Description
Soleirolia is a fairly modest little plant that soon turns into a beautiful, dense ball full of tiny, juicy leaves – rather like a cherub's head.
The small green leaves are heart-shaped, kidney-shaped or round, no more than 5–7 mm in size, and grow on short, delicate, glassy stems. If the stems touch moist compost, they very quickly put out roots.
Requirements
The plant likes moist compost and is sensitive to drying out, as it needs a lot of water. Shade or partial shade. It tolerates bright, diffused light, but strong sun can scorch it. It grows well at room temperature and suits cooler rooms. It is frost-hardy and regrows from the roots.
Propagation
Divide large plants into smaller pieces and plant them in separate containers. It is exceptionally easy to propagate: just tear off a piece of the "lawn" and lay it on moist soil – it should root by itself quickly; if not, be patient.
Care
The plant likes moist compost and is sensitive to drying out, as it needs a lot of water. Do not feed it too much unless you want it to spread quickly. It is easy to grow. In a bright terrarium provide plenty of moisture, e.g. by misting, but be careful not to overwater. In less light, growth slows somewhat (but not significantly). Warmth and moisture are the key to fast growth. Feed from March to August; fertiliser sticks that release the right dose gradually are worth using, so you will not overfeed the plant.
When plants get sick
Long shoots with few leaves – the plant is in a dark place or overfed. Give it a bright spot and feed less.
Before you buy
Check that the root ball fills the pot firmly. If the plant was repotted shortly before sale, its root system is not developed enough to take up the water it needs.
Average lifespan: – Can live for a very long time.
Difficulty of care: – Undemanding, provided it is watered often and into the saucer.