Soleirolia soleirolii brings back sweet memories for many moms with its pretty leaves that resemble tiny teardrops, inspiring its common name, baby's tears. Growing 3 to 6 inches tall and spreading indefinitely, baby's tears is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 through 11, so it grows outdoors only in south Texas in USDA zone 9 areas, but its shiny golden, lime green or rich green leaves make it an attractive indoor plant. Baby's tears is invasive when growing in the ground outside, and it's gardeners who do the weeping if it gets out of control.
Outdoor Ground Cover
Grow baby's tears outside in USDA zone 9 areas of Texas, such as Corpus Christi and Victoria, in any well-drained soil. Plants tolerate partial shade and full shade, but their leaves may scorch in full-sun sites.
Space baby's tears plants 6 to 12 inches apart for rapid ground cover or as far as 3 to 6 feet apart. Plants spread indefinitely in suitable conditions.
Water baby's tears regularly in summer so that the soil stays moist. Reduce watering in winter so that the soil is only slightly moist.
Dig up small rooted sections of baby's tears with a trowel to grow new plants. Plant in a pot filled with potting soil, or immediately transplant to another area of the garden. Water thoroughly.
Indoor Houseplants
Grow baby's tears indoors in Texas's USDA zones 5 through 8, such as Dallas and Austin, in pots with drainage holes and filled with three parts general purpose potting soil mixed with one part horticultural grit.
Place pots on a bright windowsill with shade from hot sun.
Water so that the soil remains moist through summer, allowing pots to drain before returning them to their drain trays.