Terrarium Creations
Plant Library

Baby's Tears

Soleirolia soleirolii

Family: Urticaceae

Baby's Tears (Soleirolia soleirolii)

Photo via Wikimedia Commons.

Difficulty
Easy
Light
Bright, indirect
Water
Keep evenly moist
Humidity
High
Size
Creeping, 5 cm tall
Closed terrarium
Excellent

Baby's Tears is a dense, fast-spreading groundcover of tiny round leaves that forms a lush green carpet across the terrarium floor. Its love of constant humidity makes it one of the most rewarding plants for a closed build.

Light

Give it bright, indirect light. It tolerates lower light but grows leggy and pale; direct sun scorches the delicate foliage.

Water & humidity

Keep the substrate evenly moist at all times โ€” Baby's Tears wilts dramatically the moment it dries out, though it usually bounces back after a good misting.

In the terrarium

This is a closed-terrarium star. The sealed humidity keeps it plump and carpeting, and it happily softens hardscape edges and spills over stones. It spreads quickly, so trim it back to stop it swamping smaller neighbours.

Tip: Plant small tufts a few centimetres apart โ€” they knit together into a seamless carpet within weeks.

Common problems

  • Wilting/browning = it dried out; mist and keep the substrate moist.
  • Yellowing, mushy patches = too wet with poor airflow; thin it out and vent briefly.
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Frequently asked questions

Is Baby's Tears good for a closed terrarium?

Yes โ€” it's one of the best carpeting plants for closed terrariums, thriving on the constant high humidity.

Why is my Baby's Tears going brown?

Almost always because it dried out. Keep the substrate consistently moist and mist if the foliage flags.

Care information is a general guide; conditions vary. Some links on this site are affiliate links that help support Terrarium Creations.