Dichondra argentea aka Silver Ponysfoot

Taxonomy

Dichondra argentea, also known as silver ponysfoot or silver nickel vine, is a flowering plant in the family Convolvulaceae. This creeping perennial, reaching a height of 4 inches (10 cm) and growing up to 6 feet (1-2 m) in length, is native to New Mexico, Texas, Mexico, Colombia, Bolivia, northwest Argentina, and southeast Brazil. However, it has gone extinct in Arizona. Although hardy in USDA zones 10 through 12, it is commonly grown as an annual. The cultivar 'Silver Falls' is a tender herbaceous perennial, typically grown as an annual. It has silvery, heart-shaped to kidney-shaped leaves that are evergreen and measure 2-3 cm across. In early summer, it produces small, pale yellow-green or white flowers. Silver Falls is a versatile plant that can thrive in various environments and is low-maintenance. It can be planted directly in soil or in hanging baskets, where it can reach up to 3-4 inches (7-10 cm) in height and 3-4 feet (90-120 cm) in width. With its silvery-green foliage, it adds a touch of elegance to any garden all year round.

Common names

Silver Ponysfoot

How to care for Silver Ponysfoot

Difficulty

Silver Ponysfoot presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.

Water

Silver Ponysfoot should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Silver Ponysfoot loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Silver Ponysfoot thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Silver Ponysfoot.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it's common for Silver Ponysfoot to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.


More info:
Wikipedia