Dichondra repens It is a ground cover plant widely valued in gardening for its ability to cover the ground in a dense and ornamental manner, serving as an alternative to traditional grass. This species, also known as kidney herb, mouse ear or leaf, stands out for its evergreen foliage and its leaves shaped like small kidneys, which give it a unique decorative appearance.
Its popularity continues to grow due to its low maintenance, shade tolerant and the reduction in water requirements compared to conventional grass. In this article, we show you in depth the characteristics, care, and all the keys to enjoying the dichondra repens throughout the year in your garden, patio, passageways and even in pots and planters.
Main characteristics of Dichondra repens or dichondra grass
La dichondra repens It is a perennial herbaceous plant native to temperate and humid regions, although it is currently cultivated in gardens around the world. It does not belong to the grass family., so its texture and growth are more reminiscent of clover than traditional lawns.
- Sheets: Small, rounded or kidney-shaped, and deep green in color. Its unmistakable shape gives it the name kidney grass.
- Level: It forms a dense carpet between 5 and 10 cm high, and can reach up to 15 cm in conditions of total shade and optimal humidity.
- Increase: Creeping and expanding by means of stolons, which allows it to easily cover the ground.
- Flowering: Discreet, with small white or greenish flowers, barely visible and generally without significant ornamental value.
- Root systems: Superficial, which favors its implantation in shallow soils.
La dichondra repens It adapts to all types of soil, although it prefers fertile, light, and well-drained soilsIt is recommended to avoid compact clay soils, as they easily retain moisture and can cause waterlogging, a situation the plant does not tolerate well.
Dichondra's gardening uses go beyond replacing grass: it is ideal in spaces where conventional grass does not thrive or is difficult to mow, such as between slabs, Japanese steps, areas under benches and stairs, borders, flowerpots and hanging baskets.
Advantages of Dichondra repens over traditional grass
- Requires less water: It is much more efficient in its use of water than common grass, adapting better to periods of drought and climates with irregular rainfall.
- It tolerates shade well: Its tolerance to low light levels is superior to that of most grasses, making it perfect for growing under trees and shrubs.
- Low maintenance: It does not require continuous mowing, with a monthly cut being sufficient, or even less in low water conditions.
- Creeping growth: Its density prevents the growth of weeds, which reduces the use of herbicides.
- Ornamental aesthetics: Its deep green foliage provides a unique decorative touch, ideal for creating carpeted areas or compositions with stones and decorative elements.
- Adaptability: It is able to develop well in soils of low fertility or amended with organic matter.
Where and how to plant Dichondra repens?
Optimal planting time and conditions
The best time to plant dichondra repens This is when temperatures remain mild and the risk of frost is low. Generally, spring and early fall, when the soil temperature is above 20°C, are the ideal times for seeds to germinate quickly and for the plant to establish itself well. In warm regions, sowing can also take place in early fall, provided temperatures remain mild.
As for the exhibition, although prefers semi-shadeDichondra adapts perfectly to sunny areas if provided with adequate humidity, although in these conditions growth will be slower and the color of the foliage may be less intense.
Preparation of the land
- Cleaning: Remove stones, plant debris and, above all, weeds that may compete during planting.
- Tilling and leveling: Turn and aerate the soil surface. Add sand if necessary to improve drainage and prevent compaction.
- Subscriber: Add a layer of organic matter or compost to facilitate initial development.
Direct sowing and sowing by plugs or cubes
There are two main ways to establish dichondra repens:
- Direct sowing: Spread the seeds evenly, using a guideline dose of 5 to 10 grams per square meter. Cover lightly with soil or substrate to improve contact.
- Plugs or dice: Small plants pre-developed in alveolar trays are used. They are especially useful for achieving rapid coverage and reducing the risk of germination failure. The recommended density ranges from 16 to 33 plugs/m² depending on the degree of shade, increasing the number if there is little sunlight.
Watering should be very light after sowing or transplanting to prevent the seeds from shifting. When the first seedlings emerge or the plugs begin to take root, increase the amount of water but reduce the frequency to promote deep rooting. Learn more about planting and caring for Dichondra repens in pots and on terraces..
Patience is keyDichondra repens grows slowly, taking between four and six months to completely cover the surface. This period can extend up to a year under less favorable light or humidity conditions.
Maintenance and care of Dichondra repens
Irrigation
One of the main benefits of Dichondra repens is its low water requirementDuring the summer, watering every 4 or 5 days is sufficient in well-drained soil. It's preferable to space out watering, but ensuring that when watered, the water penetrates deeply. This promotes a more extensive and resilient root system.
