Plectranthus (commonly called Swedish Ivy) is a large genus with over 300 species. These evergreen annuals are from Africa, Asia and the Pacific Islands. Grown for their colored foliage, these plants are best used in hanging baskets or cascading elements in mixed containers. Our trailing varieties can make well-formed baskets quickly and provide summer sales in the hot months when blooming plants have passed their peak. Preferring partial sun, market these as porch plants with morning or late afternoon sun.
Growing Tips
Your unrooted cuttings will arrive freshly cut. You will need to
plant them immediately and begin a misting cycle to root the cuttings. This will leech the soil of nutrients, so during the propagation phase use a constant feed of
1/3 the normal recommended dosage of fertilizer until well rooted.
For best results with Plectranthus, we recommend growing in a humid environment using a constant feed program of 150-200 ppm N. Maintain a pH between 6.0 - 6.5.
To help your customers create a humid environment in their home, instruct them to place the pot on top of a saucer filled with rocks and pour water into the saucer, making sure that the water level never reaches the bottom of the pot.
Pinching
Pinching is recommended 5-10 days after transplantation. A second pinch may be necessary depending on the size and shape of the final pot.
Spacing
Space pots adequately to allow for light penetration and airflow between foliage of adjacent pots. We recommend 6-8 inches for 4” pots and 18-24 inches for 10” pots.
Height Control
We do not recommend PGRs for Swedish Ivy. Pinching is the best way to control height. An initial pinch is recommended, but additional pinching may be necessary to shape your final product.
Pests
Mealybugs and spider mites are the primary pests attracted to Plectranthus.
Disease
Upright Ciliatus White are not prone to many diseases, but watch for botrytis while the days are short. This grey rot is usually associated with wet or humid conditions. You can prevent botrytis by allowing the plant to dry out between waterings, allowing for good airflow in your greenhouse, and spacing to allow the sun to penetrate to the soil level. The most common chemicals used to treat botrytis are Medallion and Banrot. Use them as a drench according to each label’s instructions.
Planting Upright Ciliatus White Liners
- We recommend planting 5-7 starter plants per 10” basket. Use a well-drained soil in your baskets and plant your starter plants deep, allowing the ellepot to be completely covered by the soil. If you are planting 4” pots, 1-3 plants per pot should be sufficient if you have enough time. If using one starter, plant it directly in the middle of your pot; if you are using three, plant them in a triangle.
- Pinching is recommended 5-10 days after transplantation. A second pinch may be necessary depending on the size and shape of the final pot.
Unrooted Cuttings
Cuttings vary in size between different plant families, but most can be described as tip cuttings (ivy are leaf-and-eye stem cuttings not tips) that stick nicely
in small plug trays such as the 105-plug tray we use (some varieties are better suited for a 50 cell tray, i.e. Angelwing Begonia, Bougainvillea, Setcrecea, etc.). Please do not order unrooted cuttings unless you are an experienced propagator with mist systems and proper temperature control.
Plectranthus Upright Ciliatus White Quick Reference Guide
| Color | GREEN/WHITE |
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| Habit | Trailing |
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| Height | 6" |
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| Light | Partial Sun |
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| Minimum Temp | 60 |
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| Water Needs | Moderate |
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