The trend of indoor gardening is gradually rising as interior designs lean more on biophilic designs that incorporate nature in home decor. Swedish ivy (Plectranthus verticillatus) is a trailing plant that grows quickly and is easy to care for, making it a popular choice among indoor gardeners. However, as a novice houseplant owner, being confused about new plants is okay.
This guide will show you all you need to know about growing and caring for your Swedish ivy indoors.
Swedish Ivy Origin
Swedish ivy, also called whorled plectranthus, creeping Charlie, or Swedish begonia, is a plant endemic to southern Africa. It is a trailing plant that grows quickly and can be up to 18 inches long. It has green or variegated leaves with white or yellow patterns that are round and glossy.
Although it’s not common for all varieties of Swedish ivy, the plant has small, tubular blooms in pink, purple, or white. Hence, the lush green and the delightful colors of the flowers make this plant perfect for interior decor.
Swedish Ivy Growing Conditions
Swedish ivy is a low-maintenance plant that may grow in various environments. However, remember that some ideal Swedish Ivy growing conditions can help this plant thrive and bless your home with its beauty.
- Swedish ivy enjoys strong, indirect sunshine, making large windows ideal for the plant. In contrast, it may also thrive in low-light environments.
- Swedish ivy thrives naturally in temperatures ranging from 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (15 to 24 degrees Celsius) and demands high humidity.
- Swedish ivy is drought-tolerant. Therefore it does not need to be watered frequently. Hence, this plant is ideal for novice gardeners or plant owners with busy schedules.
- Use a well-draining, organic-rich soil mix to give the ideal growth conditions for your Swedish ivy. The soil can hold moisture without getting saturated, which could also promote root rot.
Swedish Ivy Propagation and Container
Swedish ivy grows well in several containers, including hanging baskets, pots, and terrariums. When selecting a container, ensure it includes drainage holes to avoid overwatering. As discussed, overwatering can damage the roots, shunting your plant’s growth.
Swedish ivy looks great in a hanging basket since it may cascade over the edges to create a lush appearance. Therefore, it’s one of the most popular methods of keeping them as houseplants and beautifying the interior of a home.
Swedish ivy propagation is simple and may be accomplished by stem cuttings. Just cut a segment of the stem with a few leaves and root it in either soil or water to multiply. The easiest solution is to root in water; simply lay the stem cutting in a water-filled container and replace its contents every few days until roots form. Place the cutting in soil once the roots have grown a few inches.
Care and Maintenance Tips for Swedish Ivy
Although Swedish ivy is a low-maintenance plant, it still needs some basic care to keep naturally thriving in every environment. Here are some tips that may help keep your Swedish ivy beautiful and fresh.
- Swedish ivy is a low-maintenance plant that demands very little attention. So water your plant when the top inch of soil seems dry to the touch. Overwatering can cause root rot, so avoid it.
- Throughout the growing season, fertilize your Swedish ivy once a month using a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. Fertilizers feed the plant basic nutrients that help them remain green and grow beautifully.
- Pruning regularly is essential for promoting bushy growth and preventing legginess. Pull back the stem tips to promote branching and fullness.
- Although Swedish ivy is pest-resistant, watch for mealybugs and spider mites. You certainly don’t want holes in your gorgeous green plants. Hence, if you come across some pests, treat them with an insecticidal soap solution.
- Root crowding often becomes a tough situation for plants. Repotting may be required every 1-2 years to avoid root crowding. Moreover, when repotting, use a little larger container than the existing one and fresh soil.
Swedish Ivy Benefits as a Houseplant
Many houseplants today have become a staple for interior decor. Here are several reasons why Swedish ivy has become one of them.
Easy Maintenance
Swedish ivy is a low-maintenance plant that is simple to maintain, making it ideal for beginners or people with hectic schedules. It can flourish in low light circumstances and is drought-tolerant, so it must not be watered frequently.
Rapid Growth
Swedish ivy grows swiftly and may fill a hanging basket or spill over the sides of a container to create a rich, green display. That makes it an excellent choice for bringing nature into any home space.
Enhances Air Quality
Like many other indoor plants, Swedish Ivy can improve air quality by collecting contaminants and releasing oxygen.
Easy Propagation
Since Swedish Ivy is easy to propagate, you don’t need to buy another plant. You can easily propagate the existing one and have multiple Swedish Ivy in every corner of the house without additional expenses.
Enhances the Beauty of Indoor Spaces
Swedish Ivy can bring a touch of elegance to any interior room with its flowing leaves and brilliant flowers. It is a versatile plant for indoor gardening since it can be grown in many containers.
Best Swedish Ivy Varieties for Indoor Gardening
Swedish Ivy has endless varieties that work well for indoor and outdoor gardening to beautify your space. However, some of these varieties are more common due to their colors and the liveliness they bring to the space. Here are some of the best Swedish Ivy varieties for indoor gardening:
Swedish Ivy With Variegated Leaves
This species has variegated leaves that are white or yellow, making it an excellent choice for adding color to any interior environment. It grows slightly slower than the ‘Green’ type but still produces an excellent trailing plant.
Mona Lavender Swedish Ivy
This cultivar has silky dark purple foliage and produces little purple flowers. It requires more light and humidity than other types, yet it may be a lovely accent to any interior setting.
Gold Swedish Ivy
This variant has yellow-green leaves and grows more slowly than other variations, making it an excellent trailing plant for indoor gardening.
Green Swedish Ivy
The most common Swedish Ivy is ‘Green’ Swedish Ivy, which features glossy foliage with scalloped edges. It grows swiftly and can soon fill a hanging basket or overflow over the sides of a container.
Generally, any species of Swedish Ivy may be successfully grown indoors if the proper growth conditions and care are supplied. Select a variety that complements your aesthetic tastes and matches your indoor gardening requirements.
Wrapping Up!
Swedish ivy is a unique plant that enhances any space, indoor or outdoor. However, the plant’s famous for their beautiful green color and cascading trails, making them perfect for indoor hanging baskets. Choose one of the popular varieties of Swedish ivy as your preference and enjoy the benefits of this low-maintenance plant.