How do you root Swedish ivy in water? Snip a 3- to 5-inch (8 to 13 cm) Swedish ivy tip with a node, strip the lower leaves and stand it in water in bright indirect light near 70°F (21°C). Change the water twice a week. UNL Extension says tip cuttings can root in as little as a week.
Key takeaway: Swedish ivy (Plectranthus verticillatus, also sold as P. australis) is a fast, forgiving trailing houseplant, not a true ivy. Tip cuttings root quickly in water, the plant tolerates hard pruning, and most problems trace back to light, overwatering or mealybugs. Pinch it often to keep it full.
| Step | What to do | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Cut a tip | 3 to 5 in (8 to 13 cm) with a node | University of Maryland |
| 2. Strip leaves | No leaves below the waterline | University of Maryland |
| 3. Place | Bright indirect light, about 70°F (21°C) | University of Maryland |
| 4. Refresh | Change water twice a week | University of Maryland |
| 5. Pot up | Plant in well-drained mix once rooted | UF IFAS |
What Is Swedish Ivy?
Swedish ivy is a trailing houseplant, not an ivy at all. The Royal Horticultural Society lists it as Plectranthus verticillatus, and UF IFAS uses the name Plectranthus australis. Its glossy, scalloped leaves look best in a hanging basket, UF notes, and it produces white or light purple blooms off and on through the year.
Unlike English ivy in water, which is a woody climber, this plant has soft green stems that root with very little effort. That makes it a favorite for beginners learning water propagation.
How Do You Take Swedish Ivy Cuttings?
Take cuttings from healthy, non-flowering tips. University of Maryland Extension recommends cuttings 3 to 5 inches (8 to 13 cm) long that include at least one node, while UNL Extension says even 1- to 4-inch (2.5 to 10 cm) tips work. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruners.
- Pick a stem tip with firm, green leaves and no flowers.
- Cut just below a leaf node.
- Remove the leaves from the lower half of the stem.
- Keep the top few leaves to power new growth.
- Take several cuttings for a fuller pot later.
NC State Extension advises sterilizing tools with rubbing alcohol or a 1:9 bleach solution before taking cuttings.
How Do You Grow Swedish Ivy in Water Step by Step?
Put the cuttings in a clear jar so the bare nodes sit under water and all leaves stay above it. University of Maryland Extension recommends bright but indirect light, a temperature around 70°F (21°C), and changing the water at least twice a week. Cuttings root fast under those conditions.
- Container: a clear glass makes root checks easy.
- Water: room temperature, refreshed twice weekly.
- Light: a bright window without hot direct sun.
- Warmth: away from cold drafts and heaters.
For a side-by-side look at both methods, see water propagation vs soil propagation.
How Long Does Swedish Ivy Take to Root?
This is one of the quickest houseplants to root. UNL Extension notes that coleus and Swedish ivy cuttings may root in as little as a week, and UF IFAS says tip cuttings root within a month. Warmth and bright indirect light speed things up, while cool, dim rooms slow them down.
Wait until the new roots are clearly visible and branching before you pot the cuttings. University of Maryland Extension suggests letting new roots develop for another week or two first so they handle the move to soil.
How Do You Care for Swedish Ivy After Rooting?
Plant rooted Swedish ivy in a well-drained mix and water when the top inch (2.5 cm) of soil is dry. UF IFAS recommends moderate light and notes the plant can take short dips to 40°F (4°C). Pinch stem tips after flowering to keep plants bushy, and cut back hard if stems get leggy.
| Need | Guideline | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Soil | Well-drained potting mix | UF IFAS |
| Water | When the top inch (2.5 cm) is dry | UF IFAS |
| Light | Moderate to bright indirect | UF IFAS |
| Cold limit | Short exposure to 40°F (4°C) | UF IFAS |
| Pruning | Pinch after bloom; tolerates severe pruning | UF IFAS |
Why Is My Swedish Ivy Drooping or Not Blooming?
UF IFAS links dull, droopy leaves to too much light, and a lack of flowers to too much nitrogen fertilizer or too little light. If the plant wilts and does not recover after watering, root rot is likely. In that case, UF recommends taking healthy tip cuttings and starting over in fresh mix.
- Dull, drooping leaves: move out of strong direct sun.
- No flowers: cut back on high-nitrogen feed and add light.
- Wilting that persists: suspect root rot and reroot tips.
- Leggy stems: pinch or prune back hard.
Can You Root Cuttings in Soil Instead of Water?
Yes. The same tip cuttings root well in a moist, well-drained potting mix or perlite, and soil-rooted cuttings skip the adjustment period after water. NC State Extension says a rooting medium should be sterile, well drained and moisture-retentive, and suggests a clear plastic bag to keep humidity high while roots form.
- Fill a small pot with moist, sterile mix or perlite.
- Make a hole with a pencil and insert the stripped stem.
- Firm the mix gently around it.
- Cover loosely with a clear bag or dome.
- Remove the cover once new leaves appear.
Our perlite propagation guide and humidity dome guide explain both setups in detail.
What Pests Attack Swedish Ivy?
Mealybugs are often the first pest to show up, according to UF IFAS, followed by spider mites. Look for white, cottony clusters in leaf joints and fine webbing under leaves. UF recommends insecticidal soap for control. Check new cuttings closely so you do not carry pests into a fresh jar.
Our guide to mealybugs and scale covers safe treatment steps.
FAQ About Swedish Ivy
Is Swedish ivy a real ivy?
No. It is a Plectranthus, unrelated to English ivy (Hedera).
Can it live in water forever?
It can stay in water for some time, but it grows best long-term in well-drained potting mix.
When can I take cuttings?
The RHS says stem-tip cuttings can be taken at any time of year.
Why are my cuttings rotting?
Leaves under water or stale water. Strip lower leaves and change water twice a week.
How do I make the plant fuller?
Pinch tips regularly and plant several rooted cuttings in one pot.
Sources
- UF IFAS Gardening Solutions. Swedish ivy.
- University of Maryland Extension. Make more plants from cuttings: 5 plants that root easily in water.
- UNL Extension in Lancaster County. Home-grown gifts for friends and family.
- Royal Horticultural Society. Plectranthus verticillatus.
- NC State Extension. Extension Gardener Handbook: Propagation.
- Photo credits (Wikimedia Commons, edited with titles): Plectranthus verticillatus in a ceramic pot by W.carter (CC0); Ficus cuttings with roots in a bottle, White background by Biusch (CC BY-SA 3.0); Ficus cuttings with roots in a bottle, White background by Biusch (CC BY-SA 3.0)