Grow Light for Soleirolia: Baby’s Tears Indoors
A grow light for soleirolia gives baby’s tears steady light when windows fall short. NC State Extension notes Soleirolia soleirolii likes moderate temperatures, high humidity plus bright, indirect light, while direct sunlight can scorch its tiny leaves.
The short answer
Aim for bright, indirect light plus moist soil. NC State notes direct sun can scorch the leaves. Illinois Extension notes cool white fluorescent bulbs work well for foliage plants plus 14 to 16 hours of light is enough. UMD advises no more than 16 hours of light a day.
What is soleirolia?
NC State notes baby’s tears is a creeping perennial ground cover with shiny lime green leaves only about a quarter inch across. Its fleshy stems root as it spreads. It likes well drained, fertile, moist soil.
How much light does baby’s tears need?
NC State advises bright, indirect light. Illinois Extension notes bright light is about 300 foot candles, such as directly in front of an east or west window. UMD notes light intensity drops fast with distance plus too little light makes plants leggy.
| Factor | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Bright, indirect | NC State |
| Bright level | About 300 foot candles | Illinois |
| Lamp type | Cool white fluorescent for foliage | Illinois |
| Hours | 14 to 16, no more than 16 | Illinois |
| Humidity | High | NC State |
Source: NC State Extension plus Illinois Extension.
How do you grow baby’s tears in a terrarium?
NC State notes it suits a terrarium but will crowd out other plants over time. Iowa State University Extension advises a 2 inch layer of gravel, a quarter inch of charcoal plus 1 to 4 inches of well drained potting soil, since terrariums have no drainage holes.
How to: step by step
- Choose a spot out of direct sun.
- Set a cool white lamp above it.
- Run the lamp 14 to 16 hours.
- Use moist, well drained soil.
- Raise humidity with a terrarium.
- Trim stems that crowd others.
Troubleshooting
Leaves scorched: direct sun. NC State notes direct sunlight can scorch them.
Stems leggy: low light. UMD notes plants stretch for light.
Crowding terrarium mates: rapid spread. NC State notes it crowds others over time.
For lighting see grow lights for cannabis plus led light distance cannabis. Read grow light timers plus cannabis seeds. Kind Seed Co also stocks cannabis seeds.
Sources
- Soleirolia soleirolii (baby’s tears), NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- How to create and care for a terrarium, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
- Lighting for indoor plants, University of Maryland Extension
- Lighting, houseplants, Illinois Extension
FAQ
What conditions does baby's tears like?
NC State Extension notes moderate temperatures, high humidity, bright indirect light plus moist, well drained soil.
Can baby's tears grow in a closed terrarium?
NC State Extension notes it may be used in a terrarium, though over time it will crowd out other plants.
How does soleirolia spread?
NC State Extension notes its fleshy stems root into the ground as it spreads, plus stem pieces left behind can regrow.
Can baby's tears take direct sun?
NC State Extension notes direct sunlight can scorch the leaves.
How many hours should the lamp run?
Illinois Extension notes 14 to 16 hours is enough, plus UMD advises no more than 16 hours a day.
