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Description
Dichondra Brachypoda, also known as Kidneyweed or Dichondra Silver Falls, is a creeping perennial plant native to New Zealand and Australia. It is a member of the Convolvulaceae family and is often grown as an ornamental plant due to its unique trailing habit and attractive silver-green foliage.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Solanales |
| Family | Convolvulaceae |
| Genus | Dichondra |
Appearance
Dichondra Brachypoda has small, kidney-shaped leaves that are a silver-green color. The leaves are approximately 1-2 cm in diameter and grow on long, thin stems that can reach up to 90 cm in length. The plant produces small, inconspicuous flowers that are white or pale pink in color and bloom in the summer. When grown in hanging baskets or containers, Dichondra Brachypoda has a trailing habit and can create a beautiful cascading effect.
Care Guide
Dichondra Brachypoda is a relatively low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Follow these guidelines to ensure your plant thrives:
- Water: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
- Fertilization: Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
- Soil: Plant in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: Dichondra Brachypoda prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun in cooler climates.
- Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in zones 9-11 but can be grown as an annual in other zones.
Common Pests & Diseases
Dichondra Brachypoda is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. To prevent this, make sure the soil has good drainage and avoid watering excessively.
Habitat
Dichondra Brachypoda is native to New Zealand and Australia and thrives in areas with mild, moist climates. It grows best in partial shade or full sun in cooler climates and prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Dichondra Brachypoda be grown indoors?
A: Yes, Dichondra Brachypoda can be grown indoors in a bright, sunny window or under grow lights.
Q: How often should I fertilize my Dichondra Brachypoda plant?
A: Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
Q: Is Dichondra Brachypoda a good ground cover?
A: Yes, Dichondra Brachypoda is an excellent ground cover due to its trailing habit and low-maintenance requirements.
Q: How often should I water my Dichondra Brachypoda plant?
A: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, making sure not to overwater or let the soil become waterlogged.
Related Plants
- Dichondra Argentea
- Dichondra Micrantha
- Dichondra Repens
- Dichondra Silver Falls
References
- “Dichondra Brachypoda.” Plantz Africa, South African National Biodiversity Institute, www.plantzafrica.com/plantcd/dichondbrach.htm.
- “Dichondra Brachypoda.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=e341.
- “Dichondra Brachypoda.” Gardening Know How, www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/groundcover/dichondra/growing-dichondra-groundcover.htm.
