Swedish Ivy Plectranthus verticillatus
ABOUT
The Plectranthus verticillatus, commonly known as Swedish Ivy, is an attractive and versatile houseplant. It has a trailing habit, with stems that spread outwards and can hang gracefully over the edge of a pot or basket. The leaves of Swedish Ivy are round to slightly oval, with a lush and glossy appearance. They typically come in a shade of bright green and may have a scalloped edge, giving them a scalloped texture that is quite pleasing to the eye. This plant often bears small flowers which may appear throughout the year in the proper conditions. The flowers are usually not the main attraction, as they are quite small and may not be overly conspicuous against the vibrant green of the foliage. The Swedish Ivy is known for its fast growth rate and can become quite lush with regular care, providing a full and verdant display that is excellent for adding greenery to indoor spaces. Swedish Ivy is not just attractive but is also beneficial for indoor environments as it is thought to help purify the air. It's a popular choice among both novice and experienced gardeners for its ease of care and the touch of nature it brings to indoor settings.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Swedish Ivy, Creeping Charlie, Whorled Plectranthus, Money Plant
Common names
Plectranthus nummularius, Isodon nummularius, Plectranthus swartzii, Coleus nummularius, Coleus verticillatus, Germanea nummularia.
ToxicityTo humans
Swedish Ivy, the common name for Plectranthus verticillatus, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no widespread reports of poisoning or severe reactions upon ingestion of this plant. However, consuming any plant material may cause mild discomfort such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea in sensitive individuals.
To pets
Swedish Ivy is not known to be toxic to pets either. It's generally regarded as safe for cats and dogs, with no significant toxic effects observed. Nonetheless, ingestion of any plant material can potentially result in gastrointestinal irritation or upset stomach in pets, similar to reactions in humans. If a pet consumes a large amount of Swedish Ivy and presents with symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
10
Native area
Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy to Grow: Plectranthus verticillatus, commonly known as Swedish Ivy, is a robust and easy-to-care-for plant, making it suitable for beginner gardeners.
- Fast-Growing: Swedish Ivy grows quickly, providing rapid greenery and filling in spaces in the garden or home.
- Attractive Foliage: This plant boasts lush, green leaves that can add a touch of vibrancy to any setting.
- Hanging Basket Plant: Its trailing habit makes it ideal for hanging baskets, creating a beautiful cascade of green.
- Versatile: Swedish Ivy can be used in a variety of settings, including as a groundcover, in container gardens, or as a houseplant.
- Minimal Pests and Diseases: The plant has a reputation for being resistant to many common pests and diseases.
- Good Companion Plant: It can be combined with other plants in a pot or garden setting, contributing to an aesthetically pleasing arrangement.
- Adaptable: Plectranthus verticillatus can adapt to a range of lighting conditions, although it prefers bright, indirect light.
- Can Be Propagated Easily: Propagation is straightforward through stem cuttings, allowing gardeners to easily create more plants.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory effects: Plectranthus verticillatus has been traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce swelling and pain in various conditions.
- Antimicrobial activity: The plant contains compounds that have been shown to exhibit antimicrobial properties, potentially inhibiting the growth of certain bacteria and fungi.
- Traditional digestive aid: It may have been used in folk medicine to help with digestive issues, such as stomachaches or indigestion.
- Relief of respiratory symptoms: Some cultures have used Plectranthus verticillatus for treating symptoms of the common cold, including coughs and congestion.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Plectranthus verticillatus, also known as Swedish Ivy, can be used in hanging baskets and container gardens where its trailing habit creates a lush overflow of foliage.
- In mild climates, Swedish Ivy can be used as a ground cover, spreading quickly to fill in gaps and provide a touch of greenery to gardens or walkways.
- This plant is often used in terrariums due to its adaptability and ease of maintenance, adding a touch of greenery to miniature garden ecosystems.
- Swedish Ivy can be used in outdoor patio or balcony settings where its cascading growth habit can be showcased spilling over the edges of pots or planters.
- It's ideal for office or desktop planting as Plectranthus verticillatus is tolerant to low light and can thrive indoors with minimal care, adding a decorative element to workspaces.
- The plant's rapid growth and easy-to-root nature make it a popular choice for educational projects related to plant propagation and gardening techniques.
- Swedish Ivy can be creatively displayed in macramé plant hangers, which show off its trailing vines and add a bohemian touch to home decor.
