailing foliage to gracefully spill from a simplistic yet stylish planter, creating that whimsical jungle-like charm we are all inspired to achieve. Try combining contrasting textures or bold accents for visually striking ways to add a pop of natural beauty to your world.

Toxicity: Despite its lack of toxicity, pilea would rather not be a snack food.

Baby's Tears Common Symptoms

• Yellowing leaves: This can signal a few issues, the most common being: overwatering, lack of fertilisation, or lack of light. Be sure to check the moisture level in the soil, and that your planter is draining properly. If you find the soil to be soggy, reduce the frequency of watering. If you have checked environmental factors and all is in order, consider feeding with a well balanced fertiliser such as Biotrissol.
• Mushy stems and leaves: Brownish discoloration and soft, mushy stems are symptoms of root rot. Remove any diseased or damaged roots before repotting the plant into soil that drains well. To encourage root recovery, water less frequently and make sure there is enough light.
• Leaf drop: a lack of water is the most typical cause of leaf drop, but pest infestations or other environmental stresses can also cause this. Check your watering frequency and water more frequently if you also notice crisp, dry leaves. Water Pilea Depressa as soon as the soil feels slightly damp to the touch; although they can tolerate brief periods of dryness, they do not like it when the soil is completely dry. A tea towel that has been wrung out for soil moisture
• Wilted, faded, or crispy foliage: Limp, light brown, or dry leaves indicate underwatering and/or low humidity. Ensure your plant receives adequate water and consider placing it on a tray of pebbles with water to increase humidity levels.
• No growth: Pilea plants generally prefer moderate-to-bright indirect light. Lack of new growth may indicate insufficient sunlight. Consider relocating your plant to a brighter spot with filtered sunlight to encourage growth.
• Pests: Like most houseplants, Baby's Tears are prone to pests when not provided with optimal conditions. To keep your plant healthy, strive to replicate its natural environment as closely as possible. Mealybugs and Fungus Gnats are common pests attracted to it due to their preference for warm, moist settings. However, other household pests may also pose a threat. Promptly address any pest outbreaks and avoid neglecting your plant's care routine. Treat with Pyrol or Neusodan, and isolate the plant to prevent pests from spreading to other plants. Regularly wipe down leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and discourage pest infestations. To identify pests, have a look at our Pest Identification Blog.
  

Baby's Tears Care Instructions

• Origin: South America, namely the Caribbean.
• Height: Average 30cm in length and Width
• Light: Bright, filtered light is best. Avoid harsh, direct sunlight. Will tolerate gentle, direct morning sunlight.
• Water: Keep soil very evenly moist, and avoid overly dry or overly soggy potting soil.
• Humidity: preferably 50% or higher. To raise the humidity for your plant. Spritz it daily, and place a plant on a pebble tray. Will also tolerate average room humidity if care is taken with watering.
• Temperature: Pilea prefers warm environments between 17 °C and 27°C.
• Soil: A very well-draining organic medium that will hold onto some water.
• Fertiliser: Fertilise every two weeks from spring to autumn with a balanced liquid fertiliser such as Biotrissol.
• Pruning: Pruning Baby's Tear's involves removing dead or damaged leaves and stems to maintain plant health and shape. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to make precise cuts. Regular pruning encourages bushier growth and prevents overcrowding. Focus on removing any yellowing or discoloured foliage and trimming back leggy stems to promote a compact, lush appearance.
• Repotting: Repotting your Pilea Depressa is essential for its continued health and growth. Choose a slightly larger pot (maximum 3cm-5cm larger) with drainage holes to accommodate its roots. Gently remove the plant from its current pot, loosen the roots, and place it into the new container with fresh, well-draining soil. Ensure the plant sits at the same depth as before. Water thoroughly and resume regular care. Repotting every 1-2 years or when roots outgrow the pot promotes healthy growth and prevents root-bound conditions.
• Propagation: Propagating Baby's Tears is straightforward. Utilise stem cuttings, ensuring each cutting has at least one leaf node. Remove the lower leaves to expose the node and promote root growth. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone (optional) and plant it in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Place the cuttings in a warm, bright location with indirect sunlight. With patience, roots will develop within a few weeks. Once rooted, transplant the cuttings into their own pots, 10–15 cuttings per pot for best results, and continue caring for them as you would a mature plant.

If in stock, shop for Baby's Tears here.