The Baby Tears plant (Soleirolia soleirolii) is a delicate, mat-forming perennial prized for its dense carpet of tiny, round leaves. This species exhibits a vigorous, creeping growth habit, where its slender stems readily root wherever they touch the soil surface. This natural inclination to spread makes the plant exceptionally simple to multiply. Propagation is the best solution for rejuvenating an older plant that has become thin or “leggy” over time, or to create new pots for display or sharing.
Preparing for Propagation
The best time to propagate Baby Tears is during the active growing season, typically in the spring or summer months, when warmth and light promote rapid root development. Before starting, gather a clean, sharp implement, such as scissors or a small knife, and small containers filled with an appropriate potting medium. Sterilize the cutting tool with rubbing alcohol to prevent the transfer of disease pathogens. The potting mix should be light and well-draining, such as standard houseplant soil amended with materials like peat moss, perlite, or coarse sand to ensure moisture retention without becoming waterlogged.
Using Division to Create New Plants
Dividing the root ball is the fastest propagation method for a dense, established Baby Tears specimen. This technique relies on the plant’s natural tendency to form a tightly woven root and stem mass. To begin, gently remove the entire plant from its existing pot.
Once unpotted, the dense root ball can be carefully examined for natural seams or sections that can be teased apart. Use your clean, sharp knife to slice the root ball vertically into several smaller clumps. It is important to ensure that each separated section maintains a sufficient amount of both foliage and its own intact root system to minimize transplant shock.
Immediately repot these new clumps into individual containers using fresh, moist potting mix, ensuring the root crown sits just beneath the soil surface. The newly divided plants should be watered thoroughly right after repotting to help the soil settle around the newly exposed roots.
Rooting Stem Cuttings
Rooting small stem cuttings is especially useful for starting many small plants or refreshing sparser patches. Tiny pieces of stem can be used successfully. These tiny stem segments should include at least a small node, which is the point where the leaves attach and where new roots will emerge.
These small cuttings can be placed directly onto the surface of a pot filled with moist, well-draining soil and then lightly pressed down to ensure contact. Alternatively, longer stem sections, about two to three inches, can be placed in a small container of water until initial roots form before being transferred to soil.
Keeping the planting medium consistently moist, but never saturated, is necessary during the rooting phase. The high success rate of this technique is a direct result of the plant’s aggressive, creeping growth habit. This ability to root easily from almost any stem fragment makes it a favorite for filling in terrariums or starting fresh hanging basket displays.
Initial Care for Newly Propagated Plants
New plantlets require specific environmental conditions to establish their new roots. Maintaining an elevated level of atmospheric moisture around the young plants is primary. Achieve this high humidity by loosely covering the newly potted specimens with a clear plastic bag or dome, which creates a mini-greenhouse effect.
The soil must be kept moist during this establishment period, as the new roots are highly susceptible to drying out. Place the pots in a location that receives bright, indirect light, avoiding any direct sun exposure that could scorch the tender foliage under the high humidity cover. Once you observe new growth emerging and the plant appears firmly rooted, the humidity cover can be gradually removed to acclimate the young plant to its permanent environment.