La dichondra repens has managed to become one of the preferred alternatives to traditional grass thanks to its ease of maintenance and the excellent ground cover it offers. This ground cover plant, native to temperate and warm zones, is perfect for those looking for a green garden all year round without requiring many hours of work. Furthermore, its dense and attractive appearance fits perfectly in both home gardens and professional spaces, providing an ornamental and natural touch.
If you ever wondered How to plant Dichondra, what care it requires, and how to keep it looking healthy and vigorous—this article is for you. We'll explore, step by step, all the secrets to planting, maintaining, and enjoying this unique groundcover, covering everything from soil preparation to tips for avoiding pests and diseases, including the best planting season and gardeners' most frequently asked questions.
What is Dichondra repens and how does it differ from traditional grass?
La dichondra repens It is a low-growing perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the family convolvulaceae. It is known for its rounded and fleshy leaves, which form a compact, soft, and very ornamental layer. Its ability to withstand drought, grow in variable light conditions, and adapt to different soil types make it an ideal choice for those looking for a low-maintenance alternative in front of the common lawn.
Among the main features that differentiate it from grass include:
- It requires less mowing (you can cut it once a month or even less, since it grows slowly).
- It tolerates shade well, although it prefers sunny areas for optimal growth.
- In warm temperate climates it remains green all year round, while in very cold winters it can lose some of its foliage and turn brownish.
- It withstands temperatures down to -5ºC, but does not tolerate waterlogging.
Advantages of planting Dichondra in the garden
Choosing Dichondra as a ground cover has many advantages. Firstly, reduces maintenance time necessary compared to a traditional lawn. It's ideal for those who don't have much time to garden or are looking for an effective solution to cover difficult areas, such as partially shaded areas or places with moderate traffic. You can learn more about this species and its benefits here..
Furthermore, offers great resistance to the sun and acts as a “natural air conditioning”, reducing ambient temperatures and improving air quality. Its shallow root system helps maintain soil moisture, and its dense cover prevents the development of bald patches and weeds.
Ideal time to plant Dichondra repens
It is best to do the Sowing Dichondra repens between late spring and early summer, when temperatures are mild and stable. This way, germination will be faster and more even. Avoid sowing during periods of extreme cold or heat waves to avoid compromising the success of the planting.
In temperate or warm climates, you can advance or delay sowing slightly, but always ensure that the soil temperature remains above 15°C to promote germination and seedling establishment.
Preparing the land: key steps for good development
The success of planting Dichondra begins with a good site preparation . Here's what you need to keep in mind:
- Delete dry leaves, stones, sticks and, above all, weedsSince this species does not tolerate selective herbicides, thorough manual cleaning is essential.
- Remove the earth at a depth of about 30 cm. This facilitates rooting and ensures a thin, even layer for planting.
- If the soil is heavy and retains too much moisture, improves drainage adding sand, perlite or installing a drip irrigation system to prevent waterlogging.
- Before sowing, it is a good idea fertilize it with organic matter (compost) or universal lawn fertilizer. You can use slow-release fertilizers to promote growth without overdoing it, which could lead to fungal growth.
How to plant Dichondra repens? Recommended methods and dosages
Dichondra repens can be planted in two ways:
- Direct sowing of seeds: It is the traditional and most economical method. The recommended dose is 1 kg of seeds per 100 m2For faster and denser coverage, some experts suggest increasing the dose up to 1,5 kg/100 m2. You can find more details at ideal plants for shaded areas.
- Installation of pre-cultivated sod or slabsIdeal if you want immediate results without waiting. They're easily installed on the prepared ground, and in just a few hours you'll have a uniform, green blanket ready to enjoy.
For sowing with seeds, follow these steps:
- Loosens the surface part of the soil and spreads the seeds evenly Over the surface.
- Cover lightly with a thin layer of soil (no more than 1,5 mm) making sure that the seeds They are covered but not too deep.
