Prune annually to keep the plant in bounds. Boston ivy does not suffer from serious pests. Spider mites may be a problem in hot, dry locations. Boston ivy is sometimes confused with poison ivy, because it also has three leaflets. Boston ivy is not poisonous, but the best policy is to avoid plants that look like poison ivy.
Stems are somewhat square, trailing and green turning purple.
The plant has small, white flowers. Swedish ivy is mainly grown as an indoor plant in hanging baskets. It will hang 3 to 4 feet. Temperature should be 60 to 85 F during the day and 55 to 75 F at night. Fertilize every two weeks during the growing season.