Welcome to the confusing arena of the Charlies! Let me explain! Creeping charlie is a name which is commonly applied to no less than 3 different species of plants in 3 separate genera! If you are a gardener, you may know creeping charlie to be an annoying weed in the garden. In this application of the word, you are probably talking about ground ivy, Glechoma hederacea. But in the nursery trade, “Creeping Charlie” does not refer to this plant. Instead, it it applied to more than one plant species used for ornamental purposes. Two of the most common species termed “Creeping Charlie” in the ornamental plant industry are Pilea nummulariifolia and the Plectranthus spp.
Although the two species differ in appearance slightly, Pilea nummulariifolia and Plectranthus spp. require similar care. Keep your charlie out of the sun’s direct rays, but provide it with bright, indirect light. Watering your charlie is fairly simple so long–as you do not overwater. Allow the top inch or so of soil to dry out between waterings. The nutrition needs of your charlie can be met by a monthly application of a soluble fertilizer diluted by half and applied only in the spring and summer.
Pilea nummulariifolia, Plectranthus spp., Glechoma hederacea. Different species and yet all called by the same common name! Although terminology can be confusing, choose your plant based on availability and personal preference. Provide it with some simple and generic care measures, and enjoy the beauty of your plant, whatever the Latin name may be!
Sources
Allonsy, A. (n.d.) Creeping Charlie Plant Care. Retrieved 8/9/21 from https://www.hunker.com/12000099/creeping-charlie-plant-care
Creeping Charlie (Pilea nummulariifolia) (n.d.). Retrieved 8/9/21 https://plantingman.com/creeping-charlie-pilea-nummulariifolia/
Keith, J. (2020). How Do I Care for Creeping Charlie (Pilea nummulariifolia)? Retrieved 8/9/21 from https://blackgold.bz/how-do-i-care-for-creeping-charlie-pilea-nummulariifolia/
Plectranthus verticillatus (2021). Retrieved 8/9/21 from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plectranthus_verticillatus
VanZile, J. (2020). Growing Swedish Ivy. Retrieved 8/9/21 from https://www.thespruce.com/grow-swedish-ivy-indoors-1902554