Baby Tears—also known as Angel’s Tears, Mind-Your-Own-Business, or Irish Moss—is a delicate, low-growing groundcover admired for its tiny, lush green leaves that form a soft, moss-like carpet. It’s popular for terrariums, hanging baskets, and as an underplanting for larger houseplants.
🌿 Botanical Overview
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Scientific Name: Soleirolia soleirolii
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Family: Urticaceae (Nettle family)
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Type: Evergreen perennial groundcover
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Height: 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) tall
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Spread: Can spread indefinitely under the right conditions, forming dense mats
🌸 Flowers
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Color: Tiny white to pinkish-white
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Shape: Inconspicuous, star-like
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Blooming Season: Spring to summer, but flowers are not a major ornamental feature
🍃 Leaves
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Color: Bright green (variegated cultivars also available)
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Shape: Tiny, round, coin-like leaves
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Texture: Soft, smooth, and densely packed
🌱 Growth & Care
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Sunlight: Bright, indirect light indoors; partial shade outdoors
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Soil: Moist, well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter
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Watering: Keep consistently moist; avoid letting soil dry out completely
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Growth Habit: Creeping, mat-forming; can trail from containers or cover soil surfaces
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Pruning: Trim as needed to maintain shape and prevent overgrowth
