Swedish Ivy Plant – Easy-Grow Indoor Foliage for Hanging Baskets

Swedish Ivy (*Plectranthus verticillatus*), despite its name, isn’t a true ivy and doesn’t originate from Sweden. This fast-growing, trailing plant is prized for its glossy scalloped leaves, cascading growth, and ability to thrive indoors with minimal care—making it a popular choice for beginner and indoor gardeners.

Native to southern Africa and part of the mint family (*Lamiaceae*), Swedish Ivy has been cultivated globally for its decorative, trailing stems and ease of propagation. In Australia, it’s frequently grown in hanging baskets, pots, and indoor plant stands, where its lush foliage can spill attractively over the edges. Varieties range from bright green to variegated cultivars with cream margins or purplish stems.

This plant grows quickly under the right conditions and is known for its ability to purify indoor air, tolerate a bit of neglect, and bounce back from light pruning. Swedish Ivy can be grown both indoors and outdoors in warm, frost-free areas of Australia like Queensland, NSW coastlines, and parts of WA. Its cascading habit makes it a low-maintenance option for balconies, sunrooms, and shaded patios.

How to Grow Plectranthus verticillatus (Swedish Ivy) in Australia

Although Swedish Ivy prefers bright, indirect light, it also tolerates partial shade—ideal for Australian homes where harsh afternoon sun can damage more delicate foliage plants. When grown indoors, it does best near an east-facing window or in rooms with consistent, gentle daylight. Outdoors, place in sheltered garden beds or hanging pots under pergolas and verandahs.

Its rapid growth means you’ll often need to trim stems to prevent leggy vines and promote a fuller, bushier shape. Luckily, those trimmed stems root easily in water or soil, making this plant one of the easiest to propagate and share. Whether grown for its vibrant greenery or trailing habit, *Plectranthus verticillatus* is a reliable, forgiving houseplant that rewards even basic care with vigorous growth and vibrant texture.

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How to Care for a Swedish Ivy Plant in Australia

Swedish Ivy is one of the most forgiving indoor foliage plants you can grow. With fast growth, low water needs, and tolerance for varied light levels, it makes an ideal hanging basket or shelf plant. Here’s how to keep yours thriving year-round:

Light: Prefers bright, indirect sunlight. Indoors, keep near an east- or north-facing window. Outdoors, grow under filtered light or morning sun. Too much direct sun may bleach or scorch the leaves.
Watering: Water when the top 2–3 cm of soil feels dry. In summer, this may be weekly; in winter, reduce to every 2–3 weeks. Overwatering leads to root rot and leaf drop.
Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix. A general indoor plant soil with added perlite or coarse sand works well. Swedish Ivy dislikes compacted, soggy soil.
Temperature: Ideal range is 18–27 °C. Avoid cold drafts and protect from frost. Outdoors, only grow in frost-free zones like coastal QLD or northern NSW.
Humidity: Tolerates low humidity but thrives in moderate levels. Mist lightly in dry indoor environments if tips begin to crisp.
Fertilising: Feed once a month during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertiliser. Avoid overfeeding, which can cause rapid, leggy growth with pale foliage.

Swedish Ivy responds well to pruning. Trim trailing vines regularly to encourage bushy growth, and remove any yellow or wilted leaves. If growth becomes sparse or woody at the base, consider repotting or restarting the plant from fresh cuttings. Repot every 1–2 years to refresh soil and prevent root crowding.

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How to Propagate Swedish Ivy + Safety & Common Questions

One of Swedish Ivy’s best qualities is how easily it propagates. Whether rooting in water or soil, this plant produces new roots quickly and reliably—making it perfect for sharing or replacing aging vines.

Propagation Steps

Take a healthy 10–15 cm cutting from a stem tip, just below a node.
Remove the lower leaves and place the cutting in a glass of water or moist potting mix.
Place in bright, indirect light. Roots typically form in 7–14 days in water, or 2–3 weeks in soil.
Once roots reach 2–3 cm long, transplant into a pot with fresh soil and begin standard care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Swedish Ivy toxic to cats or dogs? No. Unlike true ivy species, Swedish Ivy (*Plectranthus verticillatus*) is considered non-toxic to pets. However, always discourage chewing to avoid upset stomachs.
Can Swedish Ivy grow in water? Yes. It roots easily in water and can grow there long-term, though it will need nutrients. Replace water weekly and add diluted liquid fertiliser for extended growth.
Why is my Swedish Ivy leggy? This usually means it’s not getting enough light or has too much nitrogen. Move to a brighter spot and prune regularly to encourage compact growth.
What is the botanical name for Swedish Ivy? Most commonly *Plectranthus verticillatus* or *Plectranthus australis*. It’s part of the mint family, not related to Hedera (true ivy).

To support healthy green growth and strong trailing stems, feed your Swedish Ivy every 3–4 weeks during the growing season with a half-strength dose of CompleteGrow All Purpose Liquid Fertiliser (NPK 20-20-20). Always apply to moist soil and avoid overfeeding to maintain lush, compact foliage.