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Swedish Ivy
Plectranthus australis · Lamiaceae
How it looks
Swedish Ivy (Plectranthus australis) is a vine with round, serrated leaves set opposite one another and stems that trail sideways. The leaves are glossy dark green, and the stems are square. Small white lip-shaped flowers cluster at the branch tips, and it is grown as a hanging plant.
This plant is listed as non-toxic to cats by the ASPCA. An occasional nibble is unlikely to cause any real trouble.
Guide for parents
Even with a safe plant, make a habit of picking up fallen leaves the same day. If your cat likes to dig in or eat potting soil, fertilizer ingredients can upset their stomach — covering the soil with pebbles works well. If it comes home as a cut stem, florists often treat it with preservatives, so place the vase where your cat can't drink the water.
Details
- Scientific name
- Plectranthus australis
- Common name
- Swedish Ivy
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Source
- ASPCA
