Lawn Leaf Dichondra (Dichondra micrantha)

Lawn Leaf Dichondra

Dichondra micrantha

It spreads softly as a living carpet, turning bare ground into green silk. Low-growing perennial groundcover; common name: kidney weed.

Partial sun
1–2/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Prefers partial sun to full shade; tolerates short periods of direct morning sun, avoid intense midday sun to prevent leaf scorch
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Watering Water deeply when the top 1–2 cm of soil is dry; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot in poorly drained soil
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Temperature Thrives in 15–25°C; can tolerate light frost down to 5°C, protect from hard freezes below 0°C
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Round, kidney-shaped (reniform) leaves, 0.5–2 cm wide, bright green, smooth texture
  • Flower: Tiny, pale greenish-white star-shaped blooms, less than 0.5 cm in diameter, inconspicuous
  • Stem: Slender, creeping stems that root at nodes to form continuous green mats
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged

Fertilization

Diluted balanced feed once every 4 weeks. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent excessive foliage growth that reduces mat density

Eggshell powder top dressing:Sprinkle a thin layer of crushed, dried eggshells on the soil surface; gently work into the top 1 cm to avoid disturbing shallow roots
Pruning
  • Trim edges to maintain desired spread and prevent encroachment into garden beds
  • Remove any yellow or dead foliage to keep the groundcover mat uniform and healthy
  • Thin overcrowded patches to improve airflow and light penetration to lower foliage
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA-verified non-toxic to cats

Humans: No known toxicity to humans

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Groundcover, lawn alternative, hanging basket filler, erosion control on slopes