mind your own business plant for sale uk

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Our Feedback Thank you for the careful delivery of herb plants. They arrived healthy and happy. I ordered without paper instructions. Could you let me have instructions online? I am not successful in finding them. Many thanks! Alicia, Sheffield

Mind Your Own Business

Soleirolia soleirolii

• Forms a carpet of tiny green leaves just a few inches tall.
• A lovely ground cover plant and particularly pretty when used for edging paths.

Supplied as a clump grown in a 7cm pot.

Description

The plant with so many common names - Paddy's Wig, Corsican Creeper, Friendship Plant, Bread and Cheese, Baby's Tears, Paddy's Tears, The Pollyanna Vine - the list is endless.

A Victorian favourite that has all but been lost from cultivation, it always graced the edges of Victorian conservatory benches in a foil of neat bright green leaves to drape the edges.

It can also be planted in cracks in crazy paving outside as well as cleverly sculptured over a chicken mesh 'framing' packed with suitable growing media. Extremely versatile.

• Grows to approximately 4" (10 cm) tall.
• Has an indefinite spread.
• Prefers shade to full sun.
• Plant 12" (30 cm) apart.
• Frost tender - so in severe winters can be 'knocked back' drastically, but invariably recovers the following year.

How To Plant Out Ornamentals Detailed advice on how to plant out ornamentals, including information on recommended planting distances.

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Mind Your Own Business Plant (Soleirolia Soleirolii)

Soleirolia soleirolii, commonly known as the ‘mind your own business plant’ is a species of flowering plant belonging to the family Urticaceae. It is native to rocky areas in the Mediterranean region, where it can be found growing in crevices and on rocks. The plant is cultivated as an ornamental houseplant for its attractive foliage and unique growth habit. This article will provide an overview of this fascinating species; including its physical characteristics, habitat requirements and cultural significance.

Identification

Identifying Mind Your Own Business Plant (Soleirolia soleirolii) is a task that requires careful observation. It is an evergreen perennial plant native to Europe and western Asia. The plant has small leaves with round, scalloped edges and grows in a low-lying rosette shape. Its flowers are small and white and appear in clusters on stems throughout the spring and summer months. Additionally, the plant has an underground rhizome structure which aids in its propagation.

It is important to note that Mind Your Own Business Plant can be confused with other plants due to its similarity in appearance. These include Baby’s Tears (Soleirolia baby’s tears), Corsican Creeper (Ranunculus corsicus), and the common houseplant known as Pilea peperomioides. To distinguish between these species, it is necessary to look closely at the characteristics of each plant; for example, the leaves of Soleirolia soleirolii have a distinct scalloped edge, while Ranunculus corsicus has a more jagged leaf that resembles a serrated knife edge. In addition, Mind Your Own Business Plant has distinctive white flowers that appear from late spring until early summer.

Planting Mind Your Own Business Plant

Due to its hardiness and attractive foliage, this plant has become popular among gardeners of all skill levels. Planting this species can be done in either full sun or partial shade, though it performs best in cool, moist locations. Before beginning, it is important to ensure the soil is well-draining and amended with organic matter such as compost or peat moss.

Once the ideal site has been determined, planting mind your own business should be done during the spring or summer months when the weather is warm and humid. The plants should be spaced 8-10 inches apart and placed shallowly in the ground so that only the very top of the rhizome remains exposed. If desired, a slow-release fertilizer can be applied at this time to encourage growth. To ensure proper moisture levels, mulch can also be added around each plant.

When caring for mind your own business plant, it is essential to provide sufficient water without over-saturating the soil. As with all plants, regular deadheading will help keep plants looking tidy and promote additional blooming. This species does not require much pruning but can benefit from light trimming if needed. With proper care and maintenance, these plants are sure to bring beauty to any garden for years to come.

How To Care For Mind Your Own Business Plant

Mind Your Own Business Plant requires careful attention to thrive in the home garden. Proper care includes appropriate temperature and light levels, adequate water supply, and regular fertilization.

Temperature is important for the health of Mind Your Own Business Plants. They prefer temperatures between 15-23 degrees Celsius. Any temperature lower than 10 degrees Celsius may cause the plant to suffer stress or even die. To help maintain an optimal temperature range, keeping the plant away from any direct drafts or air conditioning vents is recommended. Additionally, providing a humidity tray can help increase moisture in the air around the plant.

Light plays an important role in caring for these plants as well. The ideal spot would be one with bright indirect sunlight for about four hours each day. To ensure that your plant receives enough light but does not become scorched by excessive sun exposure, a windowsill or balcony might be ideal locations for it to grow properly.

Proper watering schedule is also essential for maintaining optimal health in this plant species. Watering should be done thoroughly when soil feels dry to touch; however, avoid over-watering which could lead to root rot and other issues due to excess moisture build-up in soil over time. Additionally, monthly fertilization during growing season can help support healthy leaf development and overall growth of your Mind Your Own Business Plant.

