Detailed Explanation of Dichondra Sowing and Propagation Methods
Dichondra, known as the “green carpet”, is a plant commonly used to stabilize ditch slopes and riverbanks, and is very common in places such as parks and courtyards. Besides being used for slope stabilization, Dichondra itself is also an ornamental plant, and after proper pruning and shaping it can form a waterfall-shaped cascade.
Dichondra Sowing Methods
1. Sowing time: For Dichondra, spring sowing is best in April to May, and autumn sowing is best in September to October. When the soil temperature reaches 21 degrees C, this is the best sowing time. The sowing rate is 10 to 15 grams per square meter. Before sowing, soaking the seeds in 50 mg/kg GA for 4 hours gives better results.
2. Sowing method: When sowing Dichondra, drill or broadcast the treated seeds onto a prepared seedbed, then rake the soil so the seeds enter the soil 1 to 2 cm deep, firm the soil, and cover with non-woven fabric or straw curtains to increase temperature and maintain humidity, encouraging uniform emergence and improving the germination rate.
Dichondra Propagation Methods
1. Seed propagation of Dichondra
Seed propagation of Dichondra can be done in spring or autumn. Spring sowing is best in April to May, and autumn sowing is best in September to October, but the best time is still spring.
The best temperature for seed propagation of Dichondra is 21 degrees C. Before sowing, soak the seeds for 4 hours first, then sow, for better results. Before sowing Dichondra, prepare the seedbed first, disinfect the soil in advance, and water it thoroughly. Drill or broadcast the treated seeds onto the prepared seedbed, then cover with about 1-2 cm of soil, and cover with straw curtains, which can maintain the temperature and humidity for germination, encourage uniform emergence, and improve the germination rate.
After sowing, pay attention to watering. Generally, germination occurs 7 to 10 days after sowing. However, because the flower stalks of Dichondra are shorter than the leaf stalks, collecting seeds is not very convenient.
2. Division propagation of Dichondra
For division propagation of Dichondra, in April to May each year, dig up the creeping stems of Dichondra with soil, separate the prepared Dichondra plants into small divisions, and plant them. When planting, plant at a spacing of 15-20 cm. After determining the plant and row spacing, lay the divided Dichondra on the soil, press lightly after laying, and then spray with water.
Dichondra usually needs attention to watering and moisture retention, and weeds should be removed.
3. Other propagation methods of Dichondra
Dichondra can also be propagated by stem segments, mainly using its creeping stems. Choose a nursery site well, and apply fertilizer and water. This can be done from March to September. When planting stems, lay the Dichondra turf on the nursery, cover with soil and press firm, and water promptly. Generally, after about 2 months of growth, it can fully cover the ground. During the growth period, weeds must be pulled out promptly, generally 2-3 times. Dichondra can also be propagated vegetatively, and can be planted in dry conditions or in water.
Growth Habits of Dichondra
It grows in semi-shady, moist, fertile fields or mountain areas. It is shade-tolerant, moisture-tolerant, slightly drought-tolerant, and only tolerates slight trampling. When the temperature drops to -6 degrees C to -7 degrees C, it will suffer frost damage. Once successfully established, it can grow vigorously and set its own seed. It has strong adaptability.
How to Grow Dichondra into a Waterfall Effect
1. Light for Dichondra care
When growing Dichondra, light is very important. Dichondra needs an environment with sufficient light. With sufficient light and good ventilation, Dichondra will grow well with lush branches and leaves, and only then will hanging-basket Dichondra have a waterfall effect. It should be noted that Dichondra needs appropriate shading in summer.
2. Watering and fertilizing Dichondra
Watering is the key to good growth of Dichondra. Dichondra is a plant with relatively fine, dense roots and is not very drought-tolerant, so during cultivation the soil needs to be kept moist. Generally, when growing Dichondra, it needs reasonable watering and frequent spraying of water on the plants. Be careful not to let it lack water. Lack of water will cause Dichondra to drop leaves, and the branches and leaves will be sparse, affecting its ornamental value. With sufficient water, hanging-basket Dichondra will have dense branches and leaves.
Fertilizing is also a very important step. Dichondra prefers nitrogen fertilizer. With sufficient fertilizer, the branches and leaves will grow more luxuriantly, and it will be easier to create hanging-basket Dichondra with a waterfall effect. When growing Dichondra, nitrogen fertilizer can be applied together with watering, but do not contaminate the leaves.
3. Pruning Dichondra
To grow hanging-basket Dichondra into a waterfall effect, another very important point is pruning. Dichondra grows relatively fast, but during cultivation, appropriate pruning can make its branches and leaves more numerous and dense. Pruning can also promptly cut off leaves that affect the ornamental appearance and tidy up relatively messy growing branches. In this way, a beautiful waterfall can be shaped and its good form maintained.
The important thing in planting Dichondra is to provide a suitable living environment, so the sowing time of Dichondra is very crucial. Dichondra has many bold propagation methods, and different methods can be used for propagation when it is used for different purposes, so that Dichondra can be prompted to form the shape and effect we want.