If you are looking for a lush, carpet-like groundcover or a stunning cascading plant for hanging baskets, Dichondra is an incredibly versatile choice. As a small, prostrate perennial herb, it roots at the nodes to quickly establish a dense mat.
However, many gardeners fail with Dichondra because they treat all varieties the same. To grow it successfully, you first need to understand the difference between the two main types: the lawn substitute (Dichondra repens) and the ornamental spiller (Dichondra argentea).
Dichondra Repens vs. Silver Falls
Growing Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’
Dichondra argentea, commonly known as ‘Silver Falls’, is an unusual and attractive specimen for pot culture. Native to Texas and Mexico, it is highly drought-tolerant.
The silvery foliage cascades over the edge of pots in long trailing stems, making it an ideal “spiller” plant for use in hanging baskets. In ideal conditions, the trailing stems may reach up to 6 feet (1.5m) in length. While it can be used as a ground cover, it often declines during rainy summers because it is highly sensitive to excessive moisture and root rot.
How to Grow a Dichondra Lawn (Repens)
If you want to ditch traditional turf grass, Dichondra repens is an excellent alternative that requires far less mowing.
- Soil Preparation: Proper preparation is crucial. Rake the area to ensure it is 100% weed-free. Dichondra requires loose, clod-free, and well-draining soil.
- Planting the Seeds: Sprinkle the seeds lightly over the loose soil. Do not bury them deeply; they need light to germinate. You can protect them with a very thin layer of peat moss to retain moisture.
- Temperature Limits: Planting seeds is best done in early spring or early autumn when daytime temperatures are between 70°F and 75°F (21°C – 24°C) and night temperatures do not drop below 50°F (10°C).
- Watering: Water the seeds lightly but frequently (up to a few times a day) until they sprout, which usually takes 7 to 14 days.
Dichondra Care and Maintenance
Once your Dichondra is established, its care routine shifts dramatically.
- Watering: After establishment, allow the surface soil to dry slightly between waterings. Overwatering is the number one cause of disease in Dichondra.
- Mowing: If used as a lawn substitute, you can mow Dichondra. Set your mower height to about 1.5 inches (4 cm). Keep in mind that while it forms a thick mat, it will not tolerate heavy, constant foot traffic like traditional grass.
- Fertilizing: For a healthy, bright green covering, apply a balanced nitrogen fertilizer monthly during the active growing season.
⚠️ Crucial Warning: Weed Control in Dichondra
Because Dichondra is a broadleaf plant (a dicot) and not a true grass, you cannot use standard lawn weed killers on it. Broadleaf herbicides containing 2,4-D will completely destroy your Dichondra lawn.
To control weeds, you must either use pre-emergent weed controls designed specifically for Dichondra or remove broadleaf weeds by hand.