Benefits Of Mind Your Own Business Plant

Mind Your Own Business Plant has a compact, low-growing habit which creates dense mats of foliage with small, round leaves. This plant has a number of benefits that make it a desirable choice for landscaping or as a houseplant.

One of the main advantages of this plant is its ability to thrive in low-light environments. Its variegated leaves can tolerate lower light levels than most other plants, allowing it to be used in darker corners or areas of the home or garden. Additionally, Mind Your Own Business Plant requires little maintenance and will usually only require occasional watering or trimming.

The attractive foliage of this plant also makes it a great choice for adding texture and colour to any space. Its small leaves can be used as ground cover in flower beds or added to containers for an instant splash of colour. Furthermore, its evergreen nature means that it will remain green year-round, providing consistent visual interest even during winter months when other plants may not be blooming.

Mind Your Own Business Plant is an excellent option for creating lush and beautiful landscaping with minimal effort required from the gardener. Its low-maintenance needs, hardiness in low light environments and attractive foliage make it a great choice for any home garden or indoor space.

Pests And Diseases

Despite being relatively easy to care for, this plant can be vulnerable to various pests and diseases. It is important for gardeners and horticulturists to be aware of these potential problems in order to protect their plants.

The most common pest associated with Mind Your Own Business Plant is mealybugs . These small insects have white, waxy bodies and feed on the sap of the plant. This can result in discolouration or yellowing of leaves and stunted growth. To prevent an infestation, it is important to inspect the plant regularly and take action if any mealybugs are present.

In addition to pests, Mind Your Own Business Plant may also be susceptible to fungal diseases such as root rot or powdery mildew. Symptoms include spots or patches on the leaves, wilting foliage, or discoloured stems. It is essential that gardeners provide adequate air circulation around the plant by avoiding overwatering and overcrowding with other plants. Additionally, they should always use clean tools when pruning or repotting the plant in order to avoid spreading disease spores from one plant to another.

Propagation

Propagating Mind Your Own Business Plant is an effective way to expand and diversify their presence in the garden. This can be accomplished by either sowing seeds or dividing the existing plants. The process of sowing seeds requires loose soil and evenly spaced holes, which should be filled with the seeds before being lightly covered with soil. In order to propagate Mind Your Own Business Plants through division, one must carefully dig up the plant in question and divide it into two sections so that each contains a healthy root system. These sections should then be replanted in separate pots that are large enough for them to spread their roots freely.

When propagating Mind Your Own Business Plant, it is important to choose a location that receives partial shade during the day and is protected from extreme weather conditions such as strong winds, heavy rain, and frost. It is also essential to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged; this can be achieved by using a light mulch around the base of the plant once it has been replanted. Additionally, feeding with a balanced liquid fertilizer every three weeks will help ensure optimal growth.

Mind Your Own Business Plant propagation offers many advantages such as cost savings as well as having continuous blooms throughout growing season. It also ensures gardeners have more plants to enjoy without having to purchase new ones regularly or wait for them to seed themselves in their gardens. While propagating takes some time and effort, the results can provide long-term beauty and enjoyment within a garden space.

Uses Of Mind Your Own Business Plant

This species can be used in various ways in both indoor and outdoor spaces, thanks to its low-maintenance care requirements.

The first use of this species is as a trailing groundcover. Its creeping stems spread along the soil surface, creating an attractive carpet of foliage in planters or between paving stones. The plant also has a high tolerance for drought and moderate temperatures, making it suitable for planting in sunny areas with good drainage. It can even be used as a lawn alternative since it does not require mowing or weeding to maintain its appearance.

Another use of Soleirolia soleirolii is as part of a green wall or vertical garden. When planted in containers hung from walls, it can cover large surfaces with its trailing foliage, adding texture and colour to any space without taking up too much space. In addition, it requires very little irrigation compared to other plants making it ideal for locations where water conservation is important.

In addition to these uses, Mind Your Own Business plants are also popular houseplants that add beauty and texture indoors while requiring minimal maintenance. Their growth habit makes them ideal for hanging baskets or windowsills where they will cascade down elegantly over time. They do best in bright indirect light but will tolerate some shade if needed. Regular watering during their active growing season helps keep them looking their best year round.

Interesting Facts About Mind Your Own Business Plant

In addition to its many benefits, there are some interesting facts about this species that make it unique among other plants.

• Firstly, the Mind Your Own Business Plant is extremely tolerant of low light conditions and can thrive in dry soil. This makes it a great option for those seeking an easy-care houseplant or a container garden.
• Moreover, its shallow root structure allows it to be easily pulled up or replanted should the need arise.
• Furthermore, this species is able to self-propagate through stolons which grow along the surface of the soil and form new plants.
• This plant’s name comes from its ability to spread rapidly via underground runners.
• The dense growth of this species can choke out weeds and other plants in the garden making it very useful in landscaping projects.
• Additionally, its foliage produces a mild aroma when touched that many find pleasant and soothing.
• Finally, due to its anti-inflammatory properties, extracts from this plant have been used in traditional medicine for treating skin rashes and itchiness caused by insect bites or allergies.

