Dichondra (Dichondra micrantha)
Care, watering, light and tips for Dichondra on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Convolvulaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 3 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
About Dichondra
Dichondra micrantha, also known as 'mouse ear' or 'dichondra repens', is a perennial plant from the Convolvulaceae family, valued for its dense foliage of small, bright green, kidney-shaped leaves. It forms a thick, low-growing carpet, ideal for ground cover, lawn substitute in low-traffic areas, or as a trailing plant in pots and hanging baskets.
Native range
East Asia (China, Korea, Japan) and Southeast Asia
Care tips
It requires full to partial sunlight; it tolerates light shade but its growth will be less dense. Watering should be regular to keep the substrate moist but not waterlogged, especially during warm months; it is sensitive to prolonged drought. It prefers well-drained, fertile, and slightly acidic soils. A common mistake is overwatering in heavy soils, which can lead to root rot.
How to save a dying Dichondra
- Warning signs
- Yellowish or brown leaves, slow or no growth, limp and withered appearance.
- First aid
- Check watering (moist but not soggy soil), improve drainage and light (partial shade is ideal).
- What kills it
- Overwatering (root rot) or prolonged extreme dryness. Also strong direct sun.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, it's quite resilient. Act fast by correcting watering and location. It can re-sprout.