Silverleaf desmodium Plant Care

Silverleaf desmodium (Desmodium uncinatum) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Desmodium genus. Silverleaf desmodium is native to Latin America, and introduced as a fodder to various locales in Africa, India, New Guinea, Australia and Hawaii. Silverleaf desmodium is also known as Uña de gato, Mackay's green desmodium, Desmodium hjalmarsonii.

Silverleaf desmodium displays a spreading, low-growing perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Silverleaf desmodium produces small, pea-like flowers in shades of pink, purple, or white.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Desmodium uncinatum requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.

Silverleaf desmodium thrives in bright indirect to full sun. Avoid placing Silverleaf desmodium in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Desmodium uncinatum grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Silverleaf desmodium prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Silverleaf desmodium to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Silverleaf desmodium every 6 months 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.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Repot every 1-2 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.

Silverleaf desmodium can be propagated through seeds, division of roots, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to showy tick-trefoil plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Silverleaf desmodium 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.

Silverleaf desmodium grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Silverleaf desmodium is native to Latin America, and introduced as a fodder to various locales in Africa, India, New Guinea, Australia and Hawaii. In cooler regions, grow Silverleaf desmodium as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.