Swedish ivy, scientifically known as Plectranthus verticillatus, is a low-maintenance houseplant that thrives in bright, indirect light and consistent moisture. This versatile plant can be left to trail elegantly in hanging pots or pruned to maintain a more compact form. Propagating Swedish Ivy from cuttings is a simple process, making it easy to share with others.
Commonly known as Swedish Ivy, this perennial plant belongs to the Lamiaceae family and typically grows to a mature size of 2-3 feet in height and width. It prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Swedish Ivy blooms with small, tubular white or pale purple flowers in the spring and summer, adding a delicate touch to its lush foliage.
Part of the mint family, Swedish Ivy is favored as a houseplant for its ability to maintain its leaves even when neglected. If its leaves turn pale green or yellow, adjusting light exposure and moisture levels, along with occasional fertilization, can easily revive the plant. Pruning away spent flowers encourages healthy growth and a full appearance.
To care for Swedish Ivy, provide it with bright, indirect light, use nutrient-rich potting soil, maintain consistent moisture without overwatering, and feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks in the growing season. While Swedish Ivy does not require frequent pruning, removing faded flowers and trimming leggy stems can help maintain its appearance.
Propagation of Swedish Ivy is straightforward, with cuttings easily rooting in water. To propagate, make diagonal cuts below leaf nodes on healthy stems, remove lower leaves, and place the cutting in water until roots develop. For a fuller plant, root multiple cuttings in separate containers before planting them together in a hanging basket or planter.
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To propagate Swedish ivy in soil, cut several 3 to 4-inch stems just below a leaf node and remove leaves from the lower half. Fill a container with good drainage holes with potting mix, moisten it well, and create holes a few inches deep. Dip the cut end of the stems in rooting hormone powder, place them in the holes, pat the soil gently, and keep it evenly moist in a warm area with bright, indirect light. The cuttings will root in about two weeks and can then be repotted if necessary.
For potting or repotting, choose a container with drainage holes. Fill two-thirds of it with nutrient-rich potting soil, add the plant, fill the rest of the container with soil, press down lightly, and water thoroughly. To repot, choose a larger container, loosen the plant from the original pot, untangle root-bound roots, and plant in fresh soil.
Watch out for mealybugs and spider mites, address overwatering, and repot if root rot occurs. Swedish ivy is not the same as Creeping Charlie (Pilea nummaularifolia) and is easy to maintain, surviving in low light. It can be placed outdoors in summer with proper care.
