Dichondra silver falls are a tough, drought tolerant plant and they can develop brown leaves if they get too much water. Other causes of brown leaves on dichondra silver falls includes underwatering, not enough sun, old leaves and poor soil.
This article will explore all you need to know about why dichondra silver falls turn brown and what you can do to save it.
Top reasons why dichondra falls turns brown
Here are the top 5 causes of dichondra leaves turning brown so you can work out what is going on with your own plant.
1. Too much water
If the leaves are brown and yellow, it is time to check the soil. Too much water can wash away nutrients, cause fungal growth on the roots causing root rot and cause leaf damage. If the soil is too wet it will lack oxygen and can cause brown leaves on dichondra.
Dichondra are known to be drought tolerant plants. What this means is that it can survive times without water. It will still benefit from regular water but needs time between watering to dry out. Watering dichondra too often or if the soil drainage is poor the leaves can turn brown, yellow and die off.
2. Underwatering
Dichondra can develop brown leaves if they are left to dry out too much. The leaves will start to curl, and then the edges will turn brown and then the whole leaf can brown. This will then extend up the stems until the plant dies completely.
Dichondra planted in pots are more likely to be underwatered than those in the ground. Ground soil will generally hold water better and dry out slower. Dichondra planted in black pots or are placed on concrete can dry out if they are not watered regularly.
3. Old leaves
Dichondra will naturally replace old leaves over time. Small, brown leaves that are on the inner stems are usually just old leaves being replaced by new ones.
4. Not enough sun
Dichondra will thrive if they are given longer hours of sunlight. A lack of sunlight can cause the leaves on the dichondra to turn brown. Plant dichondra in a position that gets as much light as you can. While they can tolerate shade, too much can turn their leaves brown.
5. Poor soil
Another cause of brown leaves on dichondra silver falls is poor soil. Old potting soil, heavy clay or fast draining sand can cause dichondra to suffer. If you have used succulent or cactus soil for your dichondra it will usually drain too fast causing the plant to dry out and the leaves to turn brown.
5 Easy steps to repair your dichondra
Here are my 5 easy tips to repair your dichondra after it develops brown leaves. It can recover quickly with these easy steps.
1. Trim damaged leaves
Trimming off damaged leaves is the first step to helping your plant to recover. Old, brown leaves will not grow back so trim them off if they are near the tips of the stems. Whole stems can be removed if they have died off to keep he plant looking neat and give it more room to grow new leaves.
2. Repot if the soil is poor
If your potting soil is dry, old or you have used succulent soil it is time to repot your dichondra. Tip the plant out of its current pot and gently remove excess old soil. You can choose a new pot that is 1 inch bigger to give the plant more room or plant it back into the same pot.
Use good quality all-purpose potting soil to repot your plant. Look for a potting soil with a slow release fertilizer to feed your plant. Place the plant back in the pot and backfill up to the same level it was planted with new soil. Water it in well to settle the soil around the roots.
3. Water deeply but allow it to dry out between
Regular water will keep your dichondra happy. In the summer months you may need to water dichondra once or twice per week. In the cooler months you can reduce your watering and only water once the soil has dried out. You may only need to water once every 1-2 weeks particularly if you are getting regular rain.
4. Move potted dichondra to a sunny position
Take the opportunity to move dichondra to a sunnier position if you can. Move potted dichondra to a position that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight.
You can lift and move your dichondra from the ground if it is suffering. Dig around the plant lifting as much of the root system as you can. Try to leave the soil around the roots to reduce transplant shock and water it in well in its new position.
5. Add some seaweed
The final step to help your dichondra to recover from brown leaves is to water it in with some seaweed solution. This will help the plant to grow strong roots, it will feed the soil bacteria and help the plant to recover quicker from repotting. Seaweed solution can be added to your watering can and added every month (or when you remember).
Will brown Dichondra Silver Falls come back?
Dichondra silver falls can come back if the problem causing the brown leaves is discovered and solved. Adjust your watering schedule to make sure the dichondra gets regular water but is allowed to dry out in between. Give it a sunny position and trim off any brown leaves and stems to tidy up the plant.
Dichondra Silver Falls Turning Brown | Summary
Dichondra silver falls will turn brown if it is getting too much water, if it dries out, if it is not getting enough sun or if it is replacing old leaves. The key to a healthy dichondra is good quality soil, regular water, allow it to dry out between watering and give it some seaweed to help strengthen the roots.
Dichondra are an easy care plant that will tolerate lots of sun and dry times.
Happy growing.
I am an accredited practicing dietitian, experienced gardener and a dedicated cook. I love writing and sharing my experience so you can learn from my successes and mistakes.