- During the holiday season, some individuals incorporate Swedish Ivy into festive arrangements or as part of a green, natural garland.
- Plectranthus verticillatus can serve as a companion plant in vegetable gardens, where its presence may help in deterring certain pests due to its mild scent.
- An unusual use of Swedish Ivy includes incorporating it into green roofs and living wall installations, as its trailing nature creates a visually appealing and eco-friendly architectural feature.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Swedish Ivy is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Swedish Ivy is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Comfort and Warmth: Often kept indoors, Plectranthus verticillatus, commonly known as Swedish Ivy, is associated with comfort and the warm feeling of home or being around loved ones.
- Growth and Vitality: Swedish Ivy is a hardy, fast-growing plant that symbolizes growth and the vital force of life.
- Adaptability: Due to its resilience and ability to thrive in various conditions, it represents the ability to adapt and flourish in different environments.
- Friendship and Connection: Swedish Ivy is easy to propagate and share with others, making it a plant that symbolizes friendship, connection, and the spreading of goodwill.
WaterThe Swedish ivy should be watered thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically might be once a week depending on environmental conditions. Gradually pour water until you notice it running through the drainage holes, indicating the soil has been evenly saturated. It's recommended to use about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water for a medium-sized pot during each watering. Allow the excess water to drain completely to avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. During the winter months, reduce watering frequency as the plant's growth slows down.
LightSwedish ivy prefers bright, indirect light to thrive and should be placed near a window that receives ample light without the harshness of direct sunlight. East or north-facing windows are often ideal spots, providing the gentle morning or afternoon sun. Avoid exposing Swedish ivy to prolonged periods of direct sun, especially in the heat of summer, to prevent scorching of the leaves.
TemperatureSwedish ivy does best in temperatures between 60°F and 75°F, which are typical room temperatures. However, it's capable of tolerating a range down to 50°F at minimum and up to about 85°F at maximum without causing harm. Maintaining the plant within these temperature ranges will promote healthy growth and prevent cold or heat stress.
PruningPrune Swedish ivy to maintain its shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove any leggy or unhealthy stems. This can be done every few months or as needed when you notice parts of the plant becoming overgrown. The best time to prune is in the spring or early summer, which aligns with the plant's active growing period, allowing it to recover and produce new growth more readily.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSwedish Ivy thrives in well-draining, fertile potting soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A good mix would be one part peat, one part pine bark, and one part coarse sand or perlite to ensure proper drainage and aeration.
RepottingSwedish Ivy should be repotted every year or two, or when it becomes root-bound. It's best to repot in spring, just before the growing season begins.
Humidity & MistingSwedish Ivy prefers high humidity levels, around 40-50%. To maintain these conditions, the plant can be placed on a pebble tray with water or misted regularly.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Swedish Ivy near a window with bright indirect light and ensure high humidity.
Outdoor
Grow Swedish Ivy in partial shade and protect it from strong sunlight.
Hardiness zone
10-11 USDA
Life cyclePlectranthus verticillatus, also known as Swedish ivy, begins its life cycle as a seed or through vegetative cuttings. After germination, the seedling stage is characterized by the emergence of the first set of true leaves, following initial sprouts. As it enters the vegetative stage, Swedish ivy quickly grows stems and leaves, benefiting from indirect sunlight and regular watering to establish a robust root system. During the reproductive stage, it may produce small, white or light lavender flowers if given ample light, although it's primarily grown for its attractive foliage. After flowering, the plant can produce viable seed, allowing for sexual reproduction, or it can be propagated through cuttings, a common method for expanding cultivation. Throughout its life cycle, Swedish ivy requires consistent moisture, indirect light, and regular pruning to maintain shape and encourage dense, lush growth.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Summer
Propogation: Plectranthus verticillatus, commonly known as Swedish Ivy, is typically propagated via stem cuttings. The ideal time for this form of propagation is during the late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate Swedish Ivy by stem cuttings, one should take a cutting of about 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters) long, ensuring that at least a couple of leaf nodes are present. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cutting can be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root formation, though this is optional. The cutting should then be placed in a pot filled with a moistened well-draining potting mix. To maintain a humid environment conducive to rooting, the pot can be covered with a plastic bag or placed in a propagator. The cuttings usually root within a few weeks, after which they can be transplanted into individual pots to continue growing.
