Swedish ivy (Plectranthus australis) is a common houseplant that can also be grown outdoors given the right conditions. As it is only winter hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 through 11, however, it must receive specific weather in order to survive out of doors. Alternatively, it may be grown as a houseplant in winter and moved outdoors after temperatures have warmed up.
As a warm-climate plant native to South Africa, Swedish ivy requires warm temperatures during both the daytime and the nighttime. At night, the ideal temperature range is between 55 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit, while during the day the temperature can be as high as 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It should never be below freezing. If you do not wish to grow Swedish ivy indoors during the winter, you can plant starts in the ground after temperatures have warmed. They will die at the first frost because the plant cannot tolerate it.
Swedish ivy prefers humusy, well-drained soils of medium moisture level. If its bottom leaves begin to yellow and fall off the plant, this is a clue that it is receiving too much moisture. You should water the plant until the soil is thoroughly soaked and wait until it is almost dry to water again. If rain does not provide enough water, water by hand, but attempt to keep water off of the leaves. Inside, the water should run out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot during each watering.
Swedish ivy prefers light shade, so plant it in an area where it will receive partial or sun-dappled sunlight. In areas that receive hotter than 80-degree weather, you should take special care to keep the plant out of direct sunlight, especially in summer. In full sun, plants will not reach their full height and width as they tend to remain small and compact instead.
Indoor Growing and Overwintering
Grow Swedish ivy in bright, slightly filtered light in a pot with drainage holes. Temperature ranges are the same for indoor growing conditions as summer growing. These conditions apply for plants that will be moved outdoors in summer as well as plants that will live inside year-round. If growing outdoors during the summer, move the plant outside once temperatures have reached appropriate levels during the day and night, and move inside before the first frost.
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