How to Grow and Care for a Spur Plant

The spur plant, known scientifically as Plectranthus, is a fast-growing foliage plant appreciated for its easy-care nature. Commonly called Swedish Ivy, it is not a true ivy and originates from regions like southern Africa and Australia, not Sweden. Its appeal lies in its trailing habit, with stems that cascade gracefully from hanging baskets and shelves. Belonging to the mint family, the plant is recognized by its glossy, rounded leaves with scalloped edges that contribute to its lush appearance.

Common Spur Plant Varieties

While many types of spur plants exist, a few are popular for indoor growing. Each variety offers unique foliage, allowing you to choose a plant that best fits your home’s aesthetic.

Plectranthus verticillatus

This is the classic Swedish Ivy, featuring vibrant green, glossy leaves with gently scalloped edges. Its trailing stems grow quickly, creating the lush, cascading effect the plant is known for. This variety is exceptionally easy to grow, making it a good starting point for new plant owners.

Plectranthus oertendahlii

Often called Silver Swedish Ivy, this variety has intricate foliage. Its leaves are olive green with prominent, silvery-white veins that create a striking pattern. The undersides of the leaves have a purplish hue, adding another dimension of color.

Plectranthus coleoides ‘Variegata’

This variegated variety features scalloped, green leaves with creamy white or yellowish margins. The variegation brightens the plant’s overall look. It provides a pleasant contrast against the green centers of the leaves.

Spur Plant Care Guide

Caring for a spur plant is straightforward, as it adapts well to typical indoor conditions. Providing the right balance of light, water, and nutrients will ensure it remains a vibrant and healthy addition to your home.

Light

Spur plants flourish in bright, indirect light, such as near an east- or west-facing window. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, causing them to look dull or discolored. While they tolerate lower light, their growth may become slower and less compact.

Water

Proper watering involves keeping the soil consistently moist but never soggy. A good practice is to water the plant thoroughly until water drains from the pot, then wait until the top inch of soil feels dry before watering again. Ensure the pot has good drainage to prevent root rot. During the winter, when the plant’s growth slows, reduce the frequency of watering.

Soil

A well-draining, general-purpose potting mix is best for spur plants. A peat-based mix provides a good balance of moisture retention and aeration. You can amend the soil with perlite or sand to improve drainage, which allows roots to grow freely without becoming compacted.

Temperature and Humidity

Spur plants prefer average room temperatures between 60-75°F (16-24°C) and should be protected from cold drafts. They tolerate average household humidity but thrive with more moisture in the air. To increase humidity, you can mist the leaves, place the pot on a tray of pebbles and water, or group it with other plants.

Fertilizer

During the spring and summer growing season, feed your spur plant to promote growth. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half-strength every two to four weeks. In fall and winter, reduce feeding to once every six to eight weeks. Always water the plant before fertilizing to avoid burning the roots.

Pruning For a Fuller Plant

Pruning is a simple task for maintaining the health and appearance of a spur plant. Over time, the fast-growing stems can become long and sparse, a condition described as “leggy.” Regular trimming encourages the plant to grow more side shoots from the main stems, resulting in a bushier, more compact plant.

To prune, use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears. Identify any stems that look overly long or bare and locate a leaf node, which is the point on the stem where a leaf grows. Make your cut just above a leaf node to stimulate new branches. You can prune your plant at any time of the year to shape it.

Propagating Spur Plants

One of the most rewarding aspects of growing a spur plant is how easily it can be propagated to create new plants. The most reliable method is through stem cuttings, which can be done at any time of year, though spring and summer are ideal. This process leverages the plant’s natural tendency to root from its stems, allowing you to multiply your collection.

Start by selecting a healthy stem about 4-6 inches long with at least two sets of leaves. Use a clean blade to make a cut just below a leaf node. Remove the lower set of leaves from the cutting, as this is where new roots will form. You can then place the cutting in a glass of water or a pot with moist, well-draining soil.

If rooting in water, submerge the node and change the water every few days until roots appear. For soil propagation, insert the cut end into the soil and keep it lightly moist. Place the cutting in a spot with bright, indirect light to encourage root development.

Solving Common Spur Plant Issues

Even with good care, you might encounter a few common issues. Most problems are related to the plant’s environment or care routine and can be resolved easily.

Leggy Growth

Long, stretched stems with few leaves indicate the plant is not receiving enough light. This “leggy” growth means the plant is reaching for a brighter source. Move it to a location with more bright, indirect sunlight and prune the stems to encourage bushier growth.

Yellowing Leaves

Yellow leaves are a common symptom of overwatering. When soil is waterlogged, roots cannot get enough oxygen, which leads to root rot. Ensure your pot has adequate drainage and allow the top inch of soil to dry before watering. Underwatering or nutrient deficiencies can also cause yellowing, so check your entire care routine.

Common Pests

Spur plants can attract pests like mealybugs, spider mites, or aphids. Mealybugs appear as small, white, cottony masses, while spider mites create fine webbing. Aphids are small insects that cluster on new growth. Remove pests by wiping leaves with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or by treating the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.