The Mind Your Own Business Plant offers numerous advantages both aesthetically and medicinally making it an attractive choice for gardeners looking for a low maintenance species with multiple uses. Its tolerance of different environmental conditions makes it suitable for various settings; while its ability to self propagate ensures an abundant supply of new plants for future generations of gardeners to enjoy.

Harvesting Mind Your Own Business Plant

Harvesting Mind Your Own Business plant (Soleirolia soleirolii) is a relatively simple process. The first step is to choose which leaves or stems to cut from the plant, ensuring that at least one-third remains intact in order to promote continued growth. Care must be taken when removing the foliage, as the stems and leaves are quite fragile and easily damaged. With each cutting, it is important to use sharp scissors or pruning shears and make a clean cut just above a leaf node. After harvesting, the plants should be placed in indirect sunlight in an area with good air circulation until they are ready for replanting.

When selecting pots for replanting, it is best to use shallow ones with sufficient drainage holes. To ensure proper drainage of water, it is also recommended to add a layer of gravel at the bottom of the pot before adding soil. When planting, keep in mind that Mind Your Own Business plants prefer partial shade and moist soil conditions; therefore, avoid direct sun exposure and overwatering. For optimal growth, provide between 2-3 inches of organic compost or peat moss mixed into well-draining potting soil.

Once planted, Mind Your Own Business plants require minimal maintenance but should be monitored regularly for signs of disease or pests such as mealybugs or aphids. If any of these occur, apply safe insecticides as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the plant. Additionally, regular pruning will help encourage bushier growth and maintain a healthy looking plant overall. With proper care and attention, harvested Mind Your Own Business plants can thrive indoors or outdoors for many years to come.

Mind Your Own Business Plant (soleirolia soleirolii) is a hardy and low-maintenance houseplant that can thrive in a wide range of conditions. It is an attractive addition to any living space due to its lush foliage and dainty flowers. The plant can be found in garden centres and nurseries or online. When planting this species, it’s important to provide good drainage and allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Proper care includes periodic trimming of the foliage and removal of dead leaves.

Propagation of Mind Your Own Business can be done by dividing the plant or taking stem cuttings. This species has many uses as an indoor ornamental, groundcover, or in terrariums.

Additionally, there are some interesting facts about Mind Your Business Plant such as its ability to form symbiotic relationships with fungi that help it absorb water from the air when soil moisture levels are low.

Finally, harvesting is possible if desired by cutting leaves or stems for use in floral arrangements or other projects. In conclusion, Mind your Own Business Plant is a great choice for any home or garden due to its ease of care and versatility as a houseplant, groundcover, or terrarium specimen.

Ash is a contributing author who has been writing about wildlife for as long as he can remember. He has a vast knowledge of many different types of animals, from the tiniest shrews to the great whales that live in the deepest oceans.

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• Herbaceous perennials
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Soleirolia soleirolii

Soleriroiia solerioli.

Soleirolia soleirolii, commonly known as "Mind your own business," is a fascinating and practical ground cover plant, particularly well-suited for shaded areas. With its low, almost flat height, it gracefully carpets the ground, making it an excellent choice for architectural gardens seeking a lush green mat effect. This plant is easy to grow and highly dependable, thriving in various conditions. Reaching a height of about 3cm (1 inch), Soleirolia soleirolii excels in damp areas and around water features, where it adds a touch of natural beauty and tranquility. It complements other shade-loving plants such as Hosta spp., Leucojum 'Gravetye Giant' and woodland Saxifrages , enhancing the diversity and visual appeal of shaded garden spaces.

When in stock, please allow up to 2 weeks for delivery.

Click here to find out more information about our delivery rates and times.

Leucojum aestivum 'Gravetye Giant'

Hydrangea serrata 'crug cobalt', hydrangea serrata 'hatsuhime', saxifraga fortunei, hydrangea serrata 'odoriko amacha', hydrangea serrata 'shojo', hydrangea serrata 'euphoria pink', hydrangea serrata 'darerdevil'.

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Soleirolia soleirolii | Mind Your Own Business

Pot size guide

Standard £4.99

Recommended Extras

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Specifications

• Position: bright but indirect light
• Soil: loam-based potting compost
• Rate of growth: fast
• Hardiness: tender (indoors only)
• Current height: approximately 15cm (+ or - 10% including the pot)
• Pot cover: choose a 14cm pot cover, lining the base with gravel to raise up the plant
• Height: 15cm tall

Please note: Heights are measured from the top of the pot upwards

Eventual height & spread

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Mind Your Own Business (Soleirolia soleirolii)

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Phrases like 'Terrascaping', 'Bio-Active' and 'Living Terrariums' are becoming more and more common in the world of reptile and amphibian care, as keepers become more aware of the benefits of creating a living ecosystem for their pets.

