Soleirolia soleirolii aka Baby's Tears

Soleirolia soleirolii is a creeping perennial in the nettle family. Gardeners call it baby's tears or mind-your-own-business. It comes from the western Mediterranean, including Sardinia and Corsica. Its small leaves give it a moss-like look. Yet it is a flowering plant, rather than a moss. It spreads fast and forms a dense, low mat.

Plants reach about 0.25–0.5 feet [0.08–0.15 metres] tall. RHS gives a spread of 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 metre]. NC State reports garden spreads reaching 6 feet [1.8 metres]. Slender stems may be pink or green. They branch and root where they touch the soil. The tiny leaves are rounded to oblong, with smooth edges. They feel fleshy and have a shiny, lime-green surface. Leaves grow in an alternate pattern along the stems.

Small flowers sit where the leaves join the stems. They lack petals and add little to the display. Their colour ranges from creamy white to pinkish white. Chicago Botanic Garden lists flowering from May to June. RHS places flowering in summer. The fruit is a small, shiny, egg-shaped achene. The calyx surrounds it. The plant keeps its leaves in mild conditions. Frost can cause leaf loss, with new growth returning later.

Give it moist, fertile soil that drains well. It grows in clay, loam, sand, or chalk. RHS accepts acid, neutral, and alkaline soils. Indoors, bright light without harsh direct sun suits it. Hot sun can scorch the leaves. Outdoor plants also grow in partial or deep shade. Moderate warmth and high humidity suit this plant. Water during summer to maintain moisture. Keep the compost only slightly moist during winter. RHS rates it H4; US sources list zones 9–11.

Use it as ground cover, bedding, or a container plant. Its stems can trail over hanging basket edges. It also suits rock gardens and shaded borders. In terrariums, its spread can crowd out nearby plants. Stem scraps can regrow, making outdoor patches hard to remove. Spread stays more limited without soil contact. Propagate it from seed or by division. Serious pest and disease problems are uncommon. Aphids, whiteflies, and scale may still occur. ASPCA lists it as non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. That safety listing does not establish an edible use.