Kidney Weed Care
Dichondra repens
A broad-leaved ground cover used as a lawn alternative that does not tolerate foot traffic. In hot climates like Manisa it prefers partially or fully shaded areas and moist, well-drained soil.
Monthly care calendar
Timings are for a temperate Northern Hemisphere climate. In warmer areas tasks start earlier, in colder areas later; in the Southern Hemisphere shift them by six months.
- Fertilizing: Not needed. Mowing: not needed.
- General care: Growth has stopped. Frost may cause browning, but it usually recovers in spring.
- Pests & diseases: Against the risk of root rot, make sure drainage is good.
- Frost risk: It is tolerant of light frosts but may be damaged in severe frosts.
- Fertilizing: Not needed. Mowing: not needed.
- General care: At the end of the month, a very high-setting cut can be made, or the area raked, to clear leaves damaged over winter.
- Pests & diseases: Clear weeds by hand.
- Frost risk: Young plants can be protected.
- Watering: If the rains are insufficient, start light watering.
- Fertilizing: Once growth begins, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer (excess nitrogen increases and weakens elongation; do not overapply). Pruning (mowing): If needed, cut from 5-7 cm height, but usually no cutting is required.
- General care: The period of rapid spread begins.
- Pests & diseases: Check for snails and slugs.
- Watering: Water deeply once a week (about 25 L/m²).
- Fertilizing: Not necessary (if done in March). Pruning (shaping): shape for aesthetic purposes if needed.
- Plant protection: Be careful about fungal diseases (leaf spot).
- General care: Overseeding can be done to fill gaps.
- Pests & diseases: Water in the morning so the leaves are not left wet.
- Watering: Water deeply 1-2 times a week (25-30 L/m² in total).
- Fertilizing: If necessary, a light additional fertilization can be done at the beginning of the month. Pruning (shaping): trim if necessary.
- Plant protection: Check for flea beetle damage (small holes in leaves).
- General care: This is its healthiest and most lush period.
- Pests & diseases: Watch for flea beetles and other leaf-eating beetles.
- Watering: As temperatures rise, water deeply at least twice a week (30 L/m² in total).
- Fertilizing: Not needed. Mowing: not needed.
- Plant protection: If flea beetle damage continues, use a suitable insecticide.
- General care: Protection from the afternoon sun is very important; otherwise it burns.
- Pests & diseases: Sunburn and water stress are the biggest threats.
- Watering: Water deeply 2-3 times a week (35 L/m² in total); do not let the soil dry out.
- Fertilizing: Never given. Mowing: not needed.
- General care: This is the most challenging month; watering is vital.
- Pests & diseases: Yellowing and dieback may be seen at high temperatures.
- Watering: Continue as in July.
- Fertilizing: Not needed. Mowing: not needed.
- General care: Efforts are made to keep it alive with regular watering.
- Pests & diseases: Stress-related problems may be seen.
- Watering: Reduce watering as the weather cools.
- Fertilizing: Not needed. Mowing: not needed.
- General care: Sow seed to repair gaps and establish new areas. Lightly rake the soil and scatter the seeds.
- Pests & diseases: Protect newly germinated plants from pests.
- Watering: For newly sown areas, keep the soil moist; not needed once the rains begin.
- Fertilizing: Not needed. Mowing: not needed.
- General care: Areas sown in autumn strengthen until winter. Clear the leaves lying on them.
- Pests & diseases: Watch for damping-off in new seedlings.
- Fertilizing: Not needed. Mowing: not needed.
- General care: Growth slows and stops. Continue removing leaves from the plant.
- Fertilizing: Not needed. Mowing: not needed.
- General care: The plant is resting.
- Frost risk: It can be damaged by frost, but the roots usually survive.
The care advice on this page is general and for information only; it is not professional advice. Plant age, soil and your garden’s microclimate can change the outcome. Plant protection products are mentioned only as general information; they are regulated, and the choice, dose and timing must be decided by a qualified professional under local rules. Consult a landscape architect or agronomist before applying.
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