Lamiaceae
Swedish Ivy (Plectranthus australis): The Complete Care Guide
Plectranthus australis
Swedish Ivy is an easy-care plant that thrives in bright indirect light with moderate watering. Allow the top inch of soil to dry between waterings. It prefers temperatures between 10–24°C and moderate humidity. Fertilize monthly during the growing season and prune regularly to maintain a full, bushy shape.
Every 7 days
Partial shade
10° - 24°C
40% - 70%
Categories
What is Swedish Ivy?
Swedish Ivy (Plectranthus australis) is a easy-care plant from the Lamiaceae family. Swedish Ivy (Plectranthus australis) is a fast-growing, trailing houseplant native to South Africa and Australia. Beloved for its lush, round, glossy leaves and cascading stems, it is an ideal plant for hanging baskets, window sills, and outdoor ground cover in frost-free climates. Its ability to th...
Swedish Ivy grows up to 90cm, with spread of 120cm, watering every 7 days, 10°C – 24°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 10-24°C with 40-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Swedish Ivy?
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry. Reduce watering in winter when growth slows. Avoid letting the plant sit in standing water, as soggy soil promotes root rot.
How Much Light Does Swedish Ivy Need?
Place in bright indirect light — near a north or east-facing window is ideal. Avoid direct afternoon sun, which can scorch the leaves. In low light, the plant will become leggy.
What Is the Best Soil for Swedish Ivy?
Use a well-draining potting mix, such as a standard houseplant compost enriched with perlite. A peat-based mix also works well. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot.
What Pot Should You Use for Swedish Ivy?
Hanging baskets, terracotta or ceramic pots with drainage holes. A wide, shallow pot works well to accommodate its trailing growth habit.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 30 days
Misting
Every 3 days
Rotate
Every 30 days
Repot
Every 365 days
What Is Swedish Ivy and Where Does It Come From?
Swedish Ivy (Plectranthus australis) is a fast-growing, trailing houseplant native to South Africa and Australia. Beloved for its lush, round, glossy leaves and cascading stems, it is an ideal plant for hanging baskets, window sills, and outdoor ground cover in frost-free climates. Its ability to thrive with minimal care makes it a popular choice for both beginners and experienced gardeners.
How to Propagate Swedish Ivy?
Stem Cutting
Use clean, sharp scissors. Change water weekly if rooting in water. Cuttings root easily and quickly.
- 1 Cut a healthy stem 8–10 cm long with at least 2–3 leaves
- 2 Remove the lower leaves to expose the node
- 3 Place the cutting in a glass of water or moist propagation mix
- 4 Keep in a warm, bright spot out of direct sun
- 5 Transplant to soil once roots are 2–3 cm long
Materials needed:
How Big Does Swedish Ivy Grow?
TLDR: Swedish Ivy can reach up to 90cm tall with Fast growth rate.
Max height
90cm
Spread
1.2m
Growth rate
Fast
Foliage
Evergreen
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
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 5 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.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects covered with a white, waxy, cottony material. They are common pests of houseplants and outdoor plants in mild climates. These sap-sucking insects feed on plant tissue, causing damage, stunted growth, and can lead to plant death if left untreated. They produce sticky honeydew which attracts sooty mold.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny arachnids (less than 1/20 inch long) related to spiders and ticks that feed on plant sap. They thrive in hot, dry conditions and can cause significant damage to ornamental and vegetable plants. During severe infestations, crop losses can reach 14% or higher as these pests disrupt vital plant processes including photosynthesis, carbon dioxide absorption, and transpiration.
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
Swedish Ivy symbolizes resilience, adaptability, and effortless growth — a reminder that beauty can flourish with minimal fuss.
Fun Facts
Swedish Ivy can trail up to 120 cm long, making it perfect for hanging baskets where its stems cascade beautifully downward.
Despite its name, Swedish Ivy is native to South Africa and Australia — it earned the "Swedish" nickname because it was popularized as a houseplant in Sweden.
Its small white or pale purple flowers bloom year-round, adding a delicate floral display to its lush trailing foliage.
Swedish Ivy grows so fast that a single cutting can fill an entire hanging basket within one growing season.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water Swedish Ivy?
Is Swedish Ivy toxic to cats and dogs?
Why is my Swedish Ivy becoming leggy?
Can Swedish Ivy be grown outdoors?
How do I propagate Swedish Ivy?
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 | ⚠️ |
