Skip the Pothos — Swedish Ivy Is the Trailing Houseplant You've Been Missing

Swedish ivy is an easy-care houseplant that, if given bright, indirect light and even moisture, will grow prolifically. It works beautifully trailing in hanging containers or can be pruned to maintain a more compact shape. Easy to root from cuttings, you can share Swedish Ivy with everyone.

Common Name	Swedish ivy
Botanical Name	Plectranthus verticillatus
Family	Lamiaceae
Plant Type	Perennial
Mature Size	2-3 ft. tall; 2-3 ft. wide
Sun Exposure	Bright, indirect light
Soil Type	Loam
Soil pH	Acidic to neutral
Bloom Time	Spring, summer
Flower Color	White, pale purple
Hardiness Zones	10a-11b
Native Area	South Africa

Swedish Ivy Care

Part of the mint family, Swedish ivy is a popular houseplant because even if ignored it will maintain its leaves for many weeks or months. The leaves may turn pale green or yellow, but they will hold on. Regulating light and moisture, and adding a balanced liquid fertilizer will easily revive the plant. Swedish ivy produces small, tubular, pale purple or white flowers in the spring or summer. However, they are short-lived and should be pruned away after the blooms fade to encourage the plant stems to branch out and keep the plant looking full and healthy.

Light

The plant enjoys bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sun from a west- or south-facing window that can scorch the leaves.

Soil

Plant in loose, nutrient-rich commercial potting soil recommended for houseplants.

Water

While Swedish ivy can survive neglect and tolerate drought, it will look its healthiest with consistently moist, well-draining soil. Overwatering can cause root rot.

Temperature and Humidity

A constant room temperature between 60°F and 75°F is ideal for Swedish ivy. It does not require high levels of humidity to stay healthy; overly moist spaces can encourage pests and fungal issues.

Fertilizer

Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted with water to feed Swedish ivy plants once every two weeks during the spring and summer. Follow the label directions for dilution. Winter feeding should be reduce to once a month.

Pruning and Trimming

While Swedish ivy does not require pruning or trimming, most caregivers will remove the ends of the stems after the flowers fade by pinching them off or snipping them off with hand clippers. If the plant becomes too leggy for your tastes, you can trim branches at any time.

Propagate Clippings

Don't toss healthy clippings in the trash—those can be repurposed for propagation in either soil or water.

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How to Propagate Swedish Ivy

Swedish ivy can be rooted in soil or water; water is easiest. You will be amazed at how quickly roots form—all you need is a healthy stem, a small glass or jar, and sterilized clippers.

Root Several Stems

If you want a full houseplant, root five or more cuttings in separate jars so they can be planted together and quickly fill out a hanging basket or planter.

Propagate in Water

1. Identify a healthy stem and make a diagonal cut just below a leaf node, 3 to 4 inches from the tip of the stem.
2. Remove the leaves from the lower portion of the cutting.
3. Place the cutting in the glass or jar and add enough water to cover the leaf nodes on the lower half of the stem.
4. Keep the cutting in a warm spot with bright, indirect light, and add water as needed to keep the lower nodes submerged.
5. After just a week or so, you'll see tiny white roots begin to grow from the nodes below the water line.
6. When the roots are at least an inch long, you can pot the cutting and begin regular care.

Propagate in Soil

1. Cut several 3 to 4-inch stems from the plant just below a leaf node and remove any leaves from the lower half of the stem.
2. Fill a container with good drainage holes with potting mix and water it well to moisten. Use your finger to poke holes a few inches into the soil surface.
3. Dip the cut end of the stems in rooting hormone powder and shake off any excess.
4. Place the cuttings in the holes and pat the soil gently around the stem to hold the cutting in place.
5. Put the container in a warm place that gets plenty of bright, indirect light, and keep the soil evenly moist.
6. The cuttings will be rooted in about two weeks. They can then be repotted, if needed, and receive regular care.

Potting and Repotting

Swedish ivy plants grow well but not exceptionally quickly. Most do not need to be repotted until year two or three unless they are in tiny starter containers. When potting or repotting, be sure to choose a container that has good drainage holes.

To pot a new plant or cutting, fill the container about two-thirds full with nutrient-rich potting soil. Add the plant and lightly fill the rest of the container with soil until it reaches just below the lowest set of leaves on the stem. Press down lightly to set the plant and water well so the soil is evenly moist.

To repot, select a larger container. Turn the original pot upside down and tap or squeeze to loosen the plant. If the ivy is root-bound and the roots are wrapped in a circle, gently pull them apart. Fill the container about half full with fresh potting soil and place the plant in the pot. Add additional potting soil and water thoroughly.

Common Pests and Plant Diseases

Keep an eye out for mealybugs and spider mites and get rid of them promptly. Mealybugs are small, oval sap-sucking insects that secrete a powdery, cottony, wax substance as a protective coating. You'll know you have spider mites if you see webbing between the ivy stems, stippling on the leaves, or stunted growth.

Overzealous watering in a container with poor drainage can cause root rot. If this occurs, repot the plant in fresh soil or take cuttings to start over.

From: thespruce