Nertera
Pin cushion plant, Coral Bead plant, English baby tears, Bead plant
- Height × spread
- 0.02m – 0.02m × 0.3m – 0.3m
- Position
- Part shade
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
There are around 15 species of these diminutive plants, loved by children of all ages for their delightful orange and red fruits that sit on hummocks of fine foliage. The flowers that precede the fruits are scarcely noticed. They are generally grown in shallow containers in the house or conservatory. This plant originates from a wide area in the southern hemisphere and is not usually grown outside. It can sometimes be mistaken for the equally diminutive, though invasive Baby's tears (Soleirolia soleirolii). This plant does not produce berries.
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Fruit colour
- Orange, Red
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Prostrate
- Height
- 0.02m – 0.02m
- Spread
- 0.3m – 0.3m
- Season of interest
- Summer, Autumn, Winter
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Indoors, Exotic garden, Conservatory
- Sun or shade
- Likes part shade
- Soil type
- Chalk
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, most are not hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Indoor light
- A light position not direct sun
- Indoor temperature
- 10C minimum temperature
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring-Autumn · Indoors
Feed with houseplant food monthly
Give the plant a balanced houseplant feed monthly while in growth.
Where food elements are listed as three numeric values on the label representing in order Nitrogen(N)-Phosphorus(P)-Potassium(K), with percentage values for each, choose one where the values are more or less equal.
Spring-Winter · Indoors
Water by placing container in water
For best results stand container in water so the plant draws water up from the base. When the compost is thoroughly moistened, remove it from the water. When the compost is just dry repeat the procedure.
Spring - late · Outdoors
Apply slow release fertiliser
Apply a slow release fertiliser which is spread around the root area of plants soon after they have come into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water in dry periods
Established plants in the ground can cope with 7-10 days of dryness, and shrubs often manage 2 to 3 weeks. Water one section of the garden thoroughly each day rather than a little everywhere. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather.
Spring - early-mid · Planting
Divide when too large
The plant can be divided if it becomes too large or another plant is required. This may involve physically dividing the clump in two, removing offsets or small bulbs or dividing rhizomes. The new plants can be grown in pots or planted in the ground.
Planting & general
Compost · Planting
Houseplant compost for repotting
Repot using any good quality house plant compost.
Indoor temperature · Planting
10C minimum temperature
This plant requires a minimum temperature of 10 Centigrade.
Indoor plant · Planting
Position in indirect light indoors
Give the plant a position that is cool and light, and away from direct sunshine.