Plectranthus verticillatus (Swedish Ivy)

Plectranthus verticillatus, commonly known as Swedish Ivy or Creeping Charlie, is a vigorous and attractive houseplant that is prized for its ease of care and lush foliage.

Plectranthus verticillatus – Swedish Ivy: An In-depth Look

Swedish Ivy is known for its fast-growing, trailing habit. It features soft, slightly fleshy leaves that are glossy and green, with scalloped edges. The plant typically produces stems that readily root at the nodes when they touch the soil.

Native: This plant is native to southern Africa, where it thrives in the understory of forests and other shaded, humid environments. It belongs to the mint, deadnettle, or sage family, Lamiaceae. Despite its common name, it is not related to the ivy family of the genus Hedera.

Plant Type and Habit: Swedish Ivy is a prostrate evergreen perennial in its native habitat but is often grown as an annual in temperate climates. It has a sprawling, trailing habit that makes it ideal for hanging baskets and as a ground cover in suitable climates.

Size: Plectranthus verticillatus usually reaches a height of 4-12 inches (10-30 cm) and spreads up to 2-3 feet (60-90 cm), with its trailing stems cascading down or spreading across the ground.

Flowers: The plant produces small, tubular, white to pale mauve flowers arranged in loose spikes. The flowers are quite delicate and add an ornamental value when they appear. Flowering occurs sporadically throughout the year, but more typically in spring and late fall.

Foliage: The leaves are its standout feature: aromatic, rounded, coarsely toothed, and glossy green with purple undersides. They are arranged oppositely along the stems and are quite dense and lush, making the plant appear very full.

Hardiness: As a tender perennial, it is hardy to USDA zones 10-11. In cooler climates, it is typically grown as an indoor plant or as an annual.

Uses: It is popular in hanging baskets, as a ground cover in frost-free areas, and as an indoor plant. Its rapid growth and trailing nature make it excellent for covering large, shady areas quickly or adding greenery to interior spaces.

Toxicity: Swedish Ivy is not known to be toxic to pets or humans, making it a safe choice for households with children and animals.

Invasiveness: Care should be taken in warm, humid environments as its rapid growth and ability to root from stem cuttings can lead to it spreading beyond intended areas.

Benefits: Its primary benefits are aesthetic and practical: it adds lush greenery to shaded garden spaces or indoors, is easy to care for, and can be used to effectively cover unattractive areas quickly due to its fast growth and spreading habit.

How to Grow and Care for Swedish Ivy

Swedish Ivy (Plectranthus verticillatus) is a popular houseplant that can also thrive outdoors in the right conditions. It is cherished for its lush, trailing growth and ease of care. Here’s how to successfully grow and care for Swedish Ivy, both indoors and outdoors:

Indoors:

Light: Swedish Ivy prefers bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch its leaves. A spot near a window with sheer curtains is ideal.

Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix. A general-purpose or a peat-based mix works well, providing adequate drainage and aeration.

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Reduce watering in the winter when the plant’s growth slows.

Humidity: This plant appreciates high humidity but can tolerate average household humidity levels. For increased humidity, mist the leaves regularly or use a humidity tray.

Feeding: Feed Swedish Ivy with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season (spring through fall). Reduce feeding in the winter months.

Pruning: Regular pruning helps keep the plant bushy and lush. Trim back leggy stems to encourage fuller growth. This can be done at any time of the year.

Repotting: Repot Swedish Ivy every couple of years or when it becomes root-bound. This is a good opportunity to refresh the potting mix and check the health of the root

Outdoors:

Climate: Swedish Ivy can be grown outdoors in USDA zones 10-11 as a perennial, and as an annual in cooler climates.

Location: Place in a shaded or partially shaded location, as direct sunlight can damage the leaves.

Soil: Plant in well-draining garden soil. It should be rich in organic matter to retain some moisture and provide nutrients.

