Baby's Tears

These plants prefer frequent, shallow watering about once a week. The soil should be damp but not soggy. Additionally, they need plenty of humidity in the air, so mist them once a week with a spray bottle of filtered water. Make sure to avoid splashing water on the leaves as this may cause the leaves to turn yellow or brown.

Baby's Tears prefers partial sun to partial shade locations. If they don't receive enough bright light, they may burn or turn a deep yellow or green color. You should also make sure to keep the light consistent throughout the year. If possible, find a spot beside a south-facing window for them to receive the right amount of light.

For optimal growth, Baby's Tears prefers temperatures between 50°F-65°F (10°C-18°C). If the temperature drops below 50°F, the leaves will start to die off. When the temperatures start to warm up, you can move the plant outside for the warmer months.

These plants prefer a more humid environment. However, since they typically grow in area with mild climates, Baby's Tears should do just fine with typical household humidity levels. If you notice the leaves starting to dry out, provide the plant with extra humidity by using a room humidifier. Additionally, mist the foliage occasionally with a spray bottle of filtered water.

When choosing a potting soil for Baby's Tears, look for a light, well-draining soil mixture with a pH balance of 6.5-7.0. It should also contain some organic matter like compost or peat moss to help retain moisture and nutrients, as well as perlite or sand for increased drainage. When planting in a pot or container, make sure to choose one with a drainage hole at the bottom.

Baby's Tears can benefit from light fertilization, especially during the growing season. Use a balanced, water-soluble liquid fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season and once every month during the winter months. Be sure to use a dilute fertilizer and water it into the soil well. Too much fertilizer can cause the leaves to burn.

Baby's Tears is not prone to any major pest infestations, but aphids, mealybugs, and whiteflies may occur. If the infestation is small, you can usually get rid of them manually by wiping them off with a damp cloth. For major infestations, you can use an insecticidal soap or neem oil to get rid of the pests. Make sure to spray the plant thoroughly, paying extra attention to the underside of the leaves as pests often hide there.

These plants typically do not need to be repotted very often. The ideal time to do so is in early spring before new growth occurs. If you notice the plant is outgrowing its pot or the roots are sticking out of the pot, then it's time to repot. Choose a pot that is the next size up and be sure to use a well-draining potting soil.

In order to keep the Baby's Tears looking neat and tidy, you should prune it about once a month. Simply pinch off any dead or yellow leaves to keep the plant looking neat and encourage new growth. Do not prune the entire plant or trim too close to the roots.

Mulching around the base of the plant can help retain moisture and deter weeds. Use a natural material such as bark or wood chips for mulching.

Baby's Tears can be propagated from stem cuttings. To do this, cut a piece of stem that has at least four leaves on it. Remove all but the top two leaves and dip the cutting in a rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a pot of moistened potting soil and water it regularly. It should take anywhere from two to six weeks for roots to appear.

Baby's Tears usually does not need any support staking as it is a low-growing plant. But if the plant has gotten too leggy, you can gently tie it up to a stake or trellis for extra support.

Baby's Tears does not require a dormant period or rest period. In fact, they do not go dormant at all. Provide them with bright, indirect light throughout the year to keep them looking their best.

Baby's Tears is not known to be toxic to pets. The foliage is non-toxic so you don't have to worry about it being harmful if your pet chews on it.