It is noteworthy for soft, pewter-colored, fan-shaped leaves.
Silver Falls Plant Care
This is a low-maintenance plant free of most disease and pest problems.
Soil
This plant is not picky about soil provided it drains well.
Derek Ramsey / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
A slightly acidic pH is recommended but silver falls plants are tolerant of neutral and slightly alkaline soils.
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 68F and 75F promote plant health.
Higher than 85F causes heat stress.
Below 60F can cause stunting.
Silver falls succumbs to frost damage at temperatures below 25F.
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 balancedNPK 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.
Roots form at each point along the runners where a leaf node contacts the soil.
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 70F and 75F.
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.
Choose loose, well-draining potting media.
Add coarse grit, perlite, or vermiculite to quality potting soil for a good combination.
Leave appropriate space between plants according to their size at maturity.
Trim long runners of Silver falls before repotting.
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
Dichondraflea beetlescan be a problem in western states.
Otherwise, silver falls plant is relatively free of disease and pest problems.
Here are a few issues that may crop up.
At the first sign of drooping, irrigate lightly but thoroughly and foliage quickly perks up.
Withhold water or replant in fresh, dry potting mix.
Try removing the plant from its pot and inspecting the roots for damage.
Silver Falls plant is perennial only in USDA zones 10 and higher.
It is most often grown as an annual that dies back at temperatures lower than 25F.
Silver Falls is not considered invasive.
Although it is a vigorous grower, in-ground plants spread only to about 3 or 4 feet.
