Baby Tears Plant Care Guide

Instructions

Soil Preference:

1. Baby tears prefer well draining rich potting mix. The roots will rot quickly if they sit in moist compact soil.
2. I've linked our choices for a good soil mix and perlite in the materials above for you. Use 80% soil mix and 20% perlite.
3. Mix them together thoroughly to create a lighter soil that drains well and won't compact around the plant roots.

Pot Size and Type:

1. Baby tears do best in pots that drain well and fit their roots size. They don't mind being a little root bound. They can grow fast if given a lot of room in the pot.
2. The pot must have good drainage.
3. Repot every year or when roots come out of the pot. Don't jump to a huge pot from a small one. Just go to the next size up pot.
4. Baby tears are good candidates for amphibian terrariums. They are fast spreaders and non toxic.
5. Baby tears do best when they have some air flow so do not add them to a completely closed terrarium for best results.. Give them some air flow.

Preferred light:

1. Baby tears prefer moderate to bright INDIRECT light.
2. Keep them out of strong direct hot light or the leaves will shrivel and burn.
3. Solid green baby tears will tolerate low light conditions but will also grow more slowly and be somewhat leggy as it reaches for the light.

How to Water a baby tears:

1. Baby tears do NOT tolerate over watering. Regular even waterings are best.
2. But they do love humidity. They do great in well lit bathrooms and kitchen areas. Or use a pebble tray or mister to provide extra humidity as needed.
3. In the growing season with brighter light and warm dry temperatures you may need to water more often as needed.
4. Best practice in watering Baby tears is to let the top of the soil dry completely. Now drench the plant till the water comes out the drainage hole. Dump out the water in the drain plate. Allow to dry again. Repeat.
5. In dormant winter months reduce watering to when the soil is dry an inch or so down in the pot or when your finger comes out dry..
6. Never let this plant get wet feet. Root Rot and Fungus Gnats thrive in heavy wet soils.

Fertilizing Baby Tears:

1. Baby tears need a general balanced fertilizer.
2. You can fertilize monthly in the growing season.
3. Decrease feedings by late Fall and allow your plant to rest through the winter months.

Temperature Range for peperomia:

1. Baby tears can grow outdoors at 50 to 70 degrees F. These plants will do fine outdoors in warm humid climates and can become invasive.
2. Keep them out of drafts of hot dry air.

Pests:

1. Baby tears are susceptible to spider mites. They have so many tiny hiding places for those microscopic bugs. It is easy to miss an infestation until the plant is badly damaged.
2. Stress by longterm overwatering, poor light, extreme temperatures and soil conditions are contributors to pest infestations..
3. Read our post on How to get rid of aphids and other pests with our homemade pesticide soap recipe or neems oil.
4. To minimize the possibility of pests be sure to check all nursery plants before bringing them home.
5. Quarantine all new plants until you are sure no pests live in them.

Baby Tears Propagation:

1. Baby Tears propagate easily from root division.
2. Divide a section off the baby tears at any time with some top growth and roots.
3. Plant the rooted division in wet soil.
4. baby tears will quickly grow new top growth and establish itself in the new soil.
5. They also root wherever their stems can get contact with rich wet soil and grow roots. This is what causes them to spread so successfully.

Non Toxic:

1. Baby tears are non toxic to pets and humans.