Swedish ivy care guide

Swedish ivy is a fast, trailing plant with round, glossy leaves with scalloped edges. It was a staple in macramé hangers in the 1970s, and it still earns a spot in a hanging pot. It is not from Sweden, and it is not an ivy. It comes from southern Africa. It got its name because it was a popular houseplant in Sweden. It is easy to grow, easy to share, and safe for cats and dogs.

Light

Give it bright indirect light. An east window is ideal. A few hours of soft morning sun is fine.

In low light, the stems stretch, and the leaves grow small and far apart. Hot afternoon sun scorches the leaves.

Water

Water when the top 2 to 3 cm (1 in) of soil is dry. Water until it drains, then empty the saucer. In winter, it needs water less often.

It wilts when it is thirsty and perks up within hours of a drink. Do not let it wilt often. Each time, it drops a few leaves. Read how to tell if a houseplant is overwatered or underwatered.

Soil and potting

Use a well-draining houseplant mix.

It grows fast. Repot every spring, one size up, or start fresh from cuttings. See how to repot a houseplant step by step.

Humidity and temperature

Average room air is fine. Keep it between 16 and 24°C (60 and 75°F), and above 10°C (50°F).

Feeding

Feed monthly in spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength. Skip feeding in fall and winter.

Pruning

Pinch off the tips of the stems often. Each pinch makes two new stems grow below it. This keeps it full and bushy instead of long and bare.

Cut back long, bare stems in spring. Root the pieces you cut off.

Propagation

Cut a stem tip 10 cm (4 in) long. Pull off the lower leaves. Root it in a glass of water or in moist houseplant mix. Roots form in one to two weeks. Plant several cuttings in one pot for a full plant.

Flowers

In spring or fall, it may grow short spikes of small white or pale lavender flowers. Cut them off when they fade.

Problems

What you see	Most likely cause
Long, bare stems	Not enough light, or it needs pinching
Wilting	Thirst
Leaves drop after wilting	It dried out too far
Black, mushy stems at the soil	Root rot from too much water
Scorched, faded leaves	Too much hot sun
White, cottony spots	Mealybugs

Pests

Mealybugs, spider mites, and whiteflies are the most common pests. Check where the leaves meet the stems. Rinse the plant in the shower to knock pests off.

Pet safety

The ASPCA lists Swedish ivy as non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Varieties

• Green Swedish ivy, Plectranthus verticillatus, has round, glossy green leaves. It is the classic one.
• Variegated Swedish ivy, Plectranthus forsteri ‘Marginatus’, has fuzzy leaves with cream edges and a strong scent when you touch them. It is a different species.
• Plectranthus ‘Mona Lavender’ has dark leaves with purple undersides and spikes of lavender flowers.