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Bright, indirect light. Tolerates some morning direct sun (right in the window where sun actually hits the leaves. A strong grow light 4-6 inches away can substitute) but suffers in harsh afternoon light. East or west-facing windows are ideal. low light (more than 8 feet from a window, or a north-facing room. A grow light 10-12 inches away works great if your windows are not cutting it) causes legginess.Light
Water about once a week, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Yellow leaves signal overwatering; wilting or crispy edges signal underwatering.Water
Adaptable to average household humidity. Not as demanding as tropical plants. Does not require misting (note: misting does not actually raise humidity meaningfully. A pebble tray or humidifier is more effective).Humidity
60-75°F (16-24°C). Can go outside in summer in partial shade but bring it back inside before temperatures fall below 50°F.Temperature
easyDifficulty
Plectranthus australis (Swedish Ivy) in a ceramic pot

Swedish Ivy

Plectranthus australis

Easy

Swedish Ivy is neither Swedish nor an ivy, but it trails and cascades so convincingly from a hanging basket that nobody really holds the name against it. Your plant grows fast, produces glossy round leaves with scalloped edges, and will reward you with small tubular white or purple flowers if you give it enough light. It's non-toxic to pets and one of the most forgiving houseplants you can grow, which is how it became Sweden's unofficial national windowsill plant in the first place.

Plectranthus australis (Swedish Ivy) in a ceramic pot
W.carter, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Plectranthus australis (Swedish Ivy) in a ceramic pot
W.carter, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Care Guide

How to grow Swedish Ivy

Light

Bright, indirect light.

Water

Water about once a week,

Humidity

Adaptable to average household humidity.

Temperature

60-75°F

Soil

Light, loamy potting mix with

Propagation

Extremely easy from stem cuttings.

Common Problems

Aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs

Did You Know

Fun Facts

Swedish Ivy is not from Sweden — it became a popular houseplant there in the mid-20th century and the Swedes grew it so enthusiastically in their windows that the name stuck worldwide.

Pet Safety

Pet safe

Non-toxic to dogs, cats, and horses (ASPCA confirmed).

Sources

  1. Plectranthus australis - Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder (opens in new tab)Botanical Garden
  2. Plectranthus australis — Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder (opens in new tab)Botanical Garden
  3. Growing Swedish Ivy Plants - Gardening Know How (opens in new tab)Reference
  4. Growing Swedish Ivy Plants — Gardening Know How (opens in new tab)Reference
  5. Swedish Ivy - ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants (opens in new tab)Reference
  6. Swedish Ivy Care - The Garden Helper (opens in new tab)Reference
  7. Swedish Ivy Care — The Garden Helper (opens in new tab)Reference
  8. Swedish Ivy — ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants (opens in new tab)Reference
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