Dichondra (Dichondra) is one of the representatives of the family Convolvulus. Cultivated as a groundcover and ampelous plant. It is often decorated with apartments, flower beds, terraces, gazebos and balconies. Appreciated for its beautiful thick foliage resembling flowing streams of a waterfall. Suitable for creating hedges, shading and decoration of facades. Ampelic dichondra is expressive in hanging planters, groundcover - spreads on the soil with a beautiful dense "carpet".
New Zealand is considered to be the homeland, but the flower is also found in Australia, America and East Asia, where it grows like an ordinary weed. The name "Dichondra" (from the Greek "Two Grains") was due to the shape of its fruits. Florists began to grow this plant relatively recently, but very quickly appreciated and loved it.
Description
Dichondra is evergreen, grassy, with a superficial root system. Her stems sprout quickly in nodules, which gives her the opportunity to more quickly form numerous new shoots.
Characteristic external characteristics of the plant:
- Shoots rise to a height of 10 cm, and the lashes grow in length to 2 or even up to 8 meters. Thickly covered with leaves, they lie on the ground with a beautiful, dense, fluffy carpet.
- The leaves are simple, similar to coins or kidney-shaped, up to 2.5 cm in size, come in two shades - silver or emerald. Petioles up to 3 cm long.
- The flowers are small, 2-3 mm in diameter, with a cream, purple or greenish tint, bloom from spring to late summer.
- Fruit - a box in the form of a ball with two capsules of hairy seeds in a small amount.
Popular views
Two varieties of Dichondra are especially popular:
- Emerald waterfall - green rounded, not too large leaves;
- Silver Falls - characterized by characteristic silver-ash leaves, longer and less dense branches than the previous one.
Growing a house
Dichondra can be grown at home. Landing and caring for it does not require much effort. All she needs is:
- timely watering;
- proper lighting;
- comfortable temperature;
- regular top dressing;
- correctly selected soil when landing;
- appropriate capacity (flowerpot).
This plant harmoniously coexists with others, so it is often included in a variety of compositions. Dichondra is planted around the edge so that it favorably sets off the beauty of flowering plants with its falling waterfall of leaves.
Location, lighting, temperature, humidity
Unlike dichondra, a silver waterfall that loves good lighting, the emerald variety grows beautifully in darkened places. Its round green leaves in the shade are larger than in the sun.
The most comfortable temperature for this herbaceous plant is from +18 to +25 degrees. In order not to die from frost, he needs at least +10 degrees. Therefore, it is advisable to store dichondra in the winter, either in a greenhouse or in a house.
By its nature, Dichondra is a moisture-loving plant. If the room has dry air, you need to spray its leaves more often.
Pot selection, watering
Dichondra loves water, but it is necessary that its root system does not rot. Stagnation of moisture in the soil is fatal for this plant. Therefore, a wide drainage layer should be laid in the tank. The flower will be able to survive a little time without water and quickly recover after watering.
To exclude a burn of leaves, the irrigation liquid must be served under the root. This is best done in the evening. By winter, watering should be gradually reduced.
Soil, transplant, pruning
Dichondra bushes can look attractive for more than 5 years, if properly looked after. It is not pretentious to the soil. It behaves better in slightly acidic soils, loam.
To create a dense crown, the plant must be cut periodically. When the roots begin to poke through the drainage holes, the plant needs to be transplanted into a more suitable container.
A flower transplant is performed using the transhipment method. Expanded clay is laid in a thick layer at the bottom of the container and is covered with earth from above. The sticking roots of the plant should be trimmed, and then turn the pot over, holding its top. At the same time, pull the pot with the other hand from the plant. Place the roots in prepared dishes, sprinkling with fresh soil.
Top dressing
As fertilizing, conventional fertilizers for ornamental deciduous plants are used. In the summer you need to feed 4 times a month, alternating organic and mineral fertilizers. During the "wintering" feeding the plant is not required.
Breeding
Dichondra multiplies in many ways:
- by seeds;
- layering;
- cuttings.
Obtaining young plants from seeds should be made in January-February:
- Fill the container with fertile soil (loose substrate).
- Seed in the ground. Place the grains 2-3 in pots to a depth of a centimeter. Sprinkle with earth and water.
- Cover with glass, maintaining all the time humidity and temperature from + 22C to + 24C.
- When the seedlings sprout, remove the glass, put the container with seedlings in a well-lit place.
- You can use artificial lighting as additional lighting.
- After the appearance of at least 2 leaves on the seedlings, plants should be planted one at a time.
Cutting a flower through cuttings is much easier:
- In March, cut the cuttings and put in water.
- After 7 days, plant the stems in temporary containers with sand and peat.
- After another week, transplant the cuttings into a flowerpot or planter, cover with a greenhouse. After the formation of new kidneys, remove the jar.
Diseases, possible difficulties - table
Dichondra bush in its resistance to adverse factors is not inferior to other weeds. He is not particularly afraid of pests and diseases.
The most dangerous parasite for this plant is the nematode. As a rule, it appears in too wet soil. It is quite difficult to cure Dichondra from a nematode. The best way to counter this pest is to comply with the irrigation regime.
The main difficulties associated with the cultivation of Dichondra
| Cause | Signs |
| Inadequate watering. | Folded leaflets. |
| Inadequate lighting. | The silver variety loses its color and turns green. |
