Dichondra Silver Falls

What Is the Dichondra Silver Falls plant commonly used for?

Dichondra Silver Falls is a groundcover or trailing plant with beautiful silver foliage. It's commonly used as ground cover as its spreading habit makes it ideal for covering bare patches of ground, suppressing weeds, and creating a dense carpet of colour. It can be planted between paving stones or stepping stones, softening the hard surfaces and adding visual interest. Alternatively, it makes for a wonderful indoor plant or complement for a potted shrub. In these circumstances it will trail over the sides of the pot and bring both texture and colour to a space.

Dichondra Silver Falls care

Dichondra Silver Falls is a relatively low-maintenance ground cover plant that doesn’t need a lot of care provided you get a few things right. For the most vibrant colour, plant in full sun. Good drainage is crucial to prevent waterlogging which can lead to root rot. On sites with compacted or poor soil conditions the plants will generally fail. Dichondra Silver Falls is moisture sensitive and cannot be allowed to completely dry out. Only water when the top of the soil is dry and avoid over-watering this plant. A fertiliser application in spring will help keep the plant healthy and actively growing. Minimal pruning is usually needed but can trim lightly to remove any dead or damaged growth and to maintain a compact shape. You can also pull out any rooted stems that spread beyond the desired area to control its growth. It's generally hardy but does not cope with frost and requires either protecting or moving to a frost-free area. Finally, Dichondra Silver Falls is generally pest and disease resistant. However, keep an eye out for common garden pests like aphids or slugs and treat with an insecticide if levels are causing damage.

Dichondra Silver Falls spacing

The Dichondra Silver Falls plant spacing is generally 50 cm between the plants when grown as a ground cover. Going wider than 50 cm will take longer for the plants to fill in and likely result in more weeding in the interim. If they are being grown between pavers, the spacing is typically one on each side of the paver.

Where to buy Dichondra Silver Falls in NZ

The Plant Company has the best Dichondra Silver Falls plants to buy in NZ. Our production nursery specialises in growing amazing plants and our logistics team pack them carefully for our customers. The pricing is competitive and the quality is exceptional. Let us look after your plant needs and impress you with both our products and service!

What are the best growing conditions for Dichondra Silver Falls?

Dichondra Silver Falls grows best when planted in full sun or partial shade on a well-drained site. We cannot emphasise enough the importance of good drainage as plants can become diseased and die if drainage is poor or they are constantly waterlogged. It will tolerate coastal environments but must be protected from frost and wind.

What is the best temperature for Dichondra Silver Falls?

The ideal temperature range for Dichondra Silver Falls is between 18°C and 29°C. This temperature range supports healthy growth and vibrant foliage. Temperatures below 16°C (60°F) can cause growth to slow down significantly or even cease. NB: Dichondra Silver Falls is not frost-tolerant. In regions experiencing frost, it is typically grown as an annual or needs to be brought indoors or protected in a frost-free environment during winter.

Dichondra Silver Falls propagation

Propagating Dichondra Silver Falls is usually by division or cuttings. Division is the simplest and often quickest method, especially for established plants. Spring or early autumn are the best times, when the plant is actively growing but not under the stress of extreme heat or cold. Gently lift a section of the plant with a garden trowel and carefully tease apart the root ball with your hands or a small tool, ensuring each division has roots and foliage attached. Replant the divisions immediately in their new locations at the same depth as the original plant. Stem cuttings is another reliable method to create new plants during spring or summer when the plant is actively growing. Select healthy, actively growing stems that are a few inches long. Make a clean cut just below a leaf node, remove the lower leaves, leaving only a few at the top. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone to encourage faster root development and insert the cuttings into a moist, well-draining potting mix or seed-starting mix. You can cover the cuttings with a clear plastic bag or humidity dome to create a humid environment, which aids rooting. Place them in indirect sunlight. Roots should develop within a few weeks. You'll know they've rooted when you see new growth. Once well-rooted, carefully transplant the cuttings into individual pots or directly into the garden.

What causes the Dichondra Silver Falls browning?

Browning in Dichondra Silver Falls can be caused by several factors. Over-watering or poor drainage will cause browning leaves that start from the base of the plant and are coupled with yellowing leaves, wilting, mushy stems, and potentially root rot. Underwatering, on the other hand, will cause crispy or dry brown leaf edges and tips, wilting leaves, and stunted growth. Scorched brown patches on the leaves, especially on the upper surfaces can indicate too much direct sunlight. This can occur when plants are not conditioned to the brighter light. Browning or blackening of leaves, especially after a frost, will see the plants with a damaged and limp appearance. Browning can sometimes be a sign of nutrient deficiency or toxicity, although this is less common than watering or light issues. Yellowing followed by browning might indicate a lack of certain nutrients, while over-fertilizing can lead to leaf burn and browning. Browning accompanied by other signs like webbing (spider mites), sticky residue (aphids), or leaf spots (fungal diseases) is possible, though less likely with this plant.