How to Grow Swedish Ivy 'Canine's Teeth'

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Swedish Ivy 'Canine's Teeth'

Plectranthus oertendahlii 'Canine's Teeth'

herb

A charming houseplant variant of Swedish ivy featuring distinctive white-margined, deeply lobed leaves that resemble canine teeth along the edges. This trailing succulent-like plant produces delicate purple or white flowers and is prized for its ornamental foliage. It thrives indoors as a low-maintenance houseplant or groundcover in warm climates.

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Example Swedish Ivy 'Canine's Teeth' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Swedish Ivy 'Canine's Teeth'
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Swedish Ivy 'Canine's Teeth'
Around Jun 16

≈ 60 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Swedish Ivy 'Canine's Teeth' dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️

Sun: Bright indirect light; tolerates partial shade. Avoid direct afternoon sun which can fade foliage.

💧

Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Allow top inch of soil to dry between waterings. Reduce watering in winter. Sensitive to overwatering; ensure excellent drainage.

📏

Spacing: 12 inches

📅

Days to maturity: 60-90 days to established mature plant

🌱

Planting depth: Plant at same depth as nursery pot; shallow-rooted plant

Soil

Type: Well-draining potting mix, light and airy

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

Perlite Orchid bark Coconut coir

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Zones 10b-11; best grown as a houseplant in cooler climates

10b 11a 11b

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Growth Stages

Establishment

2-3 weeks

Young rooted cuttings or small potted plants with initial leaf growth

Keep soil consistently moist without waterlogging. Provide bright, indirect light. Maintain humidity of 50-60%. Hold off fertilizing for 4-6 weeks.

Vegetative Growth

4-8 weeks

Rapid trailing stem development with characteristic white-edged, deeply lobed leaves emerging along stems

Pinch stem tips to encourage bushier growth rather than single long vines. Water when top inch of soil is dry. Begin light fertilizing every 3-4 weeks.

Mature Trailing Stage

Ongoing

Stems reaching 12-18 inches or longer, forming dense, cascading foliage mounds ideal for hanging baskets

Maintain consistent moisture and bright indirect light. Fertilize monthly during growing season. Rotate pot weekly for even growth. Prune overgrown stems as needed.

Flowering

4-6 weeks, may occur multiple times yearly

Small, delicate spikes of purple or white flowers appear along the stems

Flowers are sparse indoors but indicate plant vigor. No special care needed; flowers will drop naturally. Deadheading is optional.

Rest/Dormancy

November-February

Growth slows in winter months; foliage may dim slightly in lower light conditions

Reduce watering frequency. Move away from cold drafts. Fertilizing can be discontinued or reduced to every 6 weeks. Maintain temperatures above 50°F.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Pothos Philodendron Tradescantia Peperomia Hoya Senecio (String of Pearls)

Avoid planting near:

Moisture-loving plants requiring constant wetness Plants needing full sun in same container Succulents preferring drier conditions (if container sharing)

Common Pests

Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap weekly. Isolate plant. Wipe leaves with 70% isopropyl alcohol on cotton swab.
Increase humidity with misting. Use miticide or neem oil spray. Improve air circulation.
Remove by hand with soft brush. Treat with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap. Repeat every 7-10 days.
Use yellow sticky traps. Spray with insecticidal soap. Isolate affected plant immediately.
Repot into fresh, dry soil immediately. Trim away blackened roots. Reduce watering frequency. Improve drainage.

Uses

🏠

Indoor Air Purification

Household

Swedish ivy is known to filter indoor air and remove certain toxins, making it a practical choice for offices and living spaces. Its trailing habit also helps it absorb particulates from various air levels. [source]

🎨

Decorative Houseplant & Hanging Baskets

Craft

The striking white-margined, deeply lobed foliage and trailing growth habit make this an ideal specimen for hanging baskets, wall planters, and decorative shelf displays. Its ornamental appearance adds visual interest to any interior. [source]

🏠

Propagation & Plant Sharing

Household

This plant propagates so easily from cuttings that it's ideal for plant enthusiasts who enjoy sharing with friends and family. A single cutting can become a full plant in just weeks. [source]

🍳

Edible Ornamental Herb (Mild Minty Flavor)

Culinary

Plectranthus species have a mildly minty, slightly peppery flavor and can be used in teas or as a culinary herb garnish, though it's primarily grown for ornamental value. Ensure no pesticides have been used before consumption. [source]

💊

Traditional Folk Medicine

Medicinal

Some Plectranthus species have been used in traditional medicine for digestive and anti-inflammatory purposes, though scientific evidence is limited. 'Canine's Teeth' is not commonly used medicinally but shares the genus traits. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

This is an ornamental foliage plant, not typically harvested. Pinch back growing tips regularly to maintain shape and encourage bushiness. Propagate easily by taking 3-4 inch stem cuttings and rooting in water or moist soil (roots appear in 1-2 weeks). Trim long vines as needed for aesthetic control.

Fun Facts

🌱 Despite being called 'Swedish Ivy,' this plant is not actually an ivy at all, nor does it originate from Sweden. The common name likely arose from its popularity in Scandinavian houseplant collections during the 1970s-80s.
🌱 The 'Canine's Teeth' cultivar's distinctive white-edged, deeply lobed leaves give it its name because the leaf margins resemble the sharp edges of canine teeth—a visual feature that intensifies with proper bright indirect light.
🌱 Plectranthus oertendahlii is toxic to cats and dogs, making it important to keep away from pets despite its ornamental appeal and common houseplant status.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Deadhead Partial Shade Pinch Back

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