Caring for a Dichondra: How to Keep It Lush & Healthy

Looking for a low-maintenance, lush green ground cover that thrives in Australian gardens? 

Dichondra Repens, also known as kidney weed or silver dichondra, might be just what you need. 

Perfect for replacing traditional turf or adding a soft, carpet-like touch to garden beds, this hardy plant brings beauty with minimal effort. 

Keep reading to discover simple care tips that will keep your Dichondra Repens thriving year-round!

How do I take care of Dichondra Repens in my garden?

To care for Dichondra Repens, ensure it receives partial sun, well-draining soil, and regular watering. Avoid overwatering and prune occasionally to maintain a neat appearance.

Key Takeaways

• Dichondra Repens thrives in well-drained soil and needs minimal watering once established.
• Low maintenance makes Dichondra Repens perfect for busy gardeners looking for a hassle-free ground cover.
• Regular mowing and fertilising help keep the plant lush and vibrant year-round.

Why Dichondra Repens Is a Great Choice for Australian Gardens

Dichondra Repens, also known as Kidney Weed, is a popular choice for Australian gardens due to its soft, green leaves and low-growing nature. It thrives in diverse climates, from Melbourne and Tasmania to Brisbane and Perth.

Unlike grass, it forms a dense, carpet-like cover without the need for frequent mowing, saving time and reducing the need for chemical treatments. Its drought tolerance makes it ideal for water-wise gardens, especially in areas with dry spells and water restrictions.

Dichondra Repens is also versatile, working well as a lawn alternative, ground cover, or between pavers. It recovers quickly in high-traffic areas, making it both practical and attractive.

In summary, Dichondra Repens offers an eco-friendly, low-maintenance, and drought-resistant solution for Australian gardens, providing lasting beauty with minimal care.

Watering Dichondra Repens

Although Dichondra Repens is drought-tolerant, it still requires adequate moisture to thrive, especially during the initial establishment phase or during extreme heat. Proper watering is essential to maintain healthy growth.

Watering Frequency

During the first few weeks after planting, water your Dichondra Repens regularly to keep the soil moist. 

Once the plant is established, it will need less frequent watering. For mature plants, water deeply but infrequently, aiming to keep the soil moist for 2-3 inches down. 

Watering once every 7-10 days should suffice unless there’s a significant dry spell. Be sure to adjust your watering schedule depending on the season. 

During summer months in places like Adelaide or Sydney, when the heat is intense, you might need to water every 5-7 days. 

In winter, the plant requires less water, so adjust accordingly to prevent waterlogging.

Avoid Overwatering

Dichondra Repens is particularly susceptible to root rot if it’s overwatered. Ensure that the soil is well-drained and does not become waterlogged. 

In regions with heavy rainfall like Queensland, ensure the soil drains effectively to avoid standing water around the roots. 

This helps prevent fungal infections and other diseases that thrive in overly wet soil.

Fertilising Dichondra Repens

Although Dichondra Repens is relatively low-maintenance, providing it with proper nutrition helps to maintain its lush green appearance and promote healthy growth. Regular fertilisation is crucial, particularly in areas with nutrient-poor soils.

Choosing the Right Fertiliser

In spring or early autumn, apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser to provide essential nutrients for the plant. 

Organic fertilisers such as compost or seaweed-based fertiliser can also be beneficial. 

Be sure to select a product that is designed for ground cover plants to encourage strong root systems and foliage growth.

Fertilising Schedule

Fertilise Dichondra Repens twice a year — once in early spring and once in autumn. This will give the plant the nutrients it needs to grow vigorously during the growing season. 

Avoid over-fertilising, as this can encourage excessive growth, which may weaken the plant over time. 

If you notice your Dichondra Repens becoming sparse or pale, it may be a sign it’s not receiving enough nutrients, and a light fertilising session can help.

Mowing and Trimming Dichondra Repens

One of the key advantages of Dichondra Repens is that it requires far less mowing compared to traditional grass lawns. However, giving it an occasional trim can help keep it looking tidy. If you’re considering this ground cover, it’s worth exploring dichondra lawn pros and cons to determine if it’s the right fit for your space.

