The “Jesus Tears Plant,” also known as Job’s Tears, is a botanical known for its distinctive bead-like seeds. These unique seeds, resembling solidified teardrops, give the plant its evocative common name, reflecting its ornamental beauty and practical uses.
Identifying Job’s Tears (Jesus Tears Plant)
The Jesus Tears Plant is botanically identified as Coix lacryma-jobi, a tall, grain-bearing perennial grass in the Poaceae family. It typically grows erect, reaching heights of 1 to 3 meters, with linear or lanceolate leaves.
Its most distinguishing feature is its hard, tear-shaped pseudocarps, which encase the true seed grain. These structures initially appear grayish-green before maturing to pearly white, tan, or dark mocha colors. Job’s Tears is native to Southeast Asia and has naturalized in various parts of the world, including the southern United States and the New World tropics.
Growing and Caring for Job’s Tears
Site and Light Requirements
Job’s Tears thrives in full sun, ideally for 6 to 8 hours daily, though it can tolerate partial shade. Adequate sunlight is important for optimal growth and seed production; insufficient light can lead to weaker growth and fewer “tears.”
Soil and Water Needs
This plant prefers moist, well-draining, loamy soil. It needs consistent moisture, but avoid waterlogging. A soil pH range of 5.5 to 7 is optimal for nutrient absorption. During dry periods, regular watering is important to maintain consistent soil moisture.
Temperature and Humidity
Job’s Tears is a warm-season crop that adapts well to heat and high humidity. It is a tender perennial in USDA Hardiness Zones 9 to 11, surviving year-round without frost. In cooler climates, it is typically cultivated as an annual, as it is not tolerant of freezing temperatures.
Fertilization and Maintenance
Fertilization is generally not necessary for Job’s Tears, but the plant responds well to organic mulch. Mulching helps preserve soil moisture, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and enriches the soil as it decomposes. Weeding around young seedlings helps prevent competition for water and nutrients.
Harvesting and Practical Applications
When and How to Harvest
Job’s Tears seeds are typically ready for harvest 100 to 120 days after planting, or about 3 to 4 months. The optimal time is when the seeds have turned brown and the plants begin to dry out. For craft purposes, seeds can be harvested when green and then dried, which will cause them to change color to an ivory or pearly hue.
Culinary and Medicinal Uses
Cultivated varieties of Job’s Tears, often referred to as Chinese pearl barley, are widely consumed as a cereal grain in East Asia. They can be cooked like rice, added to soups and stews, or ground into flour for baking. Traditional Asian medicine has utilized Job’s Tears for centuries to address inflammation, fluid retention, and various digestive issues.
Craft and Ornamental Uses
The hard, naturally hollow pseudocarps of Job’s Tears are excellent for crafting beads. These durable, tear-shaped beads have been used for making necklaces, bracelets, rosaries, and other decorative objects. The natural hole running through the center of each bead simplifies the stringing process.
Cultural Significance
The common name “Job’s Tears” refers to the biblical figure Job, symbolizing the tears he shed during his suffering. This symbolism is reflected in its use for prayer beads, such as rosaries. The seeds are also used in traditional attire and as “corn beads” by some Native American tribes, including the Cherokee.
Addressing Common Growing Challenges
Yellowing leaves on Job’s Tears plants often indicate water issues, such as overwatering or underwatering, which can impede nutrient absorption. Ensuring consistent yet moderate soil moisture helps prevent this. If the plant is not producing enough “tears,” it may be due to insufficient sunlight or the plant not having reached full maturity. Providing adequate sun exposure and allowing sufficient time for the plant to develop encourages bead formation.