Snake Plant
Dracaena trifasciata
Toxic to pets
Swedish Ivy
Plectranthus verticillatus · Lamiaceae
Easy
Pet-safe
Plectranthus verticillatus is a trailing, semi-succulent perennial native to southern Africa, widely grown as a houseplant or outdoor basket plant in frost-free climates. It produces rounded, waxy, bright green leaves with scalloped margins, borne on stems that root readily at the nodes. The plant is valued for its vigorous, low-maintenance growth habit and its adaptability to a range of indoor conditions.
☀ Light
Bright indirect light; tolerates moderate shade
💧 Water
Water when the top 2-3 cm of compost dries out
🌡 Temp
15-25 C; minimum 10 C
💦 Humidity
Moderate; tolerates average household levels
🌿 Soil
Well-draining, peat-free multipurpose compost
🍽 Feeding
Balanced liquid fertiliser fortnightly in spring and summer
Photo: Juan Carlos Fonseca Mata / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
How to care for Swedish Ivy
Light
Plectranthus verticillatus performs best in bright, indirect light, such as a position near an east- or west-facing window. It will tolerate moderate shade, making it suitable for less well-lit rooms, though growth will slow and stems may become leggy. Direct summer sun through glass can scorch the leaves, so filter strong light with a sheer curtain if necessary.
Watering
Allow the top 2-3 cm of the compost to dry out between waterings, then water thoroughly until it drains freely from the base, discarding any excess in the saucer. The semi-succulent stems store some moisture, making the plant reasonably drought-tolerant, and overwatering is the most common cause of decline. Reduce watering frequency in winter when growth slows.
Soil and potting
Use a light, free-draining, peat-free multipurpose compost, ideally amended with approximately 20-30% perlite or coarse grit to improve drainage and aeration. Heavy or moisture-retentive composts increase the risk of root rot. A slightly acidic to neutral pH of around 6.0-7.0 is suitable.
Feeding
During the active growing season from spring through to early autumn, feed fortnightly with a balanced liquid fertiliser diluted to the manufacturer's recommended strength. A fertiliser with a roughly equal NPK ratio supports both foliage growth and stem vigour. Do not feed in autumn and winter when the plant is resting, as excess nutrients at this time can cause soft, weak growth.
Humidity and temperature
This species tolerates the average humidity found in most UK homes (40-60%) without difficulty and does not require misting or additional humidity measures. It prefers temperatures between 15-25 C and should not be exposed to temperatures below 10 C, or to cold draughts near windows in winter. It is frost-tender and must be brought indoors or protected before the first frost if used in outdoor summer displays.
Repotting
Repot in spring every one to two years, or when roots begin to emerge from the drainage holes. Move up only one pot size at a time, using fresh well-draining compost. This plant is well suited to shallow, wide pots or hanging baskets that accommodate its trailing habit. Terracotta containers can help regulate soil moisture and prevent overwatering.
Pruning
Regular pinching out of stem tips encourages bushier, more compact growth and prevents the plant from becoming bare and straggly at the base. This can be done at any point during the growing season using clean fingers or scissors. Leggy stems can be cut back hard in spring and will typically regenerate vigorously. Any removed healthy stem sections make excellent cuttings.
Is Swedish Ivy toxic?
Pets: Non-toxic. Plectranthus verticillatus is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. It is not known to cause significant harm to common household pets.
People: Not considered toxic to humans; however, as with any houseplant, consumption is not advisable, particularly for young children.
People: Not considered toxic to humans; however, as with any houseplant, consumption is not advisable, particularly for young children.
Common problems
Yellowing leaves, soft stems, soggy compost
Likely cause: Overwatering leading to root rot Fix: Allow the compost to dry out more between waterings, improve drainage, and remove any rotted roots. Repot into fresh, drier compost if root rot is advanced.
Leggy, elongated stems with small leaves and large gaps between nodes
Likely cause: Insufficient light Fix: Move the plant to a brighter position with more indirect light. Pinch back leggy stems to encourage bushier regrowth.
Leaf scorch, bleached or crispy patches on leaves
Likely cause: Exposure to direct, intense sunlight through glass Fix: Relocate the plant away from direct sun or filter the light with a sheer curtain.
Wilting despite moist compost
Likely cause: Root rot caused by prolonged overwatering, or compacted, waterlogged compost Fix: Check the roots for rot. Remove affected roots, repot in fresh well-draining compost, and adjust the watering routine.
Fine webbing on stems and leaves, stippled or discoloured foliage
Likely cause: Spider mite infestation, typically in warm, dry conditions Fix: Increase ambient humidity, wash the plant down with a damp cloth, and treat with an insecticidal soap or neem oil spray, repeating every 7-10 days.
