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Illustration of green leaves and small purple flowers on a beige background

Swedish Ivy

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Plectranthus verticillatus

KNOWN AS: Swedish Ivy, Creeping Charlie, Swedish Begonia

CLIMATE (LOCATION): South Africa | Subtropical

DESCRIPTION: Despite its name, Swedish Ivy is neither from Sweden nor a true ivy. It is a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae). It features thick, scalloped, bright green leaves with a glossy finish and deep veins. It has a beautiful trailing habit, and when happy, it produces spikes of delicate white or pale lavender flowers. It became popular in Sweden as a houseplant, which is how it earned its common name. 

Swedish Ivy Plant Care

Lighting

Light Requirement: High Light (Bright Indirect Light)

Swedish Ivy loves bright, filtered light. While it can tolerate medium light, it will become "leggy" (long stems with fewer leaves) and will likely fail to flower. Avoid direct afternoon sun, which can bleach the vibrant green leaves or cause them to dull and crisp. A spot near an east-facing window is usually perfect.

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Watering

Quick Tip: Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry.

This plant likes to stay consistently moist during its active growing season (spring and summer), but it is forgiving if you forget a watering once in a while. In the winter, allow the soil to dry out a bit more between waterings. If the leaves start to feel soft or look slightly dull, it's usually a sign that it's time for a drink.

Temperature

Preferred Temperature: 60º - 75º

Swedish Ivy prefers the same temperatures humans do. It thrives in standard room temperatures but is sensitive to extreme cold. Keep it away from drafty windows or doors during the winter. If temperatures drop below 50°F, the plant may suffer and stop growing.

Humidity

Preferred Humidity: 40 - 60%; Moderate Humidity

Unlike many tropicals, Swedish Ivy is quite content with average home humidity. However, if your home is very dry during the winter, it will appreciate being grouped with other plants or a light misting.

Additional Plant Care

Propagation
This is one of the easiest plants to propagate in the world. How to Propagate: Simply snip a 4-inch stem cutting (ensure it has at least two nodes). Remove the bottom leaves and place the stem in water or moist potting soil. Tip: Roots usually appear within 7–10 days. Once the roots are an inch long, you can plant them back into the main pot to make it look fuller.
Toxicity
Quick Warning: Non-Toxic to cats, dogs, and humans. This is a fantastic "worry-free" plant for households with curious pets or small children.
Repotting
Swedish Ivy grows relatively fast and may need a larger home every year. When to Repot: In the spring if roots are circling the bottom of the pot. Choose a Pot: A hanging basket or a pot with excellent drainage is ideal for its trailing stems. Repot: Use a standard, high-quality potting mix.
Pruning
Pruning is the secret to a "bushy" and beautiful Swedish Ivy. Maintenance: Regularly pinch off the tips of the new growth. This forces the plant to branch out rather than just growing in one long string. Refresh: If the plant becomes too leggy or "bald" at the top, don't be afraid to give it a "haircut" by trimming it back significantly; it will bounce back quickly with new growth.
Fertilizer
Support its rapid growth with regular nutrients. What to Use: A balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. When to Apply: Once a month during the spring and summer. Do not fertilize in the winter.
Soil
It needs a light, airy soil that retains some moisture but drains well. Ideal Mix: A standard peat-based potting soil. Recommended Blend: 3 parts potting soil to 1 part perlite. This ensures the roots don't stay waterlogged, preventing root rot.

Hanging Heights

Swedish Ivy Lighting Requirements: High Light (Bright Indirect Light)

Chart showing recommended hanging heights for Soltech Aspect and popular plants for each range.

Aspect Hanging Heights - Swedish Ivy

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Soltech's Recommendation -

24" to 36"

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VIEW ASPECT GROW GUIDE

Vita Hanging Heights - Swedish Ivy

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Soltech's Recommendation -

36º Narrow Beam Vita : 24" to 36"

60º Wide Beam Vita : 12" to 24"

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VIEW VITA GROW GUIDE

Highland Hanging Heights - Swedish Ivy

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Soltech's Recommendation -

36º Narrow Beam Highland : 18" to 42"

60º Wide Beam Highland : 18" to 48"

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VIEW HIGHLAND GROW GUIDE

Grove Hanging Heights - Swedish Ivy

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Soltech's Recommendation:

  • 1" to 12"

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VIEW GROVE GROW GUIDE

Lighting guide for plants with Soltech Aura and potted plants on a neutral background

Aura Light Distances - Swedish Ivy

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Soltech's Recommendation:

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VIEW AURA GROW GUIDE

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