Dichondra

Description

Dichondra (Dichondra spp.) is a genus of low-growing, creeping, and trailing plants that are commonly used as groundcovers in lawns, gardens, and landscapes. The name Dichondra comes from the Greek words “di” meaning two and “chondros” meaning grain or seed, referring to the plant’s two-seeded fruit.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Dichondra has small, circular, and flat leaves that are bright to dark green in color, depending on the species. The leaves are about 1-2 cm in diameter and grow on long, slender stems that can reach up to 1 meter in length. The plant produces tiny, inconspicuous, and white or yellow flowers that bloom throughout the year. Some popular species of Dichondra include Dichondra argentea, Dichondra carolinensis, and Dichondra micrantha.

Care Guide

Dichondra is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some key points to keep in mind when caring for Dichondra:

• Water: Water the plant regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot.
• Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
• Soil: Dichondra thrives in well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. A soil pH of 5.5-6.5 is ideal.
• Sunlight: Dichondra prefers partial shade to full sun. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can cause the plant to become leggy.
• Hardiness Zones: Dichondra can grow in USDA hardiness zones 9-11.

Common Pests & Diseases

Dichondra is generally not susceptible to many pests or diseases. However, some common problems that can affect Dichondra include:

• Leaf Spot: This fungal disease causes brown or black spots on the leaves of the plant. It can be treated with a fungicide.
• Spider Mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and browning of the leaves. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
• Cutworms: These caterpillars can cut through the stems of the plant, causing it to wilt and die. They can be controlled with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) or spinosad.

Habitat

Dichondra is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Australia, and the Americas. It grows in a variety of habitats, including wetlands, forests, and grasslands. The plant is commonly used as a groundcover in lawns, gardens, and landscapes due to its low-growing and spreading nature.

Question and Answer

Q: Is Dichondra a good plant for erosion control?
A: Yes, Dichondra is an excellent plant for erosion control due to its spreading and creeping nature.Q: Can Dichondra be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Dichondra can be grown in containers as long as the container has good drainage and the plant is watered regularly.Q: Does Dichondra require a lot of maintenance?
A: No, Dichondra is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care.Q: Can Dichondra be grown in full sun?
A: Yes, Dichondra can be grown in full sun as long as the soil is kept moist and the plant is not allowed to dry out.

Related Plants

• Clover (Trifolium spp.)
• Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia)
• Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum)
• Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata)

References

• “Dichondra.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 18 August 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287450.
• “Dichondra.” Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. Accessed 18 August 2021. https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/ornamentals/nativeshrubs/dichondra.htm.
• “Dichondra spp.” University of Florida IFAS Extension. Accessed 18 August 2021. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ep005.