As a passionate houseplant enthusiast, I am particularly drawn to Dichondra, an alternative ground cover with a wealth of potential applications beyond traditional landscaping. Dichondra is a herbaceous perennial that intersects my interest in indoor horticulture aesthetics with turfgrass maintenance and care.

One of the most appealing aspects of Dichondra for me is the native conditions that make it an ideal choice for indoor cultivation. The plant is primarily found in the southeastern United States, within hardiness zones 9A, 9B, 10A, 10B, 11A, 11B, 12A, and 12B, where temperatures range between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit and do not drop below 25 degrees Fahrenheit. While moisture-rich soil can lead to root rot, Dichondra thrives in sandy loam soil and can withstand drought conditions. It also grows well in a range of sunlight exposure from full sun to shade, making it an excellent choice for a variety of landscapes and indoor container gardens.

Dichondra's unique appearance also sets it apart as a ground cover option. Unlike monocot turfgrasses, Dichondra is a dicot plant that resembles mini waterlilies, growing to a height of two to four inches. While the inflorescence produced when Dichondra is allowed to flower is white to greenish yellow, the flowers are rather insignificant. Dichondra can be planted via seed or plugs and has a rapid germination period of just 14 days, taking six to eight weeks to become fully established. Its creeping habit means that it spreads by both rhizomes and stolons, creating a dense ground cover by rooting at each node. As a houseplant enthusiast, I find that Dichondra is particularly suited to planting in hanging baskets, allowing it to grow over edges and create a lovely curtain of kidney-shaped leaves.

When considering Dichondra for use in landscapes or pots, it is important to note that it cannot withstand heavy foot traffic. It is commonly found in low-traffic, hard-to-mow areas, or used to retain soil along rock walls or paths created by pavers. Additionally, there are two main varieties of Dichondra: Dichondra carolinensis, which has deep green leaves that are almost the same color as common turfgrass, and Dichondra argentea, which has silvery green leaves with a metallic sheen. The distinctive appearance of Dichondra argentea makes it a striking addition to any green scape and an excellent choice for plant hobbyists or landscapers seeking visual interest without the need for flowering plants.

Maintaining a lush Dichondra lawn requires proactive care. It is a great weed control method as the thick mat created by the plant's rhizomes and stolons makes it hard for weeds to establish themselves. However, if weeds do manage to grow, they can be challenging to remove without damaging the Dichondra. Unfortunately, there is no chemical herbicide that can control weed growth without also harming the plant. Therefore, it's essential to be vigilant and catch weeds early to avoid their spread.

Dichondra can also attract various pests, such as flea beetles, cutworms, and weevils. These pests usually infest Dichondra when it's under stress caused by severe weather or irregular maintenance. Fortunately, dealing with pests is easier than eradicating weeds as there are many insecticides and natural remedies that can be used. Also, improper maintenance often causes stress that leads to weed and pest infestations. Therefore, to maintain a healthy Dichondra lawn, it's crucial to fertilize it strictly and water it deeply and infrequently. Dichondra requires monthly year-round fertilization, and natural decomposable compost is the easiest method. If chemical fertilizers are used, the leaves should be washed off to ensure the fertilizer reaches the soil and the dense root system. Overwatering can cause shallow roots, providing a perfect opportunity for weeds and pests to infiltrate. However, not watering enough can cause leaves to wilt, which can be fatal to the plant.

Controlling Dichondra's spread is the easiest part of its maintenance. This can be done using edging tools or creating raised barriers to redirect the above-ground runners back to their designated area. While it may be tempting to let the Dichondra grow without mowing, the risks of weed and pest infestations, along with strict fertilizer requirements, may dissuade some landscapers.

As an avid houseplant enthusiast, I find Dichondra's spreading habits and appearance quite appealing, making it ideal for container gardens or hanging planters. However, from a landscaper's perspective, its pest, weed, and root rot risk would rule it out as a full lawn option. While Dichondra may be a personal favorite, it may not be a practical choice for a vast lawn area.