Plectranthus glabratus aka Swedish Ivy

Plectranthus glabratus is an easy-care houseplant ideal for beginners. It is drought-tolerant, forgiving of occasional neglect, and tolerates severe pruning exceptionally well. The main concern is avoiding overwatering, which can cause root rot—simply let the soil dry between waterings and you'll have a thriving plant.

Plectranthus glabratus propagates easily from stem cuttings. Take 4-6 inch cuttings from non-flowering stems, remove leaves from the bottom two inches, and place in water or moist potting soil. Roots typically develop within a few weeks. Spring to summer is the ideal time for propagation. Rooting hormone is optional—this plant roots so readily it's usually unnecessary.

Plectranthus glabratus is a fast-growing trailing plant that reaches 60-90 cm (2-3 feet) in both height and spread. The long cascading stems make it ideal for hanging baskets. Regular pruning every 4-6 weeks during the growing season encourages bushier growth and prevents legginess. Without pruning, stems can trail several feet.

Plectranthus glabratus thrives in average room temperatures of 18-24°C (65-75°F). It can tolerate temperatures down to 15°C (60°F) but growth slows significantly. Brief exposure to 4°C (40°F) is tolerated, but it cannot survive frost. If grown outdoors, bring it inside before temperatures drop below freezing.

Yes, Plectranthus glabratus produces small tubular flowers in white, pale lavender, or violet shades. Blooms typically appear in late spring to early summer, though indoor plants may flower sporadically year-round. Each flower measures about 8mm and the flowering period lasts around three weeks. To encourage blooming, provide bright indirect light and use a low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus fertilizer.

Regular pruning keeps Plectranthus glabratus full and bushy. Trim several inches off long vines every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. The best time for heavy pruning is right after flowering—pinch back stem tips to encourage branching. Cut leggy stems back to a leaf node. This plant tolerates severe pruning and will quickly regrow.

Repot Plectranthus glabratus every 2-3 years or when it doubles in size, whichever comes first. Spring or early summer is the ideal time. Use fresh, well-draining potting soil with added perlite for drainage. The new pot should be only 1-2 inches larger than the current one. Fresh potting soil provides nutrients, reducing the need for fertilizer.

The most common pests are mealybugs and spider mites. Mealybugs appear as white cottony masses on stems and leaf undersides—treat with insecticidal soap. Spider mites cause pale leaves and fine webbing; increase humidity and apply insecticidal soap. The biggest disease concern is root rot from overwatering. If leaves wilt and don't recover after watering, check for rotted roots.

Yellow leaves on Plectranthus glabratus usually indicate overwatering. This plant is sensitive to wet soil and overwatering is the most common cause of problems. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings and ensure the pot has good drainage. Check the roots—if they're brown and mushy rather than white and firm, root rot has set in. Take healthy cuttings to propagate new plants.

Drooping or dull leaves typically indicate too much light. Plectranthus glabratus prefers bright indirect light and struggles in direct sunlight. Move the plant to a shadier location away from direct sun. If drooping continues after watering and the plant doesn't recover, root rot may be the cause—check the roots and propagate healthy stems if needed.

Plectranthus glabratus can grow outdoors year-round only in USDA zones 10-11 where temperatures stay above freezing. In cooler climates, it makes an excellent summer patio plant but must come indoors before frost. Outdoors, provide shade to partial shade—direct sun causes leaf burn. It works beautifully in hanging baskets or as groundcover in tropical gardens.

The most popular variety is 'Marginatus' (White-Edged Swedish Ivy), featuring attractive leaves bordered with white or cream variegation. The standard species has solid green, glossy leaves. Note that some plants sold as Plectranthus glabratus 'Marginatus' may actually be Plectranthus forsteri, a closely related species—both make excellent houseplants.

Slow growth in Plectranthus glabratus is usually caused by insufficient light or cool temperatures. This fast-growing plant needs bright indirect light—move it closer to a window (but not direct sun). Growth naturally slows in winter; resume fertilizing in spring to boost growth. Also check for root-bound conditions, which can limit growth.

In winter, reduce watering and stop fertilizing as growth slows. The plant can tolerate lower temperatures (down to 15°C/60°F) but keep it away from cold drafts. In spring and summer, resume regular watering, begin fertilizing monthly with balanced fertilizer, and this is the best time to prune, repot, and take cuttings for propagation.

Swedish Ivy’s native range is Tropical Africa and Madagascar.

Swedish Ivy should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Swedish Ivy loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Swedish Ivy thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Tropical Mint.

No extra humidity is necessary for the Swedish Ivy. Absorption of water by plants is primarily done through their roots, and soil watering is the most effective method to provide humidity to your plants.

Repotting the Swedish Ivy should be done either when it has doubled in size or on a yearly basis, whichever occurs sooner. Fresh potting soil with all the required nutrients, refreshed annually, will provide the plant with all the necessary sustenance, making the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that plants receive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.