Baby Tears - Soleirolia soleirolii
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There are quite a few common names for this plant beside the more commonly used
Baby Tears. More names like Corsican Curse Corsican Carpet plant or even Irish
Moss which of course is a Sagina The scientific name is Soleirolia soleirollii. I got another name can also be named as Helxine soleitolii . The plant is a member of the Urticaceae group . I saw the mat, made by a creeping plant. Curiosity got the better of me. brought some sample back and wanted to re-enact what I saw. Some bright ideas and some reading up later, we started shifting the plant around until we got a fair collection by now.
This plant with its tiny succulent looking leaves, appear very fragile plant that would requires a good amount of care and attention. Yes perhaps so! But in the contrary the plant in its wild environment is also an invasive species. In an area, where the plant in the best suited ground and with mild rainfall regularly, it has vigorous growth. So taking that as a cue. The plants like "partial" sunlight to shady area. Then with rich well drained but moist soil and plenty of water, the actual condition to suit the plant. Here we have left the many pots just beside a water fountain. The surrounding is very humid and sprays kept the area moist. These few pots formed our plant "Bank"
There are 3 species of this plant. This green coloured species with the another two. Next one would be the "Aurea". It has golden foliage and the third a "variegated" species with white stippling. Both of these 2 plants are harder to encounter. But take note that for both these 2 other species, greater continuous care required to trim away the unwanted green stems whenever these appear. Otherwise, that part of the plant would revert to the common solid green. Looking like the common species
The plants simply love this place
A closer look at the succulent leaves
Many a times Baby Tears could by mixed up with other mossy plants. Nearest one would Irish Moss. Both plants do produce tiny white flowers and the only way to make out the difference - is that, Baby Tears has tear shaped leaves
The plant in the wild and also those grown in gardens, the plants are left on the ground, where it grows best. Alternatively if grown in a pot and the pot being hung up, then the stems would form trails. Combined, the cluster would be looking like a full head of hairs from hanging basket.
The early stage
After a while the stems just extend downwards
A few shots of my hanging garden
They get half a day of bright sunlight. I suppose OK! Though they look a little bit on the pale side.
From another angle, doesn't look that bad
Yes, not yellow but pale green!
We do not have anymore bare ground to try them out. Just put them in troughs and on ground level. Now, this is another batch kept away from the sun the whole day.
A full view of this corner of the garden.
A surprised find and a satisfying investment indeed - Baby Tears!
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