Sticky residue on leaves, small soft insects on stems or leaf undersides
Likely cause: Aphid or mealybug infestation Fix: Remove insects by hand or with a damp cloth, then apply insecticidal soap or neem oil. Isolate the plant to prevent spread to other houseplants.
How to propagate
Stem cuttings
Take 8-12 cm stem tip cuttings just below a node, remove the lower leaves, and insert into moist perlite or a free-draining cutting compost. Roots develop readily within 2-3 weeks at 18-22 C, with or without rooting hormone.
Water propagation
Stem cuttings will also root successfully when placed in a jar of water in a bright, warm spot. Transfer to compost once roots reach approximately 2-3 cm in length to prevent them from becoming too adapted to water.
Division
Established plants can be carefully divided at repotting time in spring by separating rooted sections of the root ball and potting each section individually into fresh compost.
Where Swedish Ivy comes from
Native to Southern Africa, South Africa, Mozambique.
Story and origins
The genus name Plectranthus is derived from the Greek words 'plektron' (a spur) and 'anthos' (flower), referring to the spur-like base found on the flowers of some species in this genus. The species epithet 'verticillatus' comes from the Latin 'verticillatus', meaning arranged in a whorl or spiral, describing the whorled arrangement of the leaves around the stem, which is a characteristic feature of this plant.
Plectranthus verticillatus was formally described by the botanist Linnaeus the Younger (Carl von Linne the Younger) in the late 18th century, drawing on specimens collected from southern Africa. The genus Plectranthus was first established by L'Heritier in 1788. The plant gained widespread popularity as a houseplant in Scandinavia during the mid-20th century, which is thought to be the origin of its enduring common name, Swedish Ivy. Its trailing growth habit and undemanding nature made it particularly suited to the window-sill culture common in northern European homes during that era, and it subsequently spread throughout Europe and North America as a popular indoor plant.
Varieties to know
Plectranthus verticillatus 'Variegatus'
Leaves have irregular creamy white margins alongside the typical green; slightly less vigorous than the species.
Plectranthus verticillatus 'Gold'
Features golden-yellow to lime green foliage, offering a brighter, more luminous appearance in lower light.
Fun facts
- Plectranthus verticillatus can root at almost every node that makes contact with moist compost, making it exceptionally easy to propagate without any specialist equipment.
- Despite its common name, Swedish Ivy has no connection to Sweden; the name is believed to have originated in Scandinavia, where it became popular as a houseplant in the 20th century.
- The genus name Plectranthus encompasses over 300 species, many of which are used medicinally or as culinary herbs in their native regions of Africa and Asia.
- In southern Africa, where this species originates, it grows as a ground-cover plant in sheltered, rocky or woodland habitats, often in partial shade.
- The small, tubular flowers are pale lilac to white and, while rarely produced indoors, attract pollinators including bees when the plant is grown outside in warm climates.
Swedish Ivy FAQ
Why are the leaves on my Swedish Ivy turning yellow?
Yellowing leaves are most commonly caused by overwatering. Check that the compost is not remaining wet for extended periods, ensure the pot has adequate drainage, and allow the top few centimetres to dry out before watering again. Less commonly, yellowing can result from nutrient deficiency, in which case a balanced liquid feed during the growing season will help.
How often should I water my Swedish Ivy?
There is no fixed schedule; instead, check the compost regularly and water only when the top 2-3 cm feels dry to the touch. In summer this may be every 5-7 days, while in winter watering once every 10-14 days or less may be sufficient depending on your indoor conditions.
Is Swedish Ivy safe for cats and dogs?
Yes, Plectranthus verticillatus is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. It is considered one of the safer houseplant choices for households with pets.
Why is my Swedish Ivy growing long, bare, straggly stems?
This is usually a response to insufficient light. Move the plant to a brighter position and pinch back or trim the leggy stems to encourage bushier growth from lower on the plant.
How do I make my Swedish Ivy bushier?
Regularly pinch out the growing tips of stems throughout the growing season. Each pinched tip encourages the plant to branch out and produce a more compact, full appearance. The removed tips can be used as cuttings.
Can I grow Swedish Ivy outside in the UK?
Swedish Ivy can be used in outdoor hanging baskets or containers during the warmer months from late spring to early autumn, but it is frost-tender and must be brought indoors before temperatures drop below 10 C. It is not hardy enough to overwinter outside in the UK.
Does Swedish Ivy flower indoors?
It can produce small, tubular pale lilac or white flowers, but flowering indoors is relatively uncommon. Blooming is more likely when the plant is grown in bright conditions and allowed a slightly cooler, drier rest period in winter.
