How to take care of Dichondras?

sadaf

Hi,

I just got my landscaping done last week and have dichondras planted on a retaining wall.

My landscaper told me to water them everyday for the first week to get the roots established and then lessen watering after a week.

I only watered for around 3 days and didnt water for the past 2 days as I m in Melbourne and the weather has been bad and raining.

This morning I noticed the dichondras to be like this (photos attached)

Can you please help me what to do?

I got the soil meter and checked and the soil is definitely moist (did the finger test as well)

Will this revive if I completely stop watering? Or do I need to give up and get new dichondras?

What else should I be doing for healthy growth?

 

EricL

Hello @sadaf 

From the photo and your description, it looks like your dichondra is stressed rather than dead. The leaves have wilted and browned slightly, which can happen during the transplant stage. This is often a temporary response while the roots adjust to their new environment.
 

The fact that the soil is still moist both by finger test and soil meter is important. Overwatering is actually a bigger risk than underwatering once the soil already holds moisture. Dichondra likes consistent but not waterlogged conditions, so if it has been raining in Melbourne and the soil is still damp, you do not need to water further right now. Allowing the top layer of soil to dry slightly before the next watering is healthy and encourages roots to dig deeper.
 

The mulch around the plant will help retain moisture, but it is worth pulling the mulch slightly back from the crown of the plant so the base does not stay too wet. Your plant’s roots are still establishing, and some transplant shock is normal. Trim away any dead or brown leaves so the plant can put its energy into new growth. If you see healthy green shoots at the base, it is a good sign the plant will bounce back.
 

To help recovery, keep monitoring soil moisture with your finger rather than watering on a fixed schedule. Only water when the top two to three centimetres feel dry. With the current Melbourne rain, that may mean skipping watering for several days at a time. If the weather turns hot and dry again, you can return to light, frequent watering until the plants spread and establish.
 

You do not need to give up and buy new dichondra yet. This one has a good chance of reviving as long as the roots have not rotted. Within a couple of weeks, you should start seeing fresh green growth if conditions are balanced.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric