Josh's Frogs
Pilea depressa ‘Tiny Tears’
Best miniature ground cover for vivarium and terrarium enthusiasts.
Discover the Pilea depressa ‘Tiny Tears’, a charming tropical ground cover plant that creates a dense, creeping mat of miniature, vibrant leaves with delicate scalloped edges. This variety is smaller than 'Baby Tears' and excels as a vivarium inhabitant, ground cover, or in mixed planted arrangements. Native to the rainforests of Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Haiti, it thrives in moderate to high humidity and bright, indirect light. Ensure the top half-inch of well-draining soil dries between waterings to maintain its lush, miniature landscape appeal.
$16.31
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
61
/ 2693
#61 in Plants
Price vs Category Average
-63%
Below average
Species Name
Pilea depressa
/ Pilea depressa
Who it's for
- Plant hobbyists who enjoy propagating and sharing cuttings
- Vivarium keepers looking for lush, humidity-loving ground cover
- Desktop gardeners and micro-terrarium enthusiasts needing compact greenery
Who should skip it
- Indoor gardeners living in dry, low-humidity climates
- Low-maintenance owners wanting plants that require minimal pruning
- Houseplant owners who struggle with managing soil moisture and pests
Performance breakdown
Vivarium Suitability
Thrives in high-humidity environments, making it a perfect terrarium ground cover.
Growth Habit
Forms a dense, lush mat that fills empty spaces with ease.
Maintenance Ease
Simple care requirements make it accessible for both beginners and experts.
Visual Texture
Miniature scalloped leaves provide intricate detail for small-scale landscape designs.
Growth Rate
Establishes quickly, though requires occasional trimming to maintain desired density.
Adaptability
Versatile enough to transition between mixed arrangements and standalone vivarium displays.
Key Specs
Species Name
Pilea depressa
Recommended Pot Size
Small – Medium
Temperature requirement
65-75 °F
Humidity Range
30-100%
USDA Hardiness Zone
10 -12
Growth Rate
Moderate – Fast
Height
Creeps along the surface up to 12 inches
Plant Pictured In
2.5″ pot
Features
- Forms a dense, creeping tropical ground cover
- Features miniature leaves with scalloped edges
- Excellent for vivariums and terrariums
- Smaller leaf size than 'Baby Tears'
- Suitable for mixed planted arrangements
- Vibrant green foliage
- Low maintenance care
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality and health of the Pilea depressa ‘Tiny Tears’ upon arrival. The primary theme is the plant's robust condition, often described as lush and well rooted. Reviewers frequently highlight the superior packaging used by Josh’s Frogs, ensuring the delicate vines arrive undamaged and ready to thrive. This reliable delivery of healthy specimens establishes strong trust and high perceived value, making it a favorite for terrarium enthusiasts seeking dependable quality.
Know before you buy
The 'Tiny Tears' variety features even smaller, more delicate foliage than the standard 'Baby Tears.' It maintains a tighter, more compact growth habit, making it an ideal choice for smaller terrariums or detailed vivarium landscapes.
Yes, it thrives in high-humidity environments like closed terrariums. Because it is a creeping ground cover, it will naturally spread across the substrate, creating a lush, miniature forest floor effect.
It prefers bright, indirect light to maintain its vibrant green color and dense growth. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the delicate leaves, especially in enclosed glass containers.
Allow the top half-inch of soil to dry out slightly between waterings. While it enjoys humidity, it does not like to sit in waterlogged soil, so ensure your container has proper drainage.
Absolutely. It works well as a trailing plant in small-to-medium pots or as a ground cover in mixed container arrangements. Just ensure the environment stays within the 65-75 °F temperature range.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.