Swedish Ivy Care Guide

Plectranthus verticillatus

Plant Care Cheat Sheet

Difficulty Level: Easy
Light Requirements: Bright indirect light
Humidity Requirements: Room humidity okay

Given the right amount of light, Swedish Ivy is a prolific grower that can soon take over your whole room! This severely underrated houseplant is one of my favorites. With long tendrils of semi-succulent leaves, this Ivy is both beautiful and easy to care for. It's one of the easiest plants to propagate, too, so your house will be full of it in no time!

*Propagated Plectranthus verticillatus in a South-facing window*

Light

Swedish Ivy loves bright indirect light. Although it is a little tougher in direct sun than some plants, it will get discolored if left in direct sun for too long. If your plant starts to turn red and vein-y looking, this means it's getting too much light.

I usually place my Swedish Ivy directly next to my highest light window and let it trail down the side of the curtains (as seen below). In an East or North window, you may be able to put the plant directly in the window.

Given enough light, this plant is a very fast grower! If treated well, the Swedish Ivy will reward you in the summer with beautiful and dainty white/purple flowers.

*Swedish ivy likes to grow in a high-light window, but pulled off to the side just an inch*

Watering

Watering this plant is easy because it is very vocal. The normally thick and semi-succulent leaves will visibly droop and soften when it's time to be watered. I can usually tell by looking at or feeling the leaves for thickness to tell when my Swedish Ivy is thirsty.

When it's time to water, I normally bring the whole hanging planter straight into the shower and give it a thorough soak. Leave it to drip dry for a bit before hanging it back up.

It's okay to let the Swedish Ivy dry out a bit between watering. The leaves will perk right back up after a good drink!

Humidity

The Swedish ivy is fine in standard room humidity, although it loves the chance to get outside in the warm weather.

Propagating

The Swedish Ivy is one of the easiest plants to propagate, right up there with Pothos.

Simply take some vine cuttings, remove the lower leaves, and root the cuttings in water. In a matter of days you'll start to see roots forming!

Personally, I think the Swedish Ivy is beautiful in water and tend to leave my propagation rooting in water longer than necessary just for the aesthetics. But, whenever you are ready, simply pot your cutting up in some soil. Swedish Ivy isn't picky about soil - standard houseplant potting mix like this one by Espoma will do. After potting, keep the plant moist for a few days while it adjusts to soil.

Enjoy your infinite ivy!