Garden Care Guide

Baby's Tears Care

Soleirolia soleirolii

A delicate houseplant that forms a dense cushion of tiny, bright green leaves. It likes bright but indirect light, high humidity and constantly moist soil; the soil must never be allowed to dry out.

Frost-tender (protect from frost) · 0 °C / 32 °F

Monthly care calendar

Timings are for a temperate Northern Hemisphere climate. In warmer areas tasks start earlier, in colder areas later; in the Southern Hemisphere shift them by six months.

January
  • Watering: Keep the soil consistently and lightly moist (e.g., check twice a week). Water from below if possible. Increase humidity in rooms with central heating.
  • Pruning: Remove only yellowing parts.
  • General care: For high humidity, mist frequently or use a pebble tray.
  • Pests & diseases: Watch out for root rot and fungal diseases caused by wet leaves.
  • Frost risk: If frost is expected, cover with frost fabric; if in a pot, move to a sheltered place. Damaged below approximately 0 °C.
February
  • Watering: Continue keeping the soil moist.
  • General care: Keep humidity high and mist.
  • Frost risk: If frost is expected, cover with frost fabric; if in a pot, move to a sheltered place. Damaged below approximately 0 °C.
March
  • Watering: Keep the soil moist; water needs may increase as growth begins.
  • Fertilizing: At the end of the month, begin feeding with a balanced liquid fertilizer (e.g. 20-20-20 NPK) diluted to one quarter strength; do not overfeed.
  • Pruning: It can be lightly trimmed to maintain its shape.
  • General care: It is a suitable time for repotting.
  • Frost risk: If frost is expected, cover with frost fabric; if in a pot, move to a sheltered place. Damaged below approximately 0 °C.
April
  • Watering: If there is no rainfall, water 1-2 times a week.
  • Fertilizing: Feed with a diluted liquid fertilizer (1/4 dose) every 2-4 weeks.
  • Pruning: Prune to maintain the desired form.
  • Plant protection: Check for aphids; if necessary, wash them off with water or use neem oil.
  • General care: It can be propagated from its easily rooting branches.
  • Pests & diseases: Check for aphids.
May
  • Watering: Water 2-3 times a week. Water so that the soil is wetted 10-15 cm down from the surface.
  • Fertilizing: Continue feeding with a diluted fertilizer every 2-4 weeks.
  • Pruning: Trim regularly to keep it dense.
  • General care: Spread a 5-7 cm layer of mulch over the root zone; it retains soil moisture and suppresses weeds. Do not pile mulch against the trunk.
June
  • Watering: Water deeply 3-4 times a week, early in the morning. Water so that the soil is wetted 10-15 cm down from the surface. Frequent shallow watering pulls the roots to the surface.
  • Fertilizing: Apply a diluted fertilizer feed every 2-4 weeks.
  • General care: It may dry out in rooms where air conditioning is running; mist often to increase humidity.
July
  • Watering: Water deeply 3-4 times a week, early in the morning. Water so that the soil is wetted 10-15 cm down from the surface. Frequent shallow watering pulls the roots to the surface.
  • Fertilizing: Apply a diluted fertilizer feed every 2-4 weeks.
  • Pruning: Trim as needed.
  • Plant protection: Risk of spider mites increases in low humidity; check the undersides of leaves.
  • General care: Keep it in a position sheltered from midday sun; scorching at the leaf edges is a sign of burn.
  • Pests & diseases: Check for spider mites.
August
  • Watering: Water deeply 3-4 times a week, early in the morning. Water so that the soil is wetted 10-15 cm down from the surface. Frequent shallow watering pulls the roots to the surface.
  • Fertilizing: Fertilize with a diluted fertilizer once a month.
  • Pruning: Prune if needed.
  • General care: Protect from direct sunlight, as it can burn the leaves.
September
  • Watering: Water 2-3 times a week. Water so that the soil is wetted 10-15 cm down from the surface.
  • Fertilizing: At the end of the month, apply the last fertilizer.
  • Pruning: One last formative pruning can be done before winter.
October
  • Watering: If there is no rainfall, water 1-2 times a week.
  • Fertilizing: Stop fertilizing.
  • General care: Since light decreases in winter, move it to a brighter spot (but without direct sun).
November
  • Watering: Keep the soil moist.
  • General care: When the radiators start running, use fogging or a humidity tray to increase humidity.
  • Frost risk: If frost is expected, cover with frost fabric; if in a pot, move to a sheltered place. Damaged below approximately 0 °C.
December
  • Watering: Keep the soil moist.
  • General care: Evergreen leaves continue to lose water in winter. Water thoroughly once before the soil freezes.
  • Frost risk: If frost is expected, cover with frost fabric; if in a pot, move to a sheltered place. Damaged below approximately 0 °C.

The care advice on this page is general and for information only; it is not professional advice. Plant age, soil and your garden’s microclimate can change the outcome. Plant protection products are mentioned only as general information; they are regulated, and the choice, dose and timing must be decided by a qualified professional under local rules. Consult a landscape architect or agronomist before applying.

Want reminders for every plant in your garden? Our garden-care app with monthly task lists and frost alerts is currently available in Turkish; the English version is on the way.

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