The leaves, which are widely serrated, are fleshy and rounded between 64 and 90 mm, with purple and hairy undersides with reddish sessile glands.

Some variegated, silvery plants called Swedish Ivy grown in pots and hanging baskets are Plectranthus oertendahlii from coastal river gorges of KwaZulu-Natal.

It can easily be rooted with cuttings and its vulnerability is low; but a weak plant can be infested with spider mites.

[11] A notable specimen of Plectranthus verticillatus can be found above the mantel in the President of the United States' Oval Office.

[12] Interns, aides, and other white house workers are often granted clippings of the famous plant which they grow and further distribute to friends and family.