Lamiaceae
Swedish Ivy (Plectranthus verticillatus): Complete Care Guide
Plectranthus verticillatus
An easy-care plant perfect for beginners. Prefers bright indirect light, moderate watering with slight drying between waterings, and moderate humidity. Fast-growing with minimal pruning needs.
Every 7 days
Partial shade
15° - 30°C
40% - 70%
Categories
What is Swedish Ivy?
Swedish Ivy (Plectranthus verticillatus) is a easy-care plant from the Lamiaceae family. Plectranthus verticillatus, commonly known as Swedish Ivy or Money Plant, is a fast-growing trailing perennial native to South Africa. It features oval, glossy green leaves with slightly serrated edges and a pleasant aromatic scent when touched. Widely grown as a houseplant, it thrives in hanging ba...
Swedish Ivy grows up to 30cm, with spread of 90cm, watering every 7 days, 15°C – 30°C, 40–70% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Swedish Ivy tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Unlike many popular species, Swedish Ivy is safe to keep around pets. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 14 days.
How to Care for Swedish Ivy?
TLDR: Swedish Ivy needs Partial shade, watering every 7 days, and temperatures between 15-30°C with 40-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Swedish Ivy?
Water every 7 days on average, allowing the top 2-3 cm of soil to dry between waterings. Reduce frequency in winter. Avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot.
How Much Light Does Swedish Ivy Need?
Place in bright indirect light, such as near a window with a sheer curtain. Tolerates partial shade but avoid intense direct sunlight which can scorch the leaves.
What Is the Best Soil for Swedish Ivy?
Use a light, well-draining potting mix such as general-purpose compost mixed with perlite or coarse sand. Ideal pH is 6.0–7.5. Always use pots with drainage holes.
What Pot Should You Use for Swedish Ivy?
Ceramic or terracotta pots with drainage holes are ideal. Hanging baskets or tall planters showcase the plant's trailing habit beautifully.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 60 days
Misting
Every 7 days
Repot
Every 365 days
What Is Swedish Ivy and Where Does It Come From?
Plectranthus verticillatus, commonly known as Swedish Ivy or Money Plant, is a fast-growing trailing perennial native to South Africa. It features oval, glossy green leaves with slightly serrated edges and a pleasant aromatic scent when touched. Widely grown as a houseplant, it thrives in hanging baskets and on shelves where its cascading stems create a lush, decorative display.
How to Propagate Swedish Ivy?
Stem cutting
Change the water every 3 days if propagating in water. Keep substrate moist but not waterlogged.
- 1 Cut a healthy stem 8-10 cm long with 2-3 pairs of leaves
- 2 Remove leaves from the lower third of the stem
- 3 Place in water or moist, well-draining substrate
- 4 Keep in indirect light with adequate humidity
- 5 Transplant to a permanent pot when roots reach 2-3 cm
Materials needed:
Plant division
Divide during repotting to minimize plant stress.
- 1 Carefully remove the plant from its pot
- 2 Gently separate rooted stems
- 3 Replant each division in a pot with fresh substrate
- 4 Water lightly and keep in partial shade for 1 week
Materials needed:
How Big Does Swedish Ivy Grow?
TLDR: Swedish Ivy can reach up to 30cm tall with Fast growth rate.
Max height
30cm
Spread
90cm
Growth rate
Fast
Foliage
Evergreen
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Aromatic
Pleasant fragrance
Ground Cover
Soil coverage
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Swedish Ivy?
TLDR: Swedish Ivy is susceptible to 7 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Overwatering
Overwatering occurs when plants receive too much water, depriving roots of oxygen and causing root rot. This environmental stress is one of the most common causes of houseplant death, as waterlogged soil prevents roots from breathing and functioning properly.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease caused by various fungi species including Erysiphe, Podosphaera, Oïdium, and Leveillula. It affects over 10,000 plant species worldwide. The disease thrives in warm, dry climates with high humidity and appears as a distinctive white powdery coating on plant surfaces.
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a common fungal disease caused by various pathogens including Alternaria, Ascochyta, Colletotrichum, Septoria, and Venturia. It primarily affects leaves, causing discolored spots that can lead to premature leaf drop if left untreated.
Meaning & Symbolism
Symbolizes prosperity and good luck, often gifted to bring abundance into a home.
Fun Facts
Native to South Africa, it has adapted beautifully to indoor cultivation worldwide.
Its aromatic leaves release a pleasant scent when gently touched or brushed.
It grows so vigorously that stem cuttings can root in as little as 2 weeks.
Despite being called Swedish Ivy, it is neither Swedish nor a true ivy — the name comes from its popularity in Scandinavian homes.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water Swedish Ivy?
Is Swedish Ivy toxic to cats and dogs?
Can Swedish Ivy grow indoors?
How do I propagate Swedish Ivy?
Why are my Swedish Ivy leaves turning yellow?
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peace Lily | Easy | Low light | 4d | ⚠️ |
| Swiss Cheese Plant | Easy | Partial shade | 10d | ⚠️ |
| Golden Pothos | Easy | Low light | 8d | ⚠️ |
| ZZ Plant | Easy | Low light | 18d | ⚠️ |
