Photo: Alex AbairCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Kidney Weed Plant Care
Dichondra repens J.R.Forst. & G.Forst.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's small, round, silver-green leaves cascade elegantly, creating a soft carpeting effect. Originally hailing from Australia and New Zealand, it is beloved by plant collectors for its unique texture and ability to thrive in low-maintenance conditions.
Every 3–5 days
Full sun to part shade
60–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Kidney Weed?
Water Kidney Weed every 3–5 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 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Kidney Weed Native To?
What Is the Kidney Weed?
Kidney Weed (Dichondra repens) belongs to the Convolvulaceae family within the Dichondra genus. Kidney Weed is native to Australia, New Zealand, and the Indian Ocean islands, Mauritius, Réunion and Rodrigues. Kidney Weed is also known as Dichondra, Mercury Bay Weed, Lawn Leaf.
Kidney Weed displays a low-growing, spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Kidney Weed produces tiny inconspicuous flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Kidney Weed?
Dichondra repens requires watering every 3–5 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 3–5 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Kidney Weed Need?
Kidney Weed thrives in full sun to part shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to part shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Kidney Weed Prefer?
Dichondra repens grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Kidney Weed prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Kidney Weed?
Well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Kidney Weed to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Kidney Weed?
Feed Kidney Weed 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 Kidney Weed?
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 Kidney Weed?
Kidney Weed 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 Kidney Weed Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Kidney Weed, 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 Kidney Weed?
Kidney Weed 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 Kidney Weed Need?
Kidney Weed grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8a. Kidney Weed is native to Australia, New Zealand, and the Indian Ocean islands, Mauritius, Réunion and Rodrigues.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 8a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Kidney Weed 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.
Kidney Weed 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 repens J.R.Forst. & G.Forst., family Convolvulaceae (first published in Char. Gen. Pl. : 40 (1776)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Kidney Weed, 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 8a – 11b, 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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