The Angel Tears Plant, a charming botanical, offers a lush, vibrant addition to any indoor or outdoor space. Its dense, moss-like foliage creates a beautiful display, making it a popular choice for enhancing homes or gardens. Its straightforward care requirements contribute to its widespread appeal.
Angel Tears Plant Characteristics
Commonly known as Baby’s Tears, Corsican Carpet, Mind-Your-Own-Business, or Peace-in-the-Home, the Angel Tears Plant’s scientific name is Soleirolia soleirolii. It belongs to the nettle family, Urticaceae, and is native to the Western Mediterranean, thriving in humid environments.
Soleirolia soleirolii is an herbaceous perennial characterized by its minute, rounded leaves, typically around 2-6 millimeters across, which form a dense, creeping mat. These shiny, bright green to lime green leaves grow on many-branched, fragile stems that readily root wherever they touch the soil. This growth habit allows it to spread quickly, creating a soft, carpet-like appearance, often used as a groundcover or in terrariums.
Angel Tears Plant Care Guide
Light
The Angel Tears Plant thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch its delicate leaves, so place it near a window with filtered light or in a partially shaded outdoor area. It also flourishes under artificial lights indoors, making it adaptable to various indoor settings.
Watering
This plant requires consistent moisture to mimic its native humid environment, preferring its soil to remain evenly moist but never waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while allowing the soil to dry out completely will cause the plant to wilt dramatically. Water weekly, ensuring the top inch of soil dries slightly between waterings, reducing frequency during cooler months.
Soil
Angel Tears prefers well-draining soil rich in organic matter, with a slightly acidic pH of 6.0 to 6.5. A commercial potting mix amended with humus, compost, or peat moss provides an ideal growing medium. This helps regulate moisture and ensures proper aeration around the roots.
Temperature and Humidity
Soleirolia soleirolii performs best in temperatures between 50 to 80°F (10 to 27°C) and appreciates high humidity, ideally above 60-75%. In drier indoor environments, increase humidity by misting regularly, placing the pot on wet pebbles, or using a humidifier.
Fertilization
During the active growing season in spring and summer, the Angel Tears Plant benefits from light fertilization. A balanced liquid houseplant food applied at half strength once a month is sufficient. Avoid excessive fertilization, as the plant’s roots are not highly absorbent, and salt sedimentation can harm the plant.
Pruning
Pruning maintains the plant’s shape and encourages denser, bushier growth. Remove any dead or yellowing leaves to redirect energy towards new, healthy foliage. Regular light trimming keeps the fast-growing plant contained and looking its best.
Propagating Angel Tears Plant
Division
The Angel Tears Plant is straightforward to propagate, with division being an effective method. To divide, carefully separate a section of the plant, ensuring each piece has roots attached. This can be done during routine repotting or maintenance.
Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings also offer a propagation route. Cut healthy stems at least two inches long, removing lower leaves. Plant these cuttings directly into moist, well-draining potting mix. Covering them with plastic wrap or a clear dome helps maintain humidity for rooting, which occurs within three to four weeks.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Wilting and Yellowing
Wilting in Angel Tears Plants indicates either insufficient watering or overwatering leading to root rot. If the plant wilts but the soil is soggy, it suggests root issues; allow the top inch of soil to dry between waterings and ensure proper drainage. Yellowing leaves point to overwatering or inadequate light, while browning edges signal low humidity or under-watering.
Pests
Pest infestations can include aphids, whiteflies, scale, and spider mites. Spider mites, indicated by fine webbing and discolored leaves, are deterred by increasing humidity and physical removal. For persistent pests, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil, ensuring thorough coverage, especially on the undersides of leaves.
Fungal Diseases
Fungal diseases, such as root rot and leaf spots, primarily stem from consistently wet conditions and poor air circulation. Ensure the soil drains well and avoid overhead watering to prevent these issues. If fungal problems arise, adjust watering practices or apply an appropriate fungicide to restore plant health.
Is Angel Tears Plant Toxic?
The Angel Tears Plant (Soleirolia soleirolii) is non-toxic to humans and common household pets. According to the ASPCA, it poses no known toxic risk to cats, dogs, or horses. This makes it a safe choice for homes where pets might nibble on foliage.