Most of us know and love the Baby’s Tears plant as a classic indoor favorite. It’s famous for being super easygoing and tolerant of different temperatures, making it the perfect choice if you feel like you weren’t exactly born with a green thumb. However, there is one thing to keep in mind: this little guy isn’t a fan of the frost.
Is there a hardy version of Baby’s Tears?
If you’re looking for something that can handle the winter chill, you’re in luck! There is a hardy alternative known as Blue Star Creeper (bot. Isotoma fluviatilis). Even though it shares a similar look and nickname with the common Baby’s Tears (bot. Soleirolia soleirolii), they aren’t actually related. Blue Star Creeper makes a fantastic, tough-as-nails groundcover for your garden.
Where is the best spot for Baby’s Tears?
While Baby’s Tears can technically tolerate temperatures down to about 40°F (5°C), it won’t exactly be happy about it. It really hits its stride between 65°F and 75°F (18°C–25°C) in a spot with relatively high humidity. As for lighting, aim for a bright to partially shaded spot all year round, but keep it out of direct, scorching sunlight. During the summer, feel free to move your plant out to the balcony or patio for some fresh air!
In the house, a standard living room temperature works great. They also tend to love temperate sunrooms or conservatories—just make sure they aren’t sitting in a direct sunbeam. In the winter, it’s perfectly fine to let the room get a little cooler. Just watch out for dry air from your heater, which can stress the plant out. A quick fix? Give it a regular misting with a spray bottle to keep the humidity up.
How do I care for my plant in the winter?
Baby’s Tears is a thirsty little plant no matter the season, so you’ll want to water it regularly throughout the year. If you decide to keep it in a cooler room for the winter, you can scale back the watering just a bit compared to the summer months. The same goes for humidity and fertilizer—a little less is usually plenty during the dormant season.
Quick Highlights:
- Not frost-hardy
- Thrives between 40°F and 75°F
- Ideal temp: 65°F to 75°F (can be cooler in winter)
- Winter care: Similar to summer, but water slightly less if kept in a cool spot
- Hardy alternative: Blue Star Creeper (bot. Isotoma fluviatilis)
Pro Tip: Did you know that if your Baby’s Tears starts taking over its pot, you can easily divide the plant to create new ones?