Swedish Ivy

Swedish Ivy is a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae) native to southern Africa, not Scandinavia. It earned its common name because it became a popular houseplant in Sweden, where it was widely propagated and shared.

Its cascading stems and rounded, waxy leaves make it a classic choice for hanging baskets and high shelves. The plant is vigorous, forgiving, and one of the easiest houseplants to root from a single cutting in a glass of water.

Look for these distinguishing features:

• Leaves: rounded to oval, glossy green, with deeply scalloped (crenate) margins and a slightly waxy feel
• Stems: square in cross-section (a giveaway of the mint family), trailing and slightly succulent
• Habit: cascading and bushy, often spilling over the edges of pots
• Flowers: small tubular white to pale lilac blooms on upright spikes, appearing occasionally indoors
• Scent: leaves release a faint aromatic odor when crushed

Light: Bright, indirect light keeps growth full; tolerates some lower light but becomes leggy.

Water: Water when the top inch of soil dries; avoid soggy roots. Slightly drought-tolerant thanks to fleshy stems.

Soil: Standard well-draining potting mix.

Temperature: Comfortable at 60-75°F (15-24°C); protect from frost.

Feeding: Balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during spring and summer.

Propagation: Extremely easy — snip a stem tip and root it in water or moist soil within a week or two. Pinch back regularly to encourage bushiness.

Native to South Africa and surrounding regions of southern Africa, where it grows as a ground-covering perennial in shaded, humid conditions.

Today it is grown worldwide as an indoor and patio plant. In frost-free climates it can be used as a fast-spreading outdoor ground cover or in window boxes.