- Water gently to moisten the soil without forming puddles. Avoid excessive watering since Dichondra does not tolerate waterlogging.
If you choose pre-cultivated sodsPlace them on the ground, adjusting the edges with a sharp cutter or knife to adapt the shape to your garden. Make any necessary cuts as soon as possible after receiving them to ensure they remain fresh.
Watering and initial care after planting
El Irrigation is one of the critical aspects To achieve success in planting Dichondra, immediately after planting, maintain the soil slightly damp every day, especially during the first four to six weeks. The idea is to prevent the substrate from drying out, but without forming puddles or saturating the soil with water.
When you notice the first leaves starting to develop, you can go spacing out waterings Water little by little, alternating days and always respecting the natural humidity provided by rainfall. Once the plant is well established, moderate watering every 4 or 5 days will suffice, adjusting the frequency to the weather conditions and soil type.
Growth, mowing and maintenance
La dichondra repens It is slow-growing, which means you won't need to mow frequently. In fact, You can trim the plant every two weeks or even just once a month if you are not too particular about the height. The ideal cutting height is between 3 and 5 cmIf you prefer a more polished look, opt for low cuts, although letting it grow a little longer will increase its ability to withstand drought and shade.
Contrary to popular belief, regular trimming helps create a thicker coat and keeps the plant healthy. However, remember that Dichondra does not tolerate selective herbicides, so weed control must be manual.
Fertilization and additional care
La Dichondra needs occasional fertilization to stay vigorous and have a deep green color. A contribution of urea (1 kg per 100 m2) is sufficient in spring and autumn. In summer, it is advisable to reduce the dose by half to prevent the spread of disease.
You can supplement your fertilization with NPK or diammonium phosphate fertilizers, applied a few days before or after planting. Proper fertilization promotes faster growth and greater resistance to pests.
Main problems and diseases: Alternaria and pests
One of the most frequent threats to Dichondra repens is the Alternaria fungus, which usually appears after periods of overwatering or prolonged humidity. To prevent it, avoid flooding the soil and check that the irrigation system is working properly.
Other occasional pests may be cutworms and beetles, although Dichondra resists most common lawn diseases fairly well. If you notice insect damage, remove it manually or use approved organic products.
Use in gardens and landscaping: design tips
The versatility of Dichondra repens allows its use in a multitude of spaces:
- As a groundcover in gardens of little use or moderate traffic, where a low-maintenance alternative to conventional grass is sought.
- Under trees or in shady areas, since it tolerates the lack of direct sunlight quite well.
- In pots and planters to achieve ornamental effects, even as a hanging plant.
- On slopes or difficult soils, where other species would not thrive.
Remember that although it can withstand some foot traffic, it is not suitable for sports fields or high-traffic areas, as it can deteriorate and reduce its density.
Frequently asked questions about Dichondra repens
- How long does it take for Dichondra to grow?
Adaptation and development depend greatly on climate and care, but in general It takes between 6 months and a year to reach its maximum size. Under good conditions, you may see results sooner. - Can it be planted all year round?
It's best to sow in spring or early summer, but in mild climates, you can also try sowing in other seasons as long as there's no risk of severe frost. - Does it work on any type of soil?
Admits all types of floors as long as they are well-drained and do not become waterlogged. It appreciates loose, fertile soils, but can even thrive in poor-quality soils. - How do I promote faster growth?
Keeping the soil moist (but not waterlogged), removing weeds and applying light fertilizers in spring and late summer.
Extra tips for a green and healthy carpet
- Don't neglect the initial clearing of the land. A surface free of debris and weeds will make the job easier and prevent future problems.
- Use drip irrigation or automatic timers to ensure constant and controlled humidity.
- If you're looking for immediate results, consider installing pre-cultivated sod: your garden will look green in just a few hours.
- Control the appearance of fungi by reducing watering during wet seasons and avoiding excessive use of nitrogen fertilizers in summer.
- Enjoy your garden: Dichondra is very grateful and will allow you to have a lush green area with minimal effort.
