How to Grow Silver Falls Plant Like a Pro

Silver falls plant is a creeping, trailing cultivar of Dichondra argentea, found naturally in desert areas of the southwestern U.S. and northern Mexico. This evergreen perennial is hardy only in USDA zones 10 and higher and is mostly grown as an ornamental annual.

It is noteworthy for soft, pewter-colored, fan-shaped leaves. Insignificant, pale, yellow-green, or white flowers may appear in early summer in ideal growing conditions, but silver falls plant is grown primarily for its decorative foliage. Increasingly popular in hanging baskets, rock gardens, and raised beds, the cascading, metallic leaves create a decorative accent for colorful flowers.

Silver Falls Plant Care

This is a low-maintenance plant free of most disease and pest problems.

• Full sun to light shade
• Well draining soil
• Allow soil to dry out between waterings

Lighting

Silver falls plant looks and performs best in full sun but tolerates a bit of light shade, especially in climates with hot summers.

Soil

This plant is not picky about soil provided it drains well. It grows best in sand, loam, or chalk. Consider raised beds or hanging baskets if the soil is predominantly clay or amend the planting area with sand.

A slightly acidic pH is recommended but silver falls plants are tolerant of neutral and slightly alkaline soils.

Water

Native to desert climates, silver falls plants prefer soil on the dry side and is drought tolerant. In temperate climates, rainfall is usually adequate for ground cover.

For hanging baskets mix it with other plants that prefer drier soil since overwatering can lead to root rot. Water lightly to keep soil evenly moist about once every nine or ten days when rainfall is insufficient.

Temperature and Humidity

Moderate temperatures between 68°F and 75°F promote plant health. Higher than 85°F causes heat stress. Below 60°F can cause stunting.

Silver falls succumbs to frost damage at temperatures below 25°F. Aim for a warm, dry environment with consistent heat and humidity.

Fertilizer

Annual plants don't require feeding provided soil contains adequate nutrients. Bedding plants and ground covers can be fertilized in early spring with a balanced NPK formula.

Pruning

Pruning is limited to cutting back trailing foliage for a lusher, fuller look. Remove growing tips as far back as the fourth set of leaves.

Use a sharp tool and cut just above a leaf node at a 45-degree angle. Weekly snipping throughout spring and summer gives this vigorous grower a pleasing form. Avoid pruning plants overwintered indoors.

Propagating Silver Falls Plant

When grown as an annual,sSilver falls is most often started from seed, but its creeping habit makes it especially easy to propagate by division.

Roots form at each point along the runners where a leaf node contacts the soil. Simply separate one or several that have rooted, dig them out, and replant them in a new location.

How to Grow Silver Falls Plant From Seed

Start seeds in flats 12 weeks before final frost using a moistened soilless potting mix. Germination is light dependent so press seeds into soil but don't cover. Add a plastic dome for humidity and place in a warm location with temperatures between 70°F and 75°F.

Seedlings emerge in 4 to 15 days. Once several sets of true leaves are established, plants can be potted up into individual containers. Plant out in the garden after all danger of frost has passed.

Potting and Repotting Silver Falls Plant

Whether silver falls is kept in hanging baskets or containers, the showy foliage, trailing habit and shallow root system make it an ideal, accent plant for mixed planters. Choose loose, well-draining potting media. Add coarse grit, perlite, or vermiculite to quality potting soil for a good combination.

Place silver falls on the outside of flowering plants and one or two inches in from the edge of the pot. Leave appropriate space between plants according to their size at maturity. Trim long runners of Silver falls before repotting.

Overwintering

Silver falls is not usually kept as a houseplant but it can be brought indoors once temperatures drop below 50°F. Find a warm spot with plenty of bright, direct light, and maintain soil on the dry side. Wilted leaves will quickly perk up after watering. Move plants back outdoors after all danger of frost.

Common Pests and Plant Diseases

Dichondra flea beetles can be a problem in western states. Otherwise, silver falls plant is relatively free of disease and pest problems.

Common Problems With Silver Falls Plant

This plant is well-suited for even the most inexperienced gardener for its easy care. Here are a few issues that may crop up.

Wilted, Yellowing Foliage

Although silver falls is drought tolerant, several weeks without rain or watering causes leaves to wilt and start to yellow. At the first sign of drooping, irrigate lightly but thoroughly and foliage quickly perks up.

Root Rot

Yellow or brown leaves, stunted growth, and dieback could be symptoms of root rot caused by overwatering. Withhold water or replant in fresh, dry potting mix.

Try removing the plant from its pot and inspecting the roots for damage. Cut out any brown, black, or soggy growth and repot foliage with healthy, turgid, white roots.

Sparse Foliage

Silver Falls can trail to 6 feet in a single season which can result in a thin, straggly plant. For a full, lush look, lightly cut back foliage every one or two weeks during the growing season.