Plectranthus australis SWEDISH IVY (plant)

Swedish Ivy, also known as Lucky Plant or Plectranthus verticillatus (formerly P. australis) in Latin, is a perennial succulent. This spreading plant reaches a height of 30 to 40 cm and belongs to the Lamiaceae family. It is a fast-growing, non-hardy variety native to South Africa.

The leaves of the Swedish Ivy are highly decorative: round, dark green with a reddish tint, and reaching up to 6 cm in diameter. They are sometimes veined with silver, while the undersides are a striking purple.

Money Plant's flowering is blue and generally appears in autumn, gathered in very light and delicate spikes.

Lucky Plant seeds are very fine, round, and brown. They are easily dispersed by the wind. The stems of Plectranthus verticillatus are thick and red, secreting an orange sap when pruned.

- Uses:

Ornamental: It is primarily grown for its beauty. It can be displayed in hanging baskets outdoors or kept in a very bright room indoors. A sunroom or veranda is the ideal place for Swedish Ivy to thrive.

Folklore: According to tradition, this extraordinary plant is given as a gift to those in need of happiness, joy, and wealth. In Spain, it is known as "la planta del dinero," meaning the money plant.

Air Purifying: It is also considered an excellent air-purifying plant.

- Cultivation and Planting:

• Repot Swedish Ivy Plant into a one or two-liter pot with good horticultural potting soil, ensuring the bottom is well-drained.
• Water gently at the base of the plant during planting.
• Place the Swedish Ivy in a very bright spot inside the house.
• To improve its shape, it is recommended to regularly pinch back the tips of the plant to encourage the growth of new stems.

- Soil Type / Substrate:

Money Plant prefers to grow in a well-draining substrate rich in organic matter.

- Exposure / Light:

This beautiful creeping plant grows best under bright light. In full sun, the leaves will tend to turn red. If there is a lack of light, the nodes between leaves will become more spaced out (leggy). For indoor cultivation, it should be placed near a window.

- Temperature / Hardiness:

Swedish Ivy grows very quickly when temperatures are between 20°C and 40°C. Below 10°C, growth practically stops. This indoor plant is frost-sensitive; it must be brought inside before the cold weather arrives. Its USDA hardiness zone is 10-11.

- Watering / Irrigation:

Lucky Plant needs watering in the peak of summer if the soil is very dry. However, it is a hardy plant that requires little water overall. Always water at the base. In winter, watering is generally not necessary.

- Multiplication / Reproduction:

The Money Plant is easily propagated through stem cuttings. Simply cut a 15 cm section and plant it in a pot of moist peat. Place the cutting in a warm greenhouse. Roots will appear within one to two weeks. Growing from seeds is more temperamental, which is why it is not the recommended method for reproduction.

- Pests / Diseases:

Plectranthus australis is rarely subject to diseases. Occasionally, there may be minor attacks from slugs or snails, but these generally have little impact on the plant's health.