Photo: Alex AbairCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Dichondra Plant Care
Dichondra carolinensis Michx.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is known for its small, round leaves covered in silvery hairs, giving it a unique shimmering appearance. Originally from North America, its low-growing, creeping habit makes it an attractive ground cover option for plant collectors looking to add a touch of natural beauty to their gardens.
Every 3–7 days
Full sun to part shade
60–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Dichondra?
Water Dichondra every 3–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to part shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Dichondra Native To?
What Is the Dichondra?
Dichondra (Dichondra carolinensis) belongs to the Convolvulaceae family within the Dichondra genus. Dichondra is native to Bermuda and the south-eastern United States. Dichondra is also known as Kidney Weed, Carolina Dichondra.
Dichondra displays a low-growing, spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Dichondra produces tiny inconspicuous flowers.
How Often Should You Water a Dichondra?
Dichondra carolinensis requires watering every 3–7 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 3–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Dichondra Need?
Dichondra thrives in full sun to part shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to part shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Dichondra Prefer?
Dichondra carolinensis grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Dichondra prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Dichondra?
Well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Dichondra to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Dichondra?
Feed Dichondra every month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Dichondra?
Repot every 1-2 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Dichondra?
Dichondra can be propagated through by seeds or stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to silver ponyfoot plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Dichondra Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Dichondra, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Dichondra?
Dichondra is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Dichondra Need?
Dichondra grows outdoors in USDA Zone 7a – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 7a. Dichondra is native to Bermuda and the south-eastern United States.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 7a – 10b
Keep exploring plants
Dichondra is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Dichondra genus — compare its care with other Dichondra species on PlantoScan.
Dichondra is part of the Convolvulaceae plant family — browse all Convolvulaceae genera and species.
Dichondra thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Dichondra carolinensis Michx., family Convolvulaceae (first published in Fl. Bor.-Amer. 1: 136 (1803)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Dichondra, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Alex Abair, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 7a – 10b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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