Angel's Tears

It's important to provide Angel's Tears with plenty of water. As most houseplants do, this one prefers to be watered on a regular basis. Its soil should be kept moist but not soggy. Make sure to have decent drainage and avoid over-watering. Allow the top half inch of soil to dry before giving the plant more water. Be sure to apply water to the surface and not directly to the foliage.

Angel's Tears loves bright indirect light and does best in directly positioned windows. You should provide the plant with some shade during the summer months, as the hot sun can be destructive to its delicate leaves and flowers. It does not do well in areas of low light, and the absence of direct to indirect light will cause this plant to decrease in overall health and vigor. This plant can also do well if provided with 8 hours of bright fluorescent light each day.

Angel's Tears prefers temperatures ranging from 65°F to 85°F (18°C to 29°C). Since this is a flowering houseplant, it will need higher temperatures in order to thrive. During winter months, it is best to keep the temperature between 65°F and 70°F (18°C and 21°C). Avoid any drastic temperature changes or cold drafts.

Angel's Tears requires average to higher humidity levels in order to flourish. Keep the humidity levels and above 40% and close to 50%. You can mist the plant on a regular basis, utilize a humidifier, or group several plants together to create a humid microclimate. Too much humidity can lead to rot and root diseases, so keep it at a regulated level.

Angel's Tears does best in a fast-draining, loose, and well-aerated soil. You can create your own soil mix or buy a quality houseplant potting mix with a higher amount of perlite and peat moss. Adjust the soil depending on the environment, but the soil should be slightly acidic with a pH of 6.5. The optimal pH range for this houseplant is between 6 to 6.5.

Fertilize Angel's Tears with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer on a monthly basis during the spring and summer months. It's best to use a liquid fertilizer and dilute it to two-thirds of the recommended strength. During the winter, fertilizing should be done sparsely. You can also provide Angel's Tears with an additional nutrient boost by supersaturating it with brewed compost tea. This will provide your plant with beneficial microorganisms as well.

It is not uncommon for Angel's Tears to get infested by pests. Common pests that attack this houseplant are soft brown scale, mites, and spider mites. In order to get rid of these pests, you can use a solution of soapy water and spray it directly on the plant. You should also repot the plant in order to help get rid of any larvae or eggs that may have been left behind. Additionally, you should pay attention to any yellow, wilted, or discolored leaves, as this could be a sign of a pest infestation.

Angel's Tears should be repotted at least once every 12-18 months, depending on the growth pattern and size of the plant. It is best to select new soil and a pot that is two inches larger than the current one. When transplanting the plant, make sure to water it well and provide it with an adequate drainage hole in the bottom of the pot. Repotting should be done in the early spring before the new growth. It is important to use fresh potting soil for best results.

Angel's Tears require occasional pruning in order to maintain its health, vigor, and appearance. Use clean, sharp scissors to cut any overgrown stems. As with any plant, take care not to prune more than one-third of the plant at one time. Pinching the stem tips will promote side branching and encourage more flowers. The pruned stems should be discarded rather than used for propagation.

Mulching acts as an insulator, helping the soil to retain moisture and prevent weeds from growing. It also reduces the temperature fluctuations that can cause the roots to stress. It is best to use a slow-release organic mulch such as bark, wood chips, or shredded leaves. Keep the mulch about an inch away from the stems and base of the plant and keep the mulch one to two inches thick.

Angel's Tears can be propagated through seed, division, or cuttings. The quickest and most common way to propagate is through stem cuttings. Take five-inch cuttings from the stem and place them in a potting mix soil mixture. Be sure to add perlite or vermiculite for aeration. Place in indirect light and keep the soil moist but not wet. Water the soil from the bottom until it is moist throughout and wait for the roots to grow.

Angel's Tears can become too heavy for its own stems, so a support like a stake or moss pole is necessary to keep the plant upright. Place the pole or stake in the potting soil, next to the stem, before the plant starts to outgrow its pot. Remember to give the plant enough room to grow and spread.

During the cooler winter months, Angel's Tears will enter a rest period. It's important to reduce the amount of water and fertilizer given to the plant during this period. Allow the potting mixture to completely dry out before giving the plant another drink. Take note that the plant might not flower or produce new leaves during the winter, but this is normal.

Angel's Tears is not toxic to pets. The plant contains minuscule amounts of oxalic acid, a naturally occurring substance, that can be toxic to dogs and cats, but this is usually found in small amounts in many houseplants and is not always a risk.