Swedish Ivy

Botanical Name: Plectranthus species

Swedish ivy house plants are ideal for beginners. Nearly foolproof, this is one of the easiest types of ivy to grow indoors. In fact, it needs little attention to thrive.

This bushy plant has thick stems that grow upright at first, then trail over the sides of a container. Put it in a hanging basket to show off its thickly leaved cascading stems.

Swedish ivy has rounded leaves that are deeply veined with scalloped edges. P. australis is a variety with solid green foliage. The variegated types are more commonly grown as house plants. You can expect pale lavender or white flowers to appear in spring or summer, but they're not nearly as showy as the foliage.

Swedish Ivy Plant Care Tips

Keep it moist, not soggy. This plant grows best with evenly moist soil during the growing season. Take care not to allow the soil to become soggy, which can cause root rot. If your plant wilts despite regular watering, it is probably suffering from root rot. If this happens, take a few stem cuttings from the healthiest stems and propagate them. Get rid of the parent plant -- it won't recover. Cut back on water in the winter, when growth has slowed. But don't allow it to dry out completely.

Pinch and prune. This vigorous grower needs regular pruning to keep it in shape. After the flowers fade, pinch back stem tips to encourage branching. You'll get a fuller, bushier plant this way. Propagate the stem tips, if you like. They'll root easily and you'll have new plants. You can prune your plant back by as much as half at a time -- you won't hurt this robust plant at all.

Origin: Northern Australia, Pacific Islands

Height: To 3 ft (90 cm)

Light: Bright, indirect light. Some morning sun is fine.

Water: Keep soil moist spring through fall when plant is actively growing. Water sparingly in winter.

Humidity: Moderate humidity. This plant loves to be misted with room-temperature water.

Temperature: Average room temperatures (60-75°F, 16-24°C) year-round.

Soil: Peat moss-based potting mix.

Fertilizer: Feed monthly spring through fall with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half. Do not feed in winter.

Propagation: Take stem cuttings in spring or summer. They'll root easily in water or moist potting mix.