If you’re looking for a plant that will add a touch of elegance to your home, the Emerald Falls Dichondra is a great choice. This plant is perfect for those who want to add a bit of color to their décor, but don’t want the hassle of caring for a flowering plant.
The Emerald Falls is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about the Emerald Falls plant, including how to care for it and what kind of light, water, soil, and temperature requirements it has. We’ll also touch on common diseases and how to propagate the Emerald Falls plant.
So if you’re interested in adding an Emerald Falls to your home, read on for everything you need to know about this beautiful plant!
Emerald Falls Plant Summary
Here’s a quick summary of the facts that you need to know about this plant:
| Botanical Name | Dichondra repens |
| Common Name | Kidney weed, Dichondra |
| Plant Type | Perennial |
| Flower Color | Inconspicuous, white flowers that are under 1″ in size. |
| Size When Mature | Up to 4 inches tall, Up to 48 inches wide. |
| Bloom Time | Can flower at any time of the year. Spring and summer are more prevalent. |
| Sun Requirements | Full/Partial Sun |
| USDA Hardiness Zones | 7-11 |
| Soil PH Range | Acid, Neutral, Alkaline |
| Soil Type | Clay, Loamy, Clay loam, Sandy Loam, Poor Soil, well-draining |
| Water Needs | Low |
| Native Area | Australia, New Zealand |
What You Need to Know About Emerald Falls Dichondra
The Emerald Falls (Dichondra repens) is a member of the Dichondra genus which belongs to the morning glory family. As a big sister to Silver Falls (Dichondra argentea), this plant is native to New Zealand and a large part of Australia.
It occasionally bears the name “Kidney Weed” in Australia, and “Mercury Bay” in New Zealand. The name kidney weed is mainly attributed to the shape of its leaves which resemble a kidney. This evergreen perennial plant produces small white flowers during the spring and summer months.
The Emerald Falls Dichondra can grow up to 4 inches in height and spread up to 4 feet. Its creeping habit makes it perfect for hanging baskets or as ground cover.
How to Care for Emerald Falls Plant
The Emerald Falls Plant is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are a few tips on how to care for your Emerald Falls Plant:
1. Light
Dichondra repens does best in full sun, but can also tolerate partial shade. If you live in an area with hot summers, however, it’s best to provide some afternoon shade to protect the plant from the heat.
2. Water and Soil Needs
After the plants have established, your dichondra plants will require deep and infrequent watering. You will want to let the soil dry out slightly before watering again.
Note that this plant does not like to sit in wet or soggy soil. The Emerald Falls Dichondra is not particular about soil type or pH but does prefer well-drained soil. If your plant is in a pot, make sure that the pot has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
3. Temperature Requirements
Dichondra repens plants do best in USDA zones 7-11 and will thrive best when the soil temperatures are within a range of 70-75ºF. It’s best to plant your seeds when the daytime temperatures are averaging in the 70s, and nighttime temperatures are in the 50s.
4. Fertilizer
One of the major benefits of the Emerald Falls Dichondra is that it doesn’t really require fertilizer. In truth, this plant will easily thrive in soil that isn’t particularly nutrient-rich. You can, however, improve the structure of your soil with compost if it’s too rocky and poor.
If you have to fertilize, you’ll only be required to add ½ to 1 pound of nitrogen on a monthly basis when the growing season comes by.
5. Common Diseases
You’ll also love the fact that Emerald Falls plants are almost disease-resistant. It, however, isn’t out of the ordinary to sight cutworms and flea beetles on your plants.
While these pests are likely to damage and weaken the foliage of your plants, you often don’t have to take any action. That’s in consideration that healthy plants will overcome pest nibbling without your intervention.
In the cases of heavy infestations, however, you can always use insecticide to get rid of the culprits.
Propagating Dichondra repens
The Emerald Falls Dichondra is relatively easy to propagate, thanks to its creeping habit. All that you have to do is to dig out stems that have roots on them and lay the stems on well-prepared soil.
Keeping the soil moist (not soggy) will encourage the plant to develop a strong root system in no time.