Baby Tears (Pilea depressa)

Baby Tears

Pilea depressa

Tiny, dense foliage carpets surfaces like living moss. Low-growing evergreen groundcover; common name: Baby Tears.

Partial sun
2–3/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Bright indirect light; tolerate partial shade, avoid direct midday sun which can scorch delicate tiny leaves
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Watering Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; avoid allowing the substrate to dry out completely
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Temperature Thrives at 15–25°C; protect from temperatures below 10°C to prevent leaf drop and stunted growth
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Tiny, round, bright green leaves (2–4 mm wide) arranged densely along trailing stems
  • Stem: Slender, creeping stems that root at nodes when in contact with moist soil
  • Flower: Minuscule, greenish-white axillary flowers; rarely visually prominent
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep substrate evenly moist; mist regularly to maintain high humidity

Fertilization

Diluted balanced liquid feed every 4 weeks. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent burning the sensitive fine roots

Banana peel compost tea:Compost banana peels for 2–3 weeks, steep in water for 24 hours, dilute 1:20 for root drench; avoid raw peels to prevent mold growth
Pruning
  • Trim leggy stems to encourage dense, compact growth and maintain desired shape
  • Remove yellowed or damaged leaves promptly to preserve plant health and appearance
  • Pinch back trailing stems to promote branching and prevent sparse growth
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA-verified non-toxic; no harmful effects for cats from ingestion or contact

Humans: Non-toxic to humans; no reported adverse health effects from ingestion or contact

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental groundcover for terrariums, fairy gardens, and hanging baskets; used as a filler plant in mixed indoor planters