Image: AI generated
Swedish Ivy Plant Care
Plectranthus verticillatus Druce
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Plectranthus verticillatus, Swedish ivy, Swedish begonia or whorled plectranthus is a plant in the family Lamiaceae (Labiatae), genus Plectranthus native to southern Africa. Despite its common name, it is not close to the ivy family of the genus Hedera nor is it native to Sweden.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
60–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Swedish Ivy?
Water Swedish Ivy every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Swedish Ivy Native To?
What Is the Swedish Ivy?
Swedish Ivy (Plectranthus verticillatus) belongs to the Lamiaceae family within the Plectranthus genus. Swedish Ivy is native to southern Africa. Swedish Ivy is also known as Parrot's Beak, Round-leaf Plectranthus.
Swedish Ivy displays a bushy, spreading perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Swedish Ivy produces small, tubular flowers in shades of purple, pink, or white.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Swedish Ivy?
Plectranthus verticillatus requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Swedish Ivy Need?
Swedish Ivy thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Swedish Ivy in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Swedish Ivy Prefer?
Plectranthus verticillatus grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Swedish Ivy prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Swedish Ivy?
Well-draining soil mix with added perlite for good aeration. Good drainage is essential for Swedish Ivy to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Swedish Ivy?
Feed Swedish Ivy every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Swedish Ivy?
Repot every 1-2 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Swedish Ivy?
Swedish Ivy can be propagated through stem cuttings, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to coleus plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Swedish Ivy Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Swedish Ivy, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Swedish Ivy?
Swedish Ivy is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, aphids. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Swedish Ivy Need?
Swedish Ivy grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Swedish Ivy is native to southern Africa. In cooler regions, grow Swedish Ivy as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Swedish Ivy is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Plectranthus genus — compare its care with other Plectranthus species on PlantoScan.
Plectranthus is part of the Lamiaceae plant family — browse all Lamiaceae genera and species.
Swedish Ivy thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Plectranthus verticillatus Druce, family Lamiaceae (first published in Rep. Bot. Soc. Exch. Club Brit. Isles 4: 640 (1916 publ. 1917)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record, Wikidata.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Swedish Ivy, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: AI-generated illustration (labelled on the image).
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10a – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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