Apart from the aesthetic appeal of a planted terrarium there are some very real, tangible benefits for the animals. Living plants provide natural cover and climbing perches, shade, basking sites and maintain natural humidity. Just as live plants in an office can improve workers well-being, live plants in a terrarium will have the same effect for animals.

But not all plants are suitable for terrarium use and it is important to not only choose the correct plants for the environment but also to select species or varieties that do not grow too large. Many houseplants for sale appear suitable when they are small specimens in a garden centre, but given time they may end up as giants that overwhelm a terrarium.

ProRep are delighted to introduce a comprehensive range of live plants. These are not just small houseplants but are a selected range of species that are ideally suited to the terrarium, including some of the more unusual or rare types. They have carefully selected the range so that there are plants to suit all habitats and growth patterns. There are succulents for arid environments, bromeliads, ground cover plants and epiphytes for jungle setups as well as aquatic plants and mosses.

Whatever the environment you're trying to re-create, you will be able to use live plants to suit.

Soleirolia soleirolii

'Mind your own business' is a carpet forming plant that is ideally suited to the moist, forest type terrarium. Like the Spikemoss that it resembles it needs a moist, well drained soil with high humidity but it likes brighter conditions. These plants can only be used with small animals as their delicate nature means that they are easily damaged.

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Soleirolia soleirolii

• Height: 5cm Spread: 90cm
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Best known as an indoor plant, baby's tears, or mind your own business, Soleirolia soleirolii makes an attractive and maintenance-free alternative to grass as ground cover in moist, shady areas. It's also suitable for using in green walls (pictured), and as a substitute for moss in a Japanese garden. The masses of tiny leaves clothe slender spreading stems that root as they run, forming a dense deep-pile carpet. As it covers the ground it will run over rocks, fallen logs, and so on, clinging to their shape so the features of the landscape are picked out.

Quick to establish, Soleirolia soleirolii survives periodic dry spells and recovers quickly afterwards. It will tolerate sun or shade. Frost hardy, its leaves are killed by winter frost, but it will recover to grow vigorously in spring.

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Soleirolia and wildlife.

Soleirolia has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.

Is Soleirolia poisonous?

Soleirolia has no toxic effects reported.

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Soleirolia Soleirolii (Mind-Your-Own-Business) for Ponds and Water Gardens

• Posted on June 17, 2018

Soleirolia Soleirolii (Mind-Your-Own-Business) for Pond and Water Gardens

Also often listed as Helxine Soleirolii , though mostly known under the common name Mind-Your-Own-Business. This very versatile, moisture-loving plant grows happy in sun, partial and/or full shade. Its many other names include: Baby Tears, Angels Tears, Irish Moss, Bread and Cheese, Friendship Plant, Pollyana Vine, Corsican Carpet, Polly Prim, Paddy’s Wig, Peace in the Home, Corsican Creeper, and  lastly Bits and Pieces.   

This very low-growing mat-forming plant creeps over and around every contour of rocks, stones and logs. It can even be found growing up walls, keeping any architecture under its thousands of tiny, bright green leaves.

Uses in the Water Garden

Mind-Your-Own-Business is one of my favourite  creeping plants; I believe it has a place in almost all water gardens. It is a excellent choice for covering exposed pond liner, as it will stop growing when it meets the water’s edge. It is ideal as a entrance and exit plant for adult and infant Newts, Frogs and Toads. But it is also particularly effective  when grown around formal pond paving and planted throughout rockeries and nooks and crannies.  Fabulous for under and around waterfalls, the plant really come into its own when planted  amongst  Ferns.  Here at Lilies Water Gardens, we also have a popular cultivar called Soleirolia Soleirolii Silver.   For more information and images, please click on the links below.

Soleirolia Soleirolii (species green form)

Soleirolia Soleirolii (silver cultivar)

Visit our online shop www.lilieswatergardens.co.uk or our retail nursery in Surrey to  choose from over 750 pond plants and water garden plants, you will also find all the pond planting accessories and algae treatments to maintain healthy pond plants and healthy pond water.

• Posted in Nature And Wildlife , Plant Health , Plant Profiles , Pond Design And Planting , Uses For Water Plants
• Tags: alpine plants , angels tears plant , aquatic life , aquatic plants , aquatic plants online , baby tears plant , bits and pieces plant , bog gardens , bread and cheese plant , buy pond plants , buying pond plants , buying pond plants near me , corsican carpet plant , corsican creeper plant , creeping plants , deep marginal plants , Encouraging Pond Life , free floating plants , free floating pond plants , friendship plant , Groundcover Plants , Healthy Pond Plants , healthy ponds , helxine soleirolii , how to grow pond plants? , how to plant my pond , irish moss , Marginal Plants , mat forming plants , mind your own business plant , moisture loveing plants , native pond plants , newts , oxygenating plants , oxygenating pond plants , paddys wig plant , peace in the home plant , Planting Marginal Plants , Planting Water Plants , plants for covering pond liner , polly prim plant , pollyana vine plant , pond balance , pond health , pond life , pond plant information , pond plant suppliers , pond planting , pond plants , pond plants for sale UK , pond plants online UK , pond plants UK , pond surround plants , ponds , rockery plants , soleirolia soleirolii , submerged aquatic plants , submerged plants , Water Gardening , water gardens , Water Lilies , water lilies for sale UK , water plants , what is a bog garden plant , what is a pond plant? , what is a water garden plant? , where can i buy oxygenating plants? , where can i buy pond marginal plants? , where can i buy pond plants , where can i buy rockery plants? , where can i buy water garden ferns? , where can i buy water lilies? , wildlife ponds

