10 Pet-Safe Indoor Plants: Perfect for Small Spaces & Pets

6. Swedish Ivy (Plectranthus verticillatus): The Perfect Trailing Beauty

Don’t let the name fool you – Swedish Ivy isn’t actually from Sweden, nor is it a true ivy! I discovered this delightful plant when searching for pet-safe trailing options, and it’s become one of my go-to recommendations for beginners. Its rapid growth and forgiving nature make it an absolute joy to grow.

Making the Most of Those Trailing Vines

The first thing that amazed me about my Swedish Ivy was its incredible trailing ability. Within just a few months, those elegant stems were cascading 2-3 feet from my hanging basket! I’ve found that these trailing vines are perfect for:

Hanging baskets near windows
Elevated plant stands
Bookshelf decorations
Wall-mounted planters

Propagation: The Easiest Plant to Share

Let me share my foolproof propagation method that works nearly 100% of the time! Here’s what I do:

Take 6-inch stem cuttings just below a leaf node
Remove lower leaves
Place in water or directly in moist soil
Wait 2-3 weeks for roots to develop

The amazing thing is that these cuttings root so readily, I’ve actually propagated them in plain water on my kitchen windowsill. Every single cutting I’ve tried has rooted successfully!

Light and Water: Finding the Sweet Spot

After some trial and error, I’ve found that Swedish Ivy thrives in bright indirect light, though it’s pretty forgiving about light conditions. Mine actually does great in my north-facing kitchen window, which surprised me!

For watering, I follow what I call the “knuckle rule“:

Stick finger up to second knuckle in soil
Water thoroughly if dry at that depth
Always ensure good drainage
Reduce watering in winter

The Secret to Bushy Growth

Want to know how I keep my Swedish Ivy looking full and lush? Regular pruning is the key! I learned that pinching back the growing tips encourages branching, creating that gorgeous, bushy appearance we all want.

My pruning schedule looks like this:

Spring trim: Major cleanup and shaping
Monthly: Pinch back long stems
Continuous removal of any yellow or damaged leaves

Choosing the Perfect Container

Here’s something I wish I’d known earlier: Swedish Ivy grows best when slightly pot-bound! I made the mistake of putting mine in too large a pot initially, which led to overwatering issues. Now I follow these container guidelines:

Choose pots with excellent drainage
Start with 6-inch pots for new plants
Only size up 1-2 inches when roots fill current pot
Use lightweight containers for hanging arrangements

The best container I’ve found is actually a simple plastic hanging basket with multiple drainage holes. I just pop it into a more decorative outer pot or macramé hanger!

Seasonal Care Tips

I’ve noticed my Swedish Ivy has distinct seasonal needs:

Spring/Summer: Weekly feeding with diluted fertilizer
Fall: Reduce feeding, maintain regular watering
Winter: Minimal water, no fertilizer
Early Spring: Light pruning to encourage new growth

Ready to add some good fortune to your indoor garden? Up next, we’ll explore the charming Money Tree – a pet-safe plant that’s said to bring prosperity and positive energy to your space! Click the next button to discover how this symbolic plant can thrive in your home while keeping your pets safe.