If you are looking for one of the plants that are easier to care for and that can serve as an alternative to grassthen we have a winner. The care of the Dichondra repens makes this plant a wise choice both decoratively and functionally in gardens.
But, to really look good, the important thing is to know what those cares are. And that is exactly what we are going to dedicate ourselves to in this article, know in depth everything that this plant needs To feel good. Go for it?
Dichondra repens care
The Dichondra repens is characterized by offering a very dense mantle, almost more than the grass itself, and has the advantage of withstanding the high summer temperatures, as well as the shade. For this reason, many opt for this option that can be kept perennial throughout the year (although it actually changes color in winter to a brown that makes it look like it has died (but in reality it has not).
Do you want to know what are the care of the Dichondra repens?
Location
We start with the location and, if you have read the previous paragraph, you will know that the Dichondra repens is a plant that tolerates being in shade, partial shade and full sun. That’s right, you can put it anywhere in the garden without worrying if it will work or not. If you provide a good substrate there will be no problem with it.
In fact, sometimes you’re going to have to “hold it” in the sense that it can be invasive if conditions permit. Therefore, when placing it in the garden, you must ensure that it does not take the place of other plants or areas where you do not want to have it.
Another aspect to take into account is its growth. In shade and partial shade it grows much faster than in full sun. In fact, it is capable of growing up to 15cm in height, which makes it possible to trim it if necessary. But in the sun its growth slows down more (even if you don’t have to cut the plant for the whole year or more).
Temperature
We have also told you something before. And it is that this plant can tolerate high temperatures, being in full sun, as well as low. In fact, it supports frosts of up to -9 degrees. And if you don’t mind that in winter its “coat” turns brown, it could withstand a few more degrees.
Almost always, if the roots are good, in spring it would sprout again, so there would be no problem keeping it for many years (it could even adapt to the climate of the area).
Substratum
You should know that Dichondra repens is one of the most resistant plants that exists. And capable of developing in any type of soil. That means you don’t have to worry about what you should put on it or not, it will adapt to what you have.
Together with the climate, which also adapts, it makes it a plant that is not going to give you many problems.
Of course, This plant can be kept both in a pot and planted in the garden. In a pot it is usually hanging since it is fast growing and it is much better. And if it is on the ground, it develops itself.
Irrigation
Irrigation is always one of the most important plant care. And in the case of the care of the Dichondra repens it will not be less. But the truth is that you will have much easier than with others.
To start, you should know that this plant consumes little water compared to grass. If you have to water it almost continuously in summer, in the case of dichondra only with one watering every five days will suffice (in summer). And it doesn’t need as much water.
No moisture is needed either, which is a plus. In general, only when it is very cold will it turn brown, the rest of the time it will continue with that characteristic greenness.
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Although it is not necessary, some experts do recommend that, when planting it, you add a little so that it can expand more quickly. For this, it is recommended a granulated compost in early spring to encourage their activity and develop much more.
Of course, if you have it in a pot, instead of the fertilizer in granules you could use a liquid fertilizer in the irrigation water. Apply it in spring once every 15-30 days so you can see the results.
Plagues and diseases
Before we have commented that it is a very resistant plant. And in the case of pests and diseases we must agree with them because they are not usually attacked by them. But that doesn’t mean he’s immune.
In fact, you can have problems with mushrooms and/or beetles, most of them caused by problems in the irrigation and humidity of the plant.
To fix this, you can apply a little nitrogen that keeps pests and diseases at bay, as well as activating the plant for further growth.
Reproduction
We come to the multiplication of the Dichondra repens. And in this case you should know that there are two methods to achieve it.
One of the first used are the seeds. They are thrown on the ground and waited (which can take up to 5 months to sprout or activate and grow).
The other method is the “knots”, that although it shortens the waiting time somewhat, it is not much either. It consists of cutting branches of the plant with nodes, since in each of them an aerial root is generated which, upon contact with the ground, is activated and causes it to begin to settle and develop. The chances that the plant will succeed are very high.
As you can see, the care of the Dichondra repens is not complicated at all, quite the contrary. And it becomes a substitute for grass that may be what you were looking for to have a green area in your garden. Of course, it does not exempt other (wild) plants from being born. If they are small, you can remove them with your hands, but if there are many, or you are going to place it in an area where many usually come out, it is preferable to treat the soil first to avoid it, or you will have to use selective mowing every so often. Do you dare with this plant in your home?