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Mind your own business

Common Name: Mind your own business Genus: Soleirolia Species: soleirolii Skill Level: Beginner Exposure: Full sun , Partial shade Hardiness: Hardy Soil type: Well-drained/light , Clay/heavy , Dry , Moist , Boggy , Sandy Height: 5cm Spread: 90cm Time to divide plants: April to May

Best known as an indoor plant, baby's tears, or mind your own business, makes an attractive and maintenance-free alternative to grass as ground cover in moist, shady areas. It will tolerate sun or shade. Frost hardy, its leaves are killed by winter frost, but it will recover to grow vigorously in spring. The masses of tiny leaves clothe slender spreading stems that root as they run, forming a dense deep-pile carpet. As it covers the ground it will run over rocks, fallen logs, and so on, clinging to their shape so the features of the landscape are picked out. Quick to establish, it survives periodic dry spells and recovers quickly afterwards. It is a superb substitute for moss in a Japanese garden or shady courtyard. Propagate by division from spring to mid-summer.

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Mind-your-own-business plant: cultivation, care & the most beautiful varieties

Soleirolia soleirolii care guide – 5 expert tips for this humble creeper

Mind-your-own-business plant might go unnoticed, but it can play a very important role in your yard

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5 expert tips for Soleirolia soleirolii

When you have small spots in your yard that need filling, the fast-growing plant for ground cover Soleirolia soleirolii can lend a helping hand.

Better known as mind-your-own-business or baby's tears, this vibrant green creeper doesn't like to shout for attention, but can help complete displays with its gem-sized leaves that like to crawl quickly. You can create lush carpets of this creeper, but it is also highly versatile.

'This creeping plant is ideal for those unsightly gaps in between paving or cracks in the garden wall, it really can grow anywhere,' says Thomas Rutter , Content Editor at Homes & Gardens .

'Many garden designers use this plant to add greenery to hard landscaping elements in backyards, helping to soften the edges of patios and pathways,' he adds.

Baby's tears plant is native to Mediterranean climates around Italy and can grow outdoors in US hardiness zones 9-11 , but it can also be grown indoors as a houseplant.

We've spoken to experts to find out what you can do to keep your mind-your-own-business plant thriving and looking its best.

Thomas is a Content Editor within the Gardens Team at Homes and Gardens. He has been working as a gardener and garden writer for several years. Whilst completing his Horticultural Traineeship at the Garden Museum, London, he was able to gain experience at many of the UK's world-famous gardens, including Sissinghurst, Lowther Castle, and Iford Manor. Following this, he worked for two private estates in Tuscany, Italy. During this time, he developed expertise regarding practical gardening and growing in dry and hot climates. He has managed kitchen gardens and cut flower gardens, providing food and flowers to be enjoyed on a daily basis

The mind-your-own-business plant can easily go unnoticed, but its delicate leaves are ideal for filling gaps in your yard or adding greenery to your home. We've gathered expert tips for keeping Soleirolia soleirolii in top condition.

1. Choose shadier spots

These plants are highly adaptable and will be quite happy wherever they are planted, however they do have a preference for shade .

'It has a preference for damp, shady conditions, but will tolerate a more open, bright location in your yard,' says Thomas.

Indoors, Soleirolia soleirolii will be pleased with bright, indirect light, like on an east or west-facing windowsill.

'Avoid placing it in direct sunlight as it can scorch the delicate leaves,' says   Autumn Hilliard-Knapp , houseplant expert from Perfect Plants.

Autumn is a horticulture specialist and marketing professional at Perfect Plants Nursery. With four years of experience in the horticulture industry, she has developed a passion for helping people create beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces to enjoy. Her expertise in horticulture encompasses a broad range of activities, including plant care and selection, landscape design, and maintenance.

2. Keep moisture consistent

If you're growing mind-your-own-business in your backyard, rainfall will take care of watering but it's important to know how to water it in drier seasons. 

'To water the baby's tears plant, maintain a consistent level of moisture in the soil without overwatering. Check the soil moisture by inserting your finger about two inches deep. Water the plant when the soil feels dry at that depth,' says Autumn.