When to Mow

In general, you should only need to mow Dichondra Repens if it becomes excessively overgrown. 

Using a push mower or whipper snipper on the highest setting should suffice. Lightly mow the plant every 6 to 8 weeks if you prefer to keep it tidy. 

In cooler months, the plant will grow slower, and you may not need to mow at all.

How to Trim

Trim the plant carefully to avoid cutting it too short. Keep in mind that Dichondra Repens is slow-growing and doesn’t need to be trimmed as frequently as grass. 

Over-mowing can stress the plant, so be gentle when cutting back.

Controlling Weeds in Dichondra Repens

While Dichondra Repens is a great ground cover that naturally suppresses weeds, you may still encounter a few unwanted plants growing in the garden bed. 

It’s important to handle these weeds promptly to ensure they don’t compete with your Dichondra Repens for nutrients and space.

Manual Weeding

The best way to control weeds is through manual weeding. Since Dichondra Repens forms a dense mat, weeds won’t have much room to establish themselves once the plant is fully grown. 

Pull out weeds by hand or use a small garden tool to remove them from the roots to prevent regrowth. Always ensure that the weeds are removed before they set seeds.

Mulching

Mulching around your Dichondra Repens can also help reduce the growth of weeds. 

Organic mulches, such as bark chips or straw, provide additional nutrients to the soil and suppress weed seeds. 

Apply mulch to a 2-3 cm thickness around the base of the plant to protect its roots and keep moisture in the soil.

Pest and Disease Control

Dichondra Repens is generally resistant to pests and diseases but can occasionally attract aphids, mealybugs, or snails, particularly during wet conditions.

Aphids and Mealybugs

Aphids and mealybugs can be controlled using a gentle insecticidal soap or neem oil, which are safe for plants and the environment. 

Simply spray the affected areas in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid harming beneficial insects like bees.

Snails and Slugs

Snails and slugs are more likely to target Dichondra Repens when it’s newly planted or in areas with high humidity. Use organic snail pellets or diatomaceous earth to control these pests without harming the plant.

Winter Care for Dichondra Repens

Dichondra Repens is evergreen, meaning it can withstand mild winter conditions. 

However, in regions where temperatures regularly drop below 10°C (such as parts of Tasmania and Victoria), it’s important to take some precautions.

Protecting the Plant

During colder months, you may want to reduce watering and ensure the plant is not waterlogged, as this can make it more vulnerable to frost. 

In areas that experience heavy frosts, you can cover your Dichondra Repens with frost cloth or garden fleece to protect it from extreme cold.

Minimal Maintenance

Winter is a good time for Dichondra Repens to rest. This means that you can cut back on fertilising and mowing, allowing the plant to conserve energy for the warmer months ahead. 

Simply check that it remains free of weeds and pests, and it should thrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How often should I water Dichondra Repens?

Water deeply once every 7-10 days, adjusting for weather conditions. The plant is drought-tolerant but still needs moisture during dry spells.

2. Can I plant Dichondra Repens in full sun?

Yes, Dichondra Repens does well in full sun to partial shade, but it needs well-drained soil to thrive.

3. How can I prevent weeds from growing in my Dichondra Repens lawn?

Manual weeding and applying mulch around the base of the plant will help suppress weeds and maintain a healthy ground cover.

Conclusion

Caring for Dichondra Repens is simple and low-maintenance, making it an ideal choice for Australian gardens. 

With proper watering, fertilising, and trimming, this resilient plant will thrive throughout the year. 

By following these essential care guidelines, you’ll ensure that your Dichondra Repens stays lush, healthy, and attractive in any climate.

From Queensland’s heat to Victoria’s cooler winters, Dichondra Repens is adaptable and robust enough to withstand the varying weather conditions across Australia. 

Whether you’re replacing a traditional lawn or adding ground cover to a garden bed, Dichondra Repens is a great, eco-friendly choice that will reward you with its beauty and low-maintenance nature for years to come.