Watering: Water regularly to keep the soil moist, especially during dry spells. Outdoor plants may require more frequent watering than indoor plants, especially in warmer weather.

Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the plant to help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

Feeding: Fertilize monthly with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season to promote vigorous growth.

Winter Care: In areas where it is grown as an annual, you can bring Swedish Ivy indoors for the winter. Gradually acclimate it to indoor conditions to prevent shock.

Pruning and Maintenance: Trim back the plant as needed to control its growth and encourage denser foliage.

Swedish Ivy Propagation – A Step-By-Step Guide

Propagating Swedish Ivy is a straightforward process that can be easily done at home, allowing you to multiply your plants and share them with friends. Here’s how to propagate Swedish Ivy using stem cuttings, which is the most effective method:

Select cuttings: Choose healthy, vigorous stems for the best results. Look for stems that are not flowering, as energy can then remain focused on root development. The best time to take cuttings is in the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Cut Stems: Using clean, sharp scissors or shears, cut a 4-6 inch section of stem just below a leaf node (where leaves attach to the stem). Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting to prevent them from rotting when planted.

Rooting Hormone (optional): Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone powder or liquid. This step is optional but can help encourage quicker root development.

Planting: Fill small pots with a well-draining potting mix. Make a hole in the center of the soil with a pencil or your finger. Insert the cutting into the soil, ensuring at least two nodes are buried where leaves were removed. This is where roots will develop. Gently firm the soil around the cutting to hold it upright.

Environment: To create a humid microenvironment, cover the pot with a clear plastic bag or place it in a propagation chamber. Make sure the plastic does not touch the leaves by using sticks or a wireframe. Place the setup in bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can overheat the cutting and hinder rooting. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Check the soil moisture daily, and water gently as needed.

Rooting: Roots typically begin to form within a few weeks. You can gently tug on the cutting after about 3-4 weeks; if there’s resistance, roots have likely formed. Once you see new growth, this is a good indicator that the cutting has successfully rooted.

Transplanting: Gradually expose the new plants to less humid conditions by opening the plastic cover slightly each day for a week or more. Once the plants have adjusted, remove the cover completely. When the new plants are strong enough and the root system is well developed, they can be transplanted into larger pots or, depending on your climate, moved outdoors.

Swedish Ivy: Pests, Diseases, Common Problems

Swedish Ivy is generally robust and low-maintenance, but like many houseplants, it can encounter certain pests, diseases, and common issues.

Pests

Mealybugs: Recognizable by their white, cottony deposits, mealybugs suck sap from the plant, weakening it. Remove them manually using a cotton swab dipped in alcohol or apply insecticidal soap.

Spider mites: These tiny pests thrive in dry conditions and can cause the foliage to appear speckled or bronzed, and webbing may be visible. Increase humidity around the plant, and wash it down with water. For severe infestations, use insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Aphids: These small green, yellow, or black pests also suck plant sap, causing stunted growth and distorted leaves. Spray the plant with a strong stream of water or treat it with insecticidal soap.

Diseases

Root rot: Overwatering is the primary cause of root rot in Swedish Ivy. Symptoms include yellowing leaves and a mushy stem base. Prevent this by allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings and ensuring good drainage in the pot.

Powdery mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white powdery coating on leaves. It typically occurs when the leaves remain damp and air circulation is poor. Improve air circulation around the plant, reduce leaf wetness, and treat with fungicides if necessary.

Common Problems

Leggy Growth: If your Swedish Ivy is not getting enough light, it may become leggy as it stretches towards the light source. Provide brighter light, but avoid direct sunlight which can scorch the leaves. Regular pruning can encourage bushier growth.

Leaf Drop: Sudden changes in temperature, drafty locations, or underwatering can cause leaf drop. Ensure a stable environment with consistent watering and temperatures.

Yellow Leaves: Overwatering, poor drainage, or nutrient deficiencies can lead to yellowing leaves. Adjust watering habits, ensure the pot has good drainage, and occasionally feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer.