How to Plant Dichondra Repens: Easy Growing Guide

Looking for a low-maintenance, eco-friendly lawn alternative? Dichondra Repens, also known as kidney weed, could be just what you need. 

With its lush green, kidney-shaped leaves and soft, carpet-like appearance, it’s ideal for filling bare spots in the garden or covering larger areas. 

Thriving in various climates, including Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne, it’s a hardy option that stays vibrant all year round. 

Keep reading for easy tips on planting and caring for this versatile ground cover.

How to Plant Dichondra Repens?

Plant Dichondra Repens in well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight. Space the plants 4-6 inches apart, water thoroughly, and ensure the area stays moist as they establish roots.

Key Takeaways

• Dichondra Repens is a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant ground cover perfect for Australian gardens.
• Proper soil preparation and watering are essential for successful planting.
• Regular mowing and fertilising will help keep the plant healthy and vibrant.

What is Dichondra Repens?

Dichondra Repens is a fast-growing, evergreen ground cover plant native to Australia. 

Unlike traditional grass, it grows in dense, low mats, which make it an ideal alternative for creating low-maintenance lawns. 

Dichondra Repens can withstand moderate foot traffic, making it perfect for garden beds, around pools, or as a replacement for lawns in areas with poor soil. 

It also requires minimal mowing, reducing the amount of maintenance needed over time.

Benefits of Planting Dichondra Repens

Before getting into the process of planting, it’s important to understand why Dichondra Repens is such a popular choice for Australian gardeners.

Low Maintenance

One of the major benefits of planting Dichondra Repens is its low-maintenance nature. 

Unlike traditional lawns that require frequent mowing and watering, Dichondra Repens requires minimal upkeep once established. 

It thrives in full sun or partial shade, making it versatile for various garden conditions.

Drought Tolerant

In many parts of Australia, such as Western Australia and South Australia, drought conditions are common. 

Fortunately, Dichondra Repens is drought-tolerant, requiring less water than traditional grass varieties. 

This makes it a more sustainable choice for lawns in areas with water restrictions or dry spells.

Erosion Control

Due to its dense growth habit, Dichondra Repens is excellent for erosion control. 

If you have a sloped garden or a hillside area that is prone to soil erosion, this plant can provide stability and prevent the soil from washing away during heavy rain.

How to Plant Dichondra Repens

Planting Dichondra Repens is simple and can be done in a few easy steps. By following the correct procedure, you’ll have a healthy, thriving ground cover in no time. 

Here’s how to plant Dichondra Repens for maximum growth.

Step 1: Choose the Right Location

Dichondra Repens thrives in a wide range of conditions but does best in well-drained soil. Choose a spot that receives partial sun to full sun, depending on your climate. 

For example, if you live in a region with harsher sun like Queensland or New South Wales, a partially shaded spot may be ideal to prevent the plant from drying out too quickly.

Step 2: Prepare the Soil

Before planting, it’s essential to prepare the soil to give your Dichondra Repens the best possible start. 

Remove any weeds or existing grass that could compete with the new plant for nutrients. 

Loosen the soil with a rake or a garden fork to a depth of about 5-10 cm. Add organic matter or compost to enrich the soil and improve drainage, especially in heavier soils. 

This will encourage healthy root growth and promote a strong, resilient plant.

Step 3: Planting Seeds or Sprigs

Dichondra Repens can be planted using either seeds or sprigs (small sections of established plants).

For Seeds: Scatter the seeds evenly across the soil. Lightly rake the surface to cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil, ensuring they are in good contact with the soil. 

Gently water to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.

For Sprigs: If you’re planting sprigs, space them about 30-40 cm apart. Plant each sprig at the same depth as it was in its original pot or location. Water well after planting.

Step 4: Watering

After planting, it’s important to keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate or the sprigs take root. 

This may take about 2-3 weeks depending on the temperature and weather conditions. Once established, Dichondra Repens is drought-tolerant and will require much less frequent watering.

Caring for Dichondra Repens

Once your Dichondra Repens is planted and established, it will require minimal care. However, a little maintenance can go a long way in ensuring it remains healthy and vibrant.

Watering

Dichondra Repens is drought-tolerant but will perform best with regular watering during dry spells. Make sure to water deeply and less frequently to encourage deep root growth. 

Watering early in the morning helps prevent disease and ensures the plant gets the moisture it needs before the heat of the day.

Mowing

While Dichondra Repens doesn’t require frequent mowing, it may need a light trim every 6-8 weeks to keep it looking neat and tidy. 

Use a push mower or whipper snipper on the highest setting to avoid cutting too much of the plant.

Fertilising

Fertilise your Dichondra Repens once or twice a year with a slow-release lawn fertiliser. 

Apply the fertiliser in early spring and autumn to encourage healthy growth and vibrant green colour.

Weed Control

Dichondra Repens can become thick enough to suppress weeds, but it’s still important to keep an eye out for any invasive species. 

If necessary, use an organic or non-toxic weed control method to prevent unwanted plants from competing for space and nutrients.

Common Issues and Solutions

Although Dichondra Repens is generally a hardy plant, it may face some common issues. Here’s how to deal with them:

Overwatering

Overwatering can cause the plant to become waterlogged, which may lead to root rot. Make sure the soil drains well and avoid excessive watering. 

Water deeply and allow the soil to dry out between waterings.

Pests

Dichondra Repens is relatively pest-resistant, but like all plants, it can occasionally attract pests like aphids or mealybugs. 

If you notice any pests, use a safe insecticidal soap or rinse the leaves with water to remove them.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I grow Dichondra Repens in full sun?

Yes, Dichondra Repens can thrive in full sun or partial shade, making it suitable for various garden conditions in Australia.

2. How often should I water Dichondra Repens?

Once established, Dichondra Repens is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering. During dry spells, water deeply every few weeks.

3. Can I plant Dichondra Repens in poor soil?

Dichondra Repens can grow in a range of soil types, but it performs best in well-drained soil. Add compost or organic matter to improve soil quality before planting.

Conclusion

Dichondra Repens is an excellent choice for gardeners in Australia who are looking for a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant ground cover. 

Whether you live in Brisbane, Perth, or Adelaide, this resilient plant can thrive in a variety of conditions, from sunny spots to partially shaded areas. 

By following the simple steps outlined above, you can plant and grow Dichondra Repens successfully, creating a beautiful and eco-friendly lawn alternative.

With minimal watering and care, Dichondra Repens will reward you with a lush, green ground cover that adds beauty and functionality to your outdoor space. 

Whether you’re replacing a traditional lawn or simply adding a vibrant ground cover to your garden, Dichondra Repens is an excellent option to consider.