Using a watering can with a narrow spout will work perfectly fine for this creeper, like this watering can from Amazon , but it will also appreciate higher humidity levels and you may choose to mist it - especially if you're growing it as a houseplant.

'In my experience, it does not enjoy long, dry periods during the summer months. If there is an extended period of drought, an occasional watering will do the plant good,' says Thom.

3. Grow it in containers 

Whether your baby's tears plant lives indoors or out, growing it in a container can be a good idea to stop it from spreading too widely. 

'This plant can spread rapidly and can regrow from tiny sections of stem and root. This can be a positive if you have the space for it, but be warned it can dominate and grow through other plants in your garden,' says Thom.

These plants don't like to be too wet so choosing a container with good drainage is a sensible option.

'Using a container made of materials like ceramic, terracotta, or plastic can be also suitable for the baby's tears plant. These materials can help retain moisture without becoming overly saturated, providing a balanced environment for the plant's roots,' says Autumn.

There are lots of containers like this available online, such as these terracotta planters from Walmart .

4. Prune to shape it

If you aren't careful, you'll find Soleirolia soleirolii growing everywhere in your backyard. They like to creep and crawl far and wide, so it can be a good idea to prune it back to keep it shapely and contained.

'Pruning helps prevent the plant from becoming leggy or straggly and encourages it to grow full and bushy,' says Autumn.

'You can trim the plant by using clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut back any excessively long or overgrown stems or yellow/dead leaves,' she adds

Pruning for these plants, with tools like these pruning scissors from Bloomscape , is appropriate all year round, as of when your baby's tears plant is becoming too unruly for your liking.

5. Repot if necessary

This is especially important if you choose to have mind-your-own-business as a houseplant because it is among the fast-growing indoor plants that will quickly turn your home into a jungle.

'Signs that indicate the need for repotting include roots coming out of the drainage holes, the plant toppling over easily, or water draining too quickly from the container,' says Autumn.

Not repotting houseplants that are outgrowing their current container risks them becoming pot-bound, hindering further growth.

'Repotting is best done in the spring when the plant is in an active growth phase. I would recommend repotting your plant about every two years. This will allow it to have nutrient soil and room to grow,' Autumn adds.

When should you fertilize Soleirolia soleirolii?

Soleirolia soleirolii thrives when fertilized. It's best to fertilize these plants during warmer seasons in spring and summer while it's growing the most. This can be especially beneficial for baby's tears plants grown indoors and you can use all-purpose fertilizers like this liquid indoor plant food from Perfect Plants nursery .

What plants can you pair with Soleirolia soleirolii?

Soleirolia soleirolii is perfect for filling gaps in yards or adding greenery indoors. It is highly versatile and can be grown as ground cover, on walls, along paths or in containers. It pairs well with most plants but our favorite pairings include using it with trailing houseplants like pothos or ivy to create a fuller look in hanging pots.

Although Soleirolia soleirolii may seem unexciting at first glance, its beaded, creeping foliage can play a key role in filling gaps and unpleasing corners of yards. It's among the best ground cover plants and can make delightful indoor plants for green foliage.

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Tenielle is a News Writer in the Gardens team at Homes & Gardens with five years of journalistic experience. She studied BA Journalism, Media and English Literature and MA Magazine Journalism at Cardiff University. Before coming to Homes & Gardens, Tenielle was in the editorial department at the Royal Horticultural Society and worked on The Garden magazine. She is passionate about sustainable living and likes to encourage gardeners to make greener choices to help tackle the effects of climate change with a trowel in hand. Tenielle is also a houseplant lover who is slowly running out of room for her ever-growing collection.

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This plant will provide nectar and pollen for bees and the many other types of pollinating insects.

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Botanical details

Soleirolia is a fast-growing, mat-forming perennial with creeping, rooting stems bearing small, rounded leaves and inconspicuous pinkish flowers

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• Roscoea x beesiana - Cream Group

• Roscoea auriculata

Soleirolia soleirolii

• Low carpet-forming ground-cover 
• Tiny leaves 
• Fast growing 
• Grows back again after the frosts

Soleirolia soleirolii is a low, creeping perennial with tiny round leaves. It is fast-growing and quickly establishes a soft ground-covering carpet that is ideal for creating an established atmosphere in the garden. It lends itself well to tropical-look gardens and can create a variety of effects. It softens the areas around ponds, looks good with flagstones or statuary and is an ideal combination plant for ferns, treeferns or jungle-style plants where the aspect is cool, moist and shady and the desired overall effect is soft, green and atmospheric. It is easy to establish it on tree-trunks or the nooks in branches and used in this way will often create quite magical results. Similarly it is useful on stonewalls or to cover ugly fencing or other areas that may need hiding or softening.

It is cut back by the frosts each year but regrows again in Spring. It is a vigourous grower and can be grown in a container if you don't want it to spread too far.

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• Soleirolia Soleirolii (Helxine) - Baby Tears

Soleirolia soleirolii

• Location, Water, Humidity & Fertilisation
• Common Issues
• Origins, Temperature, Propagation, Repotting & Toxicity

Need the answer to a specific plant query?  Book a 1-to-1 video call  with THE HOUSEPLANT DOCTOR™, the website's friendly author, to overcome and address your niggling problem! Available on iMessage, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger & more.

Top Tips & Info

• Care Difficulty - Easy (When Constantly Hydrated)
• Offer a bright, indirect setting away from any operating heat sources or direct sunlight.
• Keep the soil evenly moist using the bottom-up method of submersion. Allowing excess moisture to sit in the cubbyholes of the foliage may result in rot or southern blight.
• Provide a humid location by  introducing a humidity/pebble tray .
• Fertilise using a 'Houseplant' labelled feed every four waters in the spring and summer, reducing this to every six in the colder months.
• Pests  aren't as much of an issue with Baby Tears, however, have a quick scan for  Aphids  that'll attack the juvenile growths in the spring.
• Repot every three years using a 'Houseplant' potting mix - this is a perfect time to propagate.
• Baby Tears tend to grow more efficiently when situated in shallow, wide pots. Have a search at your nearest garden centre for terracotta bulb bowls that'll be located in the outdoor pot department. Alternatively,  'tot' specimens in a 5cm pot (available at Blue Diamond stores in the U.K.) are perfect for tropical-themed terrariums or displays due to the slow growth habits!

Location & Light -  🔸🔸

Baby Tears will thrive in bright, indirect settings away from intense sunlight or operating heat sources. Specimens located in darker settings must be watered far less than those grown in brighter areas due to the longer amount of time it takes for the soil to dry out. If you're worried about its location being too dark, if a newspaper can be read while having your back towards the light source, you're good to go!

Water -  🔸🔸🔸

The most challenging part of Baby Tears cultivation is providing near-continuous moist soil with the avoidance of persistent droughts; hydrate the plant once every few days to ensure thorough moisture throughout the year. It's highly recommended to irrigate  using the bottom-up method , as excess moisture that settles in the plant's centre could cause the central leaves to rot, leaving you with a naked base.  Under-watering symptoms include  a gradual decline in foliage size, crispy leaves and stunted growth, which are usually due to forgetfulness or too much heat/sunlight.  Over-watering symptoms include  a rotten root ball, lower leaves turning yellow and plant death. Never allow the plant to sit in water for long periods, primarily if it's situated in a shady spot. Prolonged saturation will enable mould to develop on the soil, along with the heightened chance of  root rot . Click on the link to find out more about addressing these issues.

Humidity -  🔸🔸

Saturated air is essential to compliment the longevity of moist soil.  Introduce a pebble tray  to provide a humid, reliable environment for your Baby Tears to thrive in; too dry air will cause its foliage to crisp up, as well as the heightened chance of browning leaf-edges.

Fertilisation -  🔸

Feed every four waters during the growing period and every six in the autumn and winter, using a 'Houseplant' labelled fertiliser . Never apply a 'Ready-to-Pour' feed into the soil without a pre-water beforehand, as the combination of dry compost and harsh chemicals will lead to the burning of roots.

Common Issues with Baby Tears

Under-watering is the biggest issue that gardeners will face.  Typical signs include wilting, sunken or yellowed leaves and stunted growth. If the specimen receives even a hint of direct light - relocate it. The increased temperatures and sun exposure will significantly speed the process of dehydration, which in turn will result in inevitable death. Baby Tears cannot survive in drought-like conditions, so providing a bright, indirect setting with an abundance of moisture is paramount for quality growth. Those situated in direct sunlight or within three metres of a radiator are most likely to suffer from dehydration.

When a specimen is severely dehydrated, most of its leaves will crisp-up and fall off - leaving you with a naked plant.  Although it may spell the end of juvenile plantlets, there may still be light at the end of the tunnel for more established specimens. If its stem is still plump without any signs of retraction, prune-away the severely affected areas and contain the plant (with its pot) in a transparent bag that has small holes. Keep the soil continually moist, providing a good level of indirect light and temperatures above 15°C (59°F). Remove from the bag after two months of solid foliar growth. 

Never situate it within four metres of an operating heat source , for instance a radiator or fireplace. Due to the heightened temperature and dry air, the plant will soak up far more moisture than those situated in cooler locations, increasing the chance of dehydration and browning leaf-tips.

As mentioned before,  botrytis (grey mould) & southern blight  are major threats  among heavy foliage plants when excess moisture is allowed to sit on compacted foliage. Remove the affected areas and improve the growing conditions by situating the plant in a brighter location and keeping the leaves dry.

Too low humidity can cause browning leaf tips with yellow halos.  Although this won't kill your specimen, you may want to increase the local moisture to prevent the new growth from adopting these symptoms. Mist or rinse the foliage from time to time and  create a humidity tray  whilst the heaters are active to create a stable environment for your specimen.