Avoid excessive humidity and waterlogging, as the plant is very sensitive to these conditions and can be affected by fungi. In winter, minimize watering, especially if it rains regularly.
Mowing and height control
La dichondra repens It practically requires no mowing, as its growth is limited. If you want to maintain a more uniform appearance or prevent flowering, monthly (or even quarterly) mowing is sufficient. In shaded areas, where the plant can grow taller, light pruning can be performed when deemed necessary.
Fertilization
Dichondra is not very demanding in nutrients, but to enhance its vigor it is advisable to apply balanced fertilizer (NPK 10-10-10) in spring and fall. If the appearance is pale or yellowish, use a nitrogen-rich fertilizer and water afterward to prevent burning.
Weed control and plant protection
During the first few months after planting, weeds may appear and compete with Dichondra. It is essential to:
- Perform manual clearing on small areas, pulling weeds by hand.
- Reduce watering if weeds are present.
- Avoid hormonal herbicides, as they are harmful to Dichondra. If selective herbicides are used, use specific broadleaf herbicides and localized applications.
- In case of pests or fungi, apply specific fungicides and improve ventilation and drainage.
It is common that the plant can be affected by foliar fungi in excessively humid conditions. Preventive treatment with fungicides in spring and summer, along with regular irrigation, helps keep it healthy.
Trampling resistance and limitations
La Dichondra repens's resistance to trampling is limitedIt can withstand some occasional foot traffic, but it's not suitable for high-use areas, play areas, pet areas, gathering areas, and pools, where it can deteriorate quickly. For this reason, it's best reserved for decorative spaces and as a cover in low-traffic areas.
Climate and adaptation
Dichondra repens thrives best in temperate, humid climates, although it can also be grown successfully in warmer areas if it has adequate irrigation. Tolerates low temperatures down to -9ºCIn regions with intense or prolonged frost, the plant goes dormant, turning brown, and suffers damage that can prevent regrowth if the cold is severe.
In spring, it sprouts vigorously if the roots have not suffered extreme damage. For regions with very cold winters, it is advisable to consider other mulches.
Ornamental and gardening uses of Dichondra repens
- Ground cover: Ideal for areas where grass does not take well or is difficult to mow.
- Between slabs and Japanese steps: It fills gaps and provides freshness and color, integrating hard areas with the green space.
- Under trees and shaded areas: Its low light tolerance makes it perfect for planting under large canopies, where most grasses fail.
- Pots, hanging baskets and planters: Its hanging growth makes it a perfect option for vertical gardens or terraces.
- Combination with natural stones: On stone paths or in rockery areas, dichondra creates spectacular decorative contrasts.
Common problems and solutions
1. Appearance of weeds
Once established, the denseness of the Dichondra mat prevents the development of most weeds. However, they may appear during the first few months after planting. Avoid the indiscriminate use of herbicides; if infestations are light, remove them manually, and if they are severe, use selective herbicides, always applying them precisely to avoid damaging the plant.
2. Diseases and pests
The most common diseases are fungal diseases caused by waterlogging and excessive moisture. These problems can be prevented with proper watering and avoiding nighttime watering. If brown spots or dry areas appear, use a fungicide and improve soil drainageSpray preventively in spring and summer with organic products if possible.
3. Unpopulated areas
If for any reason there are damaged or sparse areas, you can reseed or install plugs in the affected areas to speed recovery. Keep the new areas well moist until they become established.
4. Brown appearance in winter
In colder areas, Dichondra can lose color during the winter and turn brown. This isn't a sign of death, but rather dormancy. With the arrival of spring and rising temperatures, it usually regains its vigor and green color.
Frequently asked questions about Dichondra repens
- How long does it take to cover an area? Between 4-6 months in optimal conditions, and can last up to a year in shady areas or with less irrigation.
- Can it be invasive? In humid conditions with little traffic, Dichondra can spread widely and cover large areas, but it does not usually lead to serious invasive problems.
- Is it suitable for living with pets? It is suitable for gardens with pets if there is no heavy traffic, although excessive trampling can damage it more than other grasses.
- Can it be mixed with grasses? Yes, it can be planted next to grasses such as Perennial ryegrass o Red fescue to create ornamental and more resistant mixtures.
La dichondra repens It's an excellent choice if you're looking for an ornamental, groundcover, and low-maintenance alternative to conventional grass. Its versatility allows it to be used in shaded areas, between flagstones, in pots, combined with natural stones, or in low-water gardens. If you follow the tips in this article, you'll enjoy a decorative and fresh green blanket, saving time, water, and worry in your garden. If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments so we can continue improving your green experience.