Find out about Creeping Charley houseplant. Learn all about this popular houseplant’s background. Discover when it was first grown in history, and why it’s so popular.
#healthyhouseplants #creepingcharlie #plectranthusaustralis #indoorplants #plantpropagation
Hello and welcome to HealthyHouseplants.com, where we teach you all about gardening in the great indoors! If you’d like to support our show, please use our Amazon affiliate link below.
Today, we’re going to share a plant story about Plectranthus australis, commonly known as Creeping Charlie. This plant has several other amusing names, such as Runaway Robin, Gill Over the Ground, Ground Ivy, and Lizzy Run Up the Hedge. The variety of names reflects its rapid growth and adaptability.
Creeping Charlie is technically not an ivy but an evergreen perennial. Native to South Africa, it typically grows 2 to 3 feet tall on erect stems that trail as they mature. Its vigorous growth makes it an excellent choice for indoor gardens, especially as a hanging plant or for spilling over the edges of pots and baskets. You can place it on a tall ledge or atop a bookcase, allowing its foliage to cascade down beautifully.
This plant is easy to propagate, both in water and soil, making it a fun addition to any indoor garden. I will be doing a whole propagation series soon, and Creeping Charlie will definitely be included.
The name “Creeping Charlie” comes from its spreading habit and ease of propagation. It features attractive, shiny leaves that are real eye-catchers in any indoor setting. The genus name, Plectranthus, comes from the Greek words “plectron,” meaning spur, and “anthos,” which refers to the spur-shaped flowers of some genus members. While this plant does not flower often indoors, you might be lucky enough to see it bloom.
According to the Royal Horticultural Society, the official name is Plectranthus australis. You may occasionally see it referred to as Plectranthus verticillatus, but that is incorrect; australis is the correct name.
Creeping Charlie can thrive in temperatures as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit, so it’s suitable for indoor environments that may get a bit cooler. Ideally, you want to keep it around 60 degrees or warmer.
Have fun growing Creeping Charlie! Check back for the upcoming propagation series, where you’ll see how to propagate this delightful plant. Thank you for stopping by today! Please leave any comments about indoor gardening tutorials you’d like to see. Remember to like, comment, subscribe, and share this video, and hit the bell icon to be notified when we release new content.
FAQs About Creeping Charlie (Plectranthus australis)
What is Creeping Charlie?
Creeping Charlie, or *Plectranthus australis*, is an evergreen perennial native to South Africa, known for its rapid growth and attractive foliage.
What are the common names for Creeping Charlie?
This plant is also known as Runaway Robin, Gill Over the Ground, Ground Ivy, and Lizzy Run Up the Hedge due to its spreading habit and rapid growth.
How tall does Creeping Charlie grow?
It typically grows 2 to 3 feet tall on erect stems that trail as they mature, making it a lovely choice for hanging or spilling over pots.
Can Creeping Charlie be propagated?
Yes, it is easy to propagate both in water and soil, which makes it a fun plant to add to your indoor garden.
What temperatures can Creeping Charlie tolerate?
Creeping Charlie can thrive in temperatures as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit, but ideally, it should be kept around 60 degrees or warmer.
Patreon: 
/ healthyhouseplants
One-time donation: https://ko-fi.com/healthyhouseplants
Sign up for my monthly newsletter: http://eepurl.com/g1PCSH
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I may earn commissions for purchases made through the links below.
Full-spectrum Light Bulb-Large: https://amzn.to/3yR6VBu
Full-spectrum Lighting: https://amzn.to/3qhhaiv
Moisture meter: https://amzn.to/3TEUu5N
Hygrometer to measure humidity: https://amzn.to/3Cf6h2F
Espoma Organic liquid Fertilizer: https://amzn.to/45yfwsY
My Organic Green Gourmet Houseplant Fertilizer: https://healthyhouseplants.storenvy.com
Share to Social Media.