Dichondra repens Green Surfer™ | Kidney Weed

Dichondra repens Green Surfer™ is a fast-growing, low and creeping ornamental plant valued for its beautiful fresh green, kidney-shaped foliage and exceptionally long trailing stems. It quickly spreads across the surface or cascades elegantly over the edges of pots, containers and hanging baskets.

Green Surfer™ develops stems that can reach approximately 150 cm in length, while the plant itself remains only around 8 cm high. This makes it an excellent choice for creating a lush green carpet in the garden or a dramatic cascading effect in containers.

The stems naturally root at the nodes when they come into contact with soil, helping the plant form a dense, soft-looking mat.

Why grow Dichondra Green Surfer™?

• Attractive fresh green, kidney-shaped leaves
• Fast-growing creeping and trailing habit
• Stems can reach approximately 150 cm
• Forms a dense green groundcover
• Beautiful cascading effect in hanging baskets
• Excellent for pots and mixed containers
• Can be used between taller flowering plants
• Suitable for sun and partial sun
• Naturally roots along the stems
• No pinching is normally required
• Excellent alternative to traditional flowering trailing plants

Plant Information

• Botanical name: Dichondra repens
• Variety: Green Surfer™
• Common name: Kidney Weed
• Family: Convolvulaceae
• Plant type: Creeping and trailing ornamental plant
• Foliage: Small, rounded to kidney-shaped green leaves
• Height: Approx. 8 cm
• Spread: Approx. 28 cm or more
• Trailing length: Up to approx. 150 cm
• Exposure: Sun – partial sun
• From sowing to finished plant: Approx. 91–105 days
• Seed form: BeGreen ApeX
• Use: Hanging baskets, pots, mixed containers, bedding and groundcover

The final size and trailing length will depend on growing conditions, container size, temperature, light and length of the growing season.

Foliage & Growth Habit

Green Surfer™ is primarily grown for its decorative foliage rather than its flowers.

The small green leaves have a distinctive rounded, kidney-like shape and create a soft, dense appearance. The creeping stems grow rapidly and can root where the nodes touch moist soil.

In containers, the stems naturally grow over the edges and create long, flowing cascades.

The flowers are small and inconspicuous, pale green to yellow in colour. The main ornamental feature of this variety is its foliage and growth habit.

Sowing & Germination

Sow 1–2 seeds per plug or cell.

Unlike many very fine ornamental seeds, Dichondra seed should be lightly covered. A thin layer of vermiculite or fine substrate helps maintain the moisture needed for successful germination.

• Germination temperature: 22–24°C
• Germination time: Approx. 6–8 days
• Recommended substrate pH: 5.5–6.3
• Light for germination: Not required
• Cover: Lightly cover with vermiculite or fine substrate

Keep the substrate consistently moist during germination, but avoid prolonged waterlogging.

Growing the Seedlings

Once the roots have emerged, gradually reduce moisture. Dichondra develops best under warm conditions with good air circulation.

After germination, provide plenty of light to encourage strong, compact plants.

A temperature of approximately 18–22°C is suitable during early growth. During the final stages of seedling production, temperatures can gradually be reduced to around 17–18°C.

Light

Green Surfer™ performs best with plenty of light.

After germination, gradually increase light levels. Strong light encourages compact growth, good branching and dense foliage.

When plants are moved outdoors, gradually acclimatise young seedlings to direct sunlight to prevent leaf damage.

Transplanting

Transplant when the young plants have developed a strong root system and the roots hold the plug together.

Use a light, fertile and well-drained substrate. Handle the roots carefully during transplanting.

For hanging baskets and mixed containers, position the plants close enough to the edge that the stems can naturally cascade downwards.

Watering

Dichondra prefers consistent moisture but should not remain permanently waterlogged.

Water thoroughly and then allow the substrate to dry moderately before watering again. Good drainage is especially important when plants are grown in containers.

During hot summer weather, hanging baskets may require more frequent watering.

Feeding

Green Surfer™ has relatively moderate nutrient requirements.

Begin feeding young plants lightly once they are actively growing. A balanced fertiliser at a moderate concentration is preferable to heavy feeding.

Avoid excessive fertilisation, particularly when plants are young, as the roots can be sensitive to high salt levels.

When applying liquid fertiliser over the foliage, rinsing the leaves afterward with clean water can help prevent salt marks or leaf damage.

Pinching & Plant Shape

Pinching is generally not necessary. Green Surfer™ naturally develops a spreading, branching growth habit.

Regular trimming can be used if you want to control the length of the trailing stems or encourage an even denser plant.

In hanging baskets, the stems can be allowed to grow freely for the most dramatic cascading effect.

Growing in Hanging Baskets & Containers

Green Surfer™ is particularly attractive in hanging baskets and tall containers, where its long green stems can cascade naturally over the sides.

It can be planted alone for a simple, foliage-focused look or combined with flowering plants.

The fresh green foliage works beautifully with:

• White flowers
• Soft pink and blush
• Apricot and peach
• Lavender and purple
• Deep burgundy
• Silver foliage

Its neutral green colour makes it especially useful for balancing colourful mixed container arrangements.

As Groundcover

When planted in the ground, Dichondra repens develops into a low, creeping carpet.

The stems spread horizontally and can root at the nodes, gradually filling available space. It can be used as an ornamental groundcover in suitable warm locations or as a seasonal groundcover in colder climates.

Growth may be slower in cool conditions, while warmth and good light encourage faster coverage.

Outdoor Growing

Move young plants outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.

Choose a location in sun or partial sun with well-drained soil. Plants should be gradually acclimatised to outdoor conditions before permanent planting.

In regions with cold winters, Green Surfer™ is generally grown as a seasonal ornamental plant or in containers that can be protected from frost.

Uses

Dichondra repens Green Surfer™ is particularly suitable for:

• Hanging baskets
• Tall containers
• Window boxes
• Mixed container arrangements
• Patio and balcony planting
• Groundcover
• Bedding
• Foliage-focused garden designs

Dichondra repens Green Surfer™ is an excellent choice for creating lush green cascades and dense groundcover. Its small kidney-shaped leaves, vigorous creeping habit and stems reaching up to approximately 150 cm make it especially impressive in hanging baskets and elevated containers.