Swedish Ivy (Plectranthus) Yellowing and Brown Tips: Water and Fertilizer Balance

Your Swedish ivy (Plectranthus verticillatus, often sold as P. australis) shows yellowing leaves, brown tips, and spots despite weekly watering in a warm (80°F), bright room. The issue is likely overwatering combined with under-fertilizing.

Watering Correction

Don't water on a schedule. Check pot weight—water only when the pot feels light. At 80°F, weekly may be too frequent. Allow the top inch to dry. Overwatering rots roots, causing yellowing and brown tips as roots fail to deliver water and nutrients.

Fertilizer Need

Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength with the next 2–3 waterings. Nutrient deficiency (especially nitrogen and potassium) compounds stress from root damage.

Recovery

Keep on the dry side for a few weeks. Trim badly damaged leaves. New growth should emerge healthy. Maintain bright, indirect light and temperatures 65–75°F.