Why Your Silver Falls Plant Is Growing Sideways

Silver Falls (Dichondra argentea) is a popular trailing plant known for its stunning silver foliage and cascading growth habit. It is often used in hanging baskets, containers, or as a ground cover to add a touch of elegance to any garden or indoor space. However, if you notice that your Silver Falls plant is growing sideways instead of trailing down, there may be a few reasons behind this peculiar growth pattern.

Insufficient Light

One of the most common reasons for a Silver Falls plant growing sideways is insufficient light. Like most plants, Silver Falls requires an adequate amount of light to thrive. If it does not receive enough light, it will start reaching out towards the nearest light source, causing it to grow sideways instead of trailing down.

To ensure your Silver Falls plant grows properly, make sure it is placed in a location that receives bright, indirect sunlight for at least 6-8 hours a day. If you are growing it indoors, consider placing it near a south-facing window or using artificial grow lights to supplement the natural light.

Improper Pruning

Pruning plays a crucial role in maintaining the desired growth habit of your Silver Falls plant. If you neglect pruning or do it incorrectly, it can result in the plant growing sideways. When pruning Silver Falls, it is important to trim back any long, straggly stems regularly.

By cutting back these stems, you encourage the plant to branch out and produce new growth from the base. This will help maintain the trailing habit and prevent sideways growth. Additionally, removing any dead or yellowing leaves will also improve the overall appearance of your Silver Falls plant.

Overcrowding

Another factor that can cause your Silver Falls plant to grow sideways is overcrowding. When planted too closely together, the individual plants may compete for light and space, leading to sideways growth as they try to spread out and find their own space.

To prevent overcrowding, make sure to provide enough space between each Silver Falls plant when planting them in containers or as ground cover. This will allow each plant to receive adequate light and airflow, promoting healthy and upright growth.

Improper Watering

Watering is an essential aspect of caring for any plant, and Silver Falls is no exception. Overwatering or underwatering can both cause the plant to grow sideways. Overwatering can lead to root rot and weak growth, while underwatering can result in wilting and stunted growth.

To ensure proper watering, allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering thoroughly. Avoid letting the plant sit in standing water or having waterlogged soil. It is also important to note that Silver Falls is a drought-tolerant plant, so it is better to underwater than overwater.

Lack of Support

Silver Falls plants are naturally trailing and require support to grow in a cascading manner. Without adequate support, the weight of the foliage can cause the stems to bend and grow sideways instead of trailing down.

Providing support in the form of trellises, stakes, or hanging baskets with proper support systems can help train the Silver Falls plant to grow in a trailing manner. As the plant grows, gently guide the stems along the support structure to encourage vertical growth and prevent sideways growth.

Conclusion

If your Silver Falls plant is growing sideways instead of trailing down as desired, consider the factors mentioned above. Insufficient light, improper pruning, overcrowding, improper watering, and lack of support can all contribute to this peculiar growth pattern. By addressing these issues and providing your Silver Falls plant with the care it needs, you can ensure its proper growth and maintain its elegant cascading appearance.