Baby Tears
Soleirolia soleirolii
Traits
Varieties We Bring In
Last received Jul 16, 2026.
We bring this in seasonally, so what is on the lot changes week to week. A received date shows when it last came in, not that it is here today.
Call (904) 471-0440 to confirm this plant and size before you make the trip.
About Baby Tears
Baby Tears (Soleirolia soleirolii) is a delicate creeping perennial from the western Mediterranean islands, forming a dense, mossy carpet of tiny round leaves on threadlike stems. It thrives in moist, shaded spots and is popular as a groundcover between stepping stones, in terrariums, and as a houseplant. Starting at $12.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Non-flowering
- Flower Color
- Non-flowering
- Growth Rate
- Fast
- Foliage
- Semi-evergreen
- Soil
- Loam, Acidic, Moist, Well-drained
Best planting months
Seasonal care
Good planting window.
Higher water demand in summer heat.
Ideal planting window.
Retains foliage through winter.
Care essentials
Baby Tears performs best in part to full shade; direct afternoon sun — especially intense Florida summer sun — will scorch the delicate foliage. Bright indirect light or dappled shade under trees is ideal in NE Florida.
Keep soil consistently moist; Baby Tears cannot tolerate drought and will rapidly collapse in dry conditions. Water regularly and mulch to retain moisture, but ensure soil drains freely to prevent root rot.
Plant in rich, moist, well-draining soil amended with compost or peat; ideal pH 5.0–6.0. Feed lightly once a month during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer — avoid heavy fertilization.
Similar needs
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Dutchman's Pipe
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Lobster Claw
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Yellow Anise
Shares 4 of the same needs: shade, loam, salt tolerance, and zone 9a hardiness.
Mecardonia
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Garden Phlox
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Common questions
Is Baby Tears a good plant for St. Augustine?
Baby Tears is a groundcover for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, with low salt tolerance, reaching 2-4 inches tall, spreading indefinitely × 3-6 feet (spreading indefinitely).
Care information verified from
Last reviewed February 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.