Silver Falls Dichondra (Dichondra argentea)

Silver Falls Dichondra

Dichondra argentea

Trailing silver foliage spills like liquid moonlight. Low-growing ornamental groundcover; common names: Silver Ponyfoot, Silver Falls.

Full sun
1–2/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; bright direct light preserves the silvery foliage color; tolerate light afternoon shade in hot climates
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Watering Allow the top 2 cm of soil to dry completely between waterings; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot in poorly drained soil
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Temperature Tolerates light frosts down to 10°C; prefers warm, arid growing conditions
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Small, rounded, silvery-gray, densely packed along trailing stems
  • Stem: Slender, creeping stems that root at nodes to form dense mats
  • Flower: Tiny, pale greenish-white, star-shaped blooms (rarely noticeable)
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Care Guide

Watering

Water when topsoil dries; increase frequency during prolonged heatwaves

Fertilization

Diluted balanced feed once monthly. Use low-nitrogen fertilizer to prevent excessive green foliage growth

Banana peel liquid fertilizer:Soak 1 peeled banana in 1 liter of water for 24 hours; dilute 1:2 with water before applying to soil to avoid nutrient burn
Pruning
  • Trim overgrown trailing stems to maintain compact shape and encourage bushier growth
  • Remove dead or yellowed foliage to improve airflow and appearance
  • Trim stems back by one-third in early spring to refresh the plant
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA-verified non-toxic; no known adverse effects for cats

Humans: Non-toxic to humans; safe for handling and accidental ingestion

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental groundcover, hanging basket foliage, erosion control in arid landscapes