How to Grow Dichondra Micrantha

Dichondra Micrantha is more commonly called kidney weed and is a trailing vine that gardeners often plant in shade gardens or use as a houseplant. It is native to China, Japan and Korea and is a perennial in warm climates. Tolerant of heat and drought, it reaches lengths of around 3 to 3 1/2 feet. Plant Dichondra Micrantha outdoors any time after the last frost.

Things You'll Need

• Continuous release plant fertilizer
• Herbicide containing either acephate or deltamethrin
• Liquid plant fertilizer (optional)

Instructions

1. Look for a planting location that has full shade or filtered, partial sunlight. Select a spot that is damp but does not collect standing water on it after rainfall.

2. Dig a hole that is only as deep and wide as the root system of the Dichondra Micrantha plant. Insert the roots into the hole and then backfill it completely. If you are planting multiple plants, space them at least 3 inches apart.

3. Water the soil every two to three days to keep the top of it consistently damp. Check the soil daily during summer when high temperatures can dry it out fast, and increase the watering frequency if necessary.

4. Apply a continuous release, all-purpose plant fertilizer to the soil under the Dichondra Micrantha using the amount specified for one plant. Reapply the fertilizer every two or three months as instructed on the fertilizer label.

5. Examine the foliage of the Dichondra Micrantha plant regularly for signs of the Dichondra flea beetle, which is the most common pest. If you detect beetles, spray the plant with an herbicide containing either acephate or deltamethrin.

Tips & Warnings

• If desired, fertilize monthly with a diluted liquid plant fertilizer product.

• You can also grow Dichondra Micrantha from seed using the same planting procedure.

References

• BBC Home: Kidney weed
• Plants For A Future: Dichondra micrantha - Urb.
• University of California: Turfgrass Dichondra Flea Beetle