Dichondra Ground Cover: How to Grow Dichondra

Dichondra (Dichondra repens) is a low-growing, creeping evergreen often used as a ground cover plant that is part of the morning glory family. Known in some parts of the world as the kidney weed, dichondra plants are herbaceous perennials that have bright green circular leaves that grow from silvery stems. They bloom small flowers that range in color from yellow to green to white, but gardeners primarily turn to this popular ground cover plant for its leaves rather than its small flowers.

There are a few different types of dichondra native to different regions of the world. Here are some of the most popular varieties of dichondra.

1. 1. Carolina ponysfoot (Dichondra carolinensis): Native to the southeastern United States and Bermuda, Carolina ponysfoot has small leaves with tiny, inconspicuous flowers.
2. 2. Asian kidney weed (Dichondra micrantha): Also known as the Asian ponysfoot, this perennial creeping herb is native to China and Japan, and is often found on mountain slopes and roadsides.
3. 3. Western dichondra (Dichondra occidentalis): Western dichondra, also known as western ponysfoot, is a rhizomatous plant that enjoys low moisture environments. It sprouts small, cream-colored flowers.
4. 4. Oakwood ponysfoot (Dichondra recurvata): Oakwood ponysfoot is abundant in Texas, and blooms in the early spring, between March and May.
5. 5. Silver ponysfoot (Dichondra argentea): Silver ponysfoot (also known as silver nickel vine) grows around two inches high with a spread of three feet. With silver-grey leaves, these plants are salt-tolerant and deer resistant.

Dichondra are warm-season plants, broadleaf weeds that are most hardy in USDA zones seven through eleven. Dichondra will spread quickly and hardily when planted in the late spring or early fall (in warm climates, the plant may continue to grow through the winter). Before you plant your dichondra seeds outside, make sure that daytime temperatures have reached at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and that it is no less than 50 degrees Fahrenheit at night.

Dichondra is extremely easy to propagate and can spread quickly throughout an area if it is given the right growing conditions. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to grow your own dichondra at home.

1. 1. Prepare your seedbed. Dichondra can be grown as a lawn substitute, to fill in borders, or in planters. Dichondra prefers a loose and sandy soil type that is well-draining and free of weeds. Choose a planting spot that gets plenty of full sun, at least six hours a day.
2. 2. Scatter your seeds. Dichondra grows easily from seed. To plant seeds, simply scatter them along the top of your soil and then water them. You can also lightly press the seeds into the soil rather than simply scattering them. Make sure that you plant your seeds shallow enough that the sun can reach them.
3. 3. Water lightly. Keep the soil lightly moist while your dichondra germinates. In sunnier areas, water your seeds multiple times a day until they sprout. You can also add a layer of peat moss to the top to help retain moisture.

Dichondra is a relatively low-maintenance plant that requires very little care. However, you can follow these tips to make sure that your dichondra thrives.

1. 1. Mow your plants. The crawling dichondra can become invasive without the proper care. If you’re using your dichondra as perennial ground cover, you can mow them down to one and a half to two inches in height.
2. 2. Water when dry. Dichondra will grow poorly or even die in waterlogged or soggy soil. These plants are drought-tolerant, so once your plant is established you can let the soil dry out between waterings.
3. 3. Divide your plants. If your dichondra is growing too densely, you can dig up the plant and divide its stems, then replant the division in another area.
4. 4. Fertilize your plant. Use at least half a pound to a full pound of high-nitrogen fertilizer every month to keep your dichondra healthy and green.
5. 5. Watch out for pests. Dichondra is mostly disease-resistant and is vulnerable to very few pests. However, it can still suffer leaf damage from cutworms and flea beetles. Most dichondra will be able to ward off these pests on their own, but you can also help it along with the use of an organic insecticide.

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