Pilea depressa

Baby Tears Pilea, Depressed Clearweed, Baby Tears

Easy careTerrestrialNon-toxic5–10 cm

A small creeping subshrub from the Caribbean, with tiny round bright-green leaves on delicate trailing stems that quickly form a dense mat. Its compact size and preference for warmth and humidity make it a good foreground groundcover for closed terrariums. Non-toxic to pets and humans, and once established it spreads reliably with little attention.

Build a terrarium with this plant
Baby Tears Pilea image

Photo by Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz·CC BY-SA 4.0

Care

Prefers high humidity, indirect light, with 15–27 °C, and reaches 10 cm at maturity.

Light

Indirect light(preferred)Bright indirectShade tolerant

Humidity

High (60–80%)(preferred)Medium (40–60%)

Temperature

10°C25°C40°C
15°C – 27°C

Soil

Well draining(preferred)Peat moss

Moisture

Moist(preferred)

Soil pH

6 – 7.5

Propagation

Cut 5–10 cm sections of stem and press onto moist substrate, making sure at least one node touches the soil. A light covering of sphagnum moss helps hold moisture. Roots appear quickly in warm, humid conditions.

Native range

Native to Caribbean.

Appearance

Growth habit

CreepingTrailing

Leaf shape

Round

Leaf texture

Smooth

Frequently asked

Can Baby Tears Pilea grow in a closed terrarium?

Yes. Baby Tears Pilea prefers high (60–80%) humidity, which is what a closed terrarium provides, and tolerates indirect-light-loving conditions.

Does Baby Tears Pilea need drainage?

Baby Tears Pilea prefers a moist substrate. Drainage is helpful but not critical; consistent moisture matters more.

What humidity does Baby Tears Pilea need?

Baby Tears Pilea does best in high (60–80%) humidity.

Is Baby Tears Pilea pet-safe?

Baby Tears Pilea is considered non-toxic to common household pets.

How tall does Baby Tears Pilea grow?

Baby Tears Pilea typically reaches 5–10 cm at maturity.

How do you propagate Baby Tears Pilea?

Baby Tears Pilea can be propagated by stem cuttings or division.

References

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