Yellowing lower leaves (closest to soil) are a clear sign of over-watering,  usually caused by too little light. Although they can do well in darker locations, the frequency of irrigations must be reduced to counteract the chance of root rot. People don't realise that a plant's root system needs access to oxygen too; when soil is watered, the air will travel upwards and out of the potting mix. A lack of accessible oxygen for the roots will cause them to subsequently breakdown over the oncoming days.  Click on this link  to learn more about root rot and how to address it, and always feel the pot's weight for confirmation (heaviness = good soil moisture, & vice versa).

Curled leaves and brown leaf-edges are the result of too little water and over-exposure to the sun.  Baby Tears are best located in bright, indirect settings, and those that haven't acclimatised to the harsh rays will show signs of sun-scorch and  environmental shock . A splash of winter sunlight is acceptable as long as the soil moisture is regularly observed, with complete avoidance once summer comes along.

Small flies hovering around your plant is entirely natural and may just indicate you're watering a little too often . Fungus Gnats are a common 'pest' with Baby Tears due to their dependency to reliable soil moisture, but won't pose any risk to the plant's health. Simply replace the top quarter of the plant's potting mix for a fresh batch of 'Houseplant' labelled compost, typical found at most garden centres.

Soleirolia soleirolii,  or Helxine, is a creeping perennial the originates from Italy but has recently been introduced to western parts of South America and Northern Europe. The genus was named by  Charles Gaudichaud-Beaupré in the 1830s , honouring botanist Joseph Soleirol who was one of the first to introduce the species to France.  S. soleirolii  was initially classified in the early nineteenth century by Esprit Réquien  (Helxine)  but was eventually overwritten by James Edgar Dandy in 1964.

Temperature

5° - 26°C   (40 °  - 80°F) H1c  (Hardiness Zone 11)  - Can be grown outdoors between late spring and summer throughout most of the UK while nighttime temperatures are above 8℃ (46℉). If you decide to bring the plant outdoors, don't allow it to endure any periods of direct light as it may result in sun-scorch . Regularly keep an eye out for pests , especially when re-introducing back indoors.

Up to 10cm in height and 1m in width once they reach maturity; the ultimate height will take between 2 - 5 years to achieve with 10cm of new growth per season.

Pruning &  Maintenance

Remove yellow or dying leaves, and plant debris to encourage better-growing conditions. While pruning, always use clean scissors or shears to reduce the chance of bacterial and fungal diseases. Never cut through yellowed tissue as this may cause further damage in the likes of diseases or bacterial infections. Remember to make clean incisions as too-damaged wounds may shock the plant, causing weakened growth and a decline in health.

Propagation  

Via Seed or Division.

Division (Easy) - In spring, split the root ball into several sections that house a good amount of foliage and roots. Dividing too-small segments of the rootball could lead to transplant shock or unsuccessful propagation. Sections that are at least 5cm (2 inches) in diameter serve the best chance of propagation due to the stored energy in the roots and stems. Place the sections into 'Houseplant' compost and water regularly, avoiding prolonged sunlight or persistent droughts.

Baby Tears will produce insignificant perennial inflorescences that sport either a pink or white appearance, within the foliage of the plant. The blooming period will last up to a month or two during late spring to early summer.

Repot every three years in spring using a 'Houseplant' labelled compost and the next sized pot with adequate drainage. As Baby Tears are ground creepers, they tend to grow quicker in a wide, shallow pot; visit your local garden centre and search for 'Terracotta Bulb Bowls' which should be on sale all year round. Hydrate the plant 24hrs before tinkering with the roots to prevent the risk of transplant shock. For those that are situated in a darker location, add a thin layer of small grit in the pot's base to improve drainage and downplay over-watering. 

Click here for a detailed step-by-step guide on transplantation, or via this link to learn about repotting with root rot.

Book a 1-to-1 video call  with THE HOUSEPLANT DOCTOR™  if you'd like a personal guide to repotting your houseplant. This will include recommending the right branded-compost and pot size, followed by a live video call whilst you transplant the specimen for step-by-step guidance and answer any further questions!

Pests & Diseases

Although pests aren't usually an issue when cultivating Baby Tears, fungus gnats or aphids may attack weakened specimens with overly moist soil. Common diseases are root rot , botrytis, rust, powdery mildew and southern blight - click here to learn more about these issues.

Not known to be poisonous by consumption of pets and humans. If high quantities are eaten, it may result in vomiting, nausea and a loss of appetite.

Retail Locations

Blue Diamond,  Online Stores.

Book a 1-to-1 Call with THE HOUSEPLANT DOCTOR™

If you need further advice with your houseplants, book an advice call with ukhouseplants' friendly and expert writer today! This can be done via a video or audio call on most apps, including Facebook, FaceTime & Skype. A ten-minute call costs £5.99 (US$7),  or £15.99 for thirty minutes. You can ask multiple questions, including queries on plants, pests, terrariums, repotting advice and anything in between. Please consider supporting this service to keep ukhouseplants thriving!