Creeping Charlie (Pilea nummulariifolia)

Creeping Charlie
Pilea nummulariifolia

Creeping Charlie over 40 years old

This does not look like the same plant to me. Mine is much more fleshy, whereas this plant has leaves that look more like mint.

This plant used to have much thicker fleshy leaves too, but that was years ago, in Connecticut. Since it's been in Florida, about 29 years, it's leaves don't hold as much water as they used to, eventhough it's the same plant. Here it's very hot and humid. That may have caused the change in it's leaves. Another point, although I don't know if it's valid is in Connecticut it was strictly an indoor plant getting morning light via an east window. Here it's outdoors under a shade canapy. It gets more light all day long. It also has, since in Florida, received a higher range of tempratures on a daily basis than it did indoors in CT. It is not uncommon for it to have a 30-35 degree change from cold to hot or vice versa. It's outdoors all the time here.

This plant is still suffering from two problems. It's had a slow recovery since the hurricanes and it has had ants for about 6 months or more. I keep saying I am going to repot it, but there is so much else to do. One of these days I will make it a priority and do it.

Hi artcons, that looks like it might be one of the Pilea which is called Creeping Charlie also.
Looks pretty close to this one http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/69038/index.html

Well, I have no comment on that, but let me note, my mother had this plant for many years before I took a piece and began growing it.

How many years did she have it? Our phone number back then was Plaza 37150, that's how long it's been in the family.

You all are probably 100% correct, but she called it a Swedish Ivy, so that's what the rest of us call it.

When I originally posted the picture, I did so only because of the longevity of the plant. My version I have been carrying around for over 40 years now. I thought anyone looking at my comment about it's age would find it interesting.

To go off topic for a moment, my cousin has a Sansevieria she got from her mother who is 90 years old this summer. Her mother got the plant from her mother, my grandmother, when she came back from her honeymoon when she was 18 years old.
My grandmother, Teresa Lagonegro came over from Bocchigliero, Italy, February 11, 1906 on the ship Manuel Calvo. She was 19 when she arrived in the United States. She brought this plant with her from Italy.
Three summers ago my cousin brought the plant for everyone to see at our annual family reunion in Connecticut. It's now part of the stories section of our family tree. One day I will go back through my files and find the picture taken at the reunion. Everyone in attendance that day is in the picture with the plant in the front center.

Art

Art, I have a birds-nest sansivera that I am the 4th generation to have. It is thriving. Will post picture later.
Sidney

Art Swedish Ivy Plectranthus verticillatus is a TREASURE ! Beautiful ! How nice to have a plant in your family so long.
We have a Night Blooming Cerus plant that has been in out family around 125 years. It belonged to my Great Grandmother that I never met, Then her daughter my Nanna she passed away in 1981 at age of late 80's I think 89 yrs. old.
A couple years ago my Aunt who is 86 gave us a small cutting in 4 inch pot. It's a treausre to have this plant back from my Great Grandmother !
Thanls. for sharing your's. Allison

Agree with mystic. I think it is Pilea nummulariifolia according to the veins of the leaves.

This message was edited Apr 10, 2008 12:56 PM

I think it is also, artcons do you agree to having the photo moved to this entry? http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/69038/

What a special story Artcons and what a special plant!! I too have a Swedish Ivy that was my Moms. I have had it 3 years from today, the day she died. I hope I can keep it for as long as you have.

Mystic,
Be great to have it where it belongs, beside my patio. Sure, move it.

My thanks to all of you for the nice comments and contributions you have made to this thread.

Art

It's been moved. Thank you.

There is no question that this plant is Pilea nummulariifolia. It is not Swedish Ivy in the slightest. And Art, a wonderrful plant heirloom!

Thanks!
It's still doing very well.
Art