Tree Ivy (xFatshedera lizei) Indoor Care, Propagation and Problems

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Botanical name: xFatshedera lizei
Common names: Tree Ivy, Ivy Tree, Bush Ivy, Aralia Ivy

Description

Tree Ivy (xFatshedera lizei) also called Ivy Tree, Bush Ivy or Aralia Ivy is an easy care, excellent stand alone plant that can be grown as a bush or as a climber.

The symbol x in front of the botaniacal name indicates that this is an inter-generic hybrid; a cross between plants from different genera.

Size

Bush Ivy can grow to a height of 6 ft or more but will require support or can be grown as a bush by pinching the growing tips.

The leaves in Tree Ivy are 7-25 cm long and are borne on a 5-20 cm petiole. The flowers are yellowish-white and the seeds are sterile.

Origin

Ivy Tree was created by crossing Fatsia japonica (Japanese Aralia, the seed plant) and Hedera helix (English Ivy, the pollen plant) at the Lize Freres tree nursery at Nantes in France in 1912.

The generic name is derived from the names of the two parent genera. Tree Ivy combines the shrubby shape of Fatsia with the five-lobed leaves of Hedera.

Varieties

Several cultivars of Aralia Ivy are available, with dark green to variously white- or yellow-variegated leaves. The variegated types are more difficult to grow than the all green types.

Toxicity

Tree Ivy (xFatshedera lizei) is poisonous to both humans and pets. If ingested, it can cause vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pains. Keep it away from the reach of children and pets.

xFatshedera lizei Care Indoors

Tree Ivy (xFatshedera lizei) blossoms in medium to bright indirect light, cool to average warmth and moderately moist, rich, well-drained soil coupled with regular feeding.

Fatshedera lizei has no need for high humid, it can grow in average room humidity but for lush growth, high humidity and regular repotting are necessary.

Regular pruning is needed to keep the plant neat and tidy as well as encourage a bushy growth. Keep readining for more on these growing conditions and how to achieve them.

Light Requirements

Tree Ivy grows best in bright light or light shade. The all green types require less light than the variegated types.

Keep the Bush Ivy away from direct sunlight as direct sunlight may cause scorching.

Ivy Tree can also grow under a grow light where the natural light is not adequate.

Watering

Water Tree Ivy thoroughly during the growing season while allowing the top 2 in. of soil to dry a little between waterings.

Lessen watering during the cold period as growth is minimal at this time but do not allow the soil to dry out completely.

Ensure that the pot has a draiange hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to root-rot and death of the plant.

Temperature and Humidity

Tree Ivy prefers a cool to average temperature with a minimum of 10⁰C. Keep it away from cold and hot draughts to prevent sudden changes in temperature.

Tree Ivy has no need for high humidity. However, for lush growth and to reduce pest infestation, set the pot on a wet pebble tray to raise humidity. Read more on how to raise humidity for houseplants.

Regularly clean the leaves by damp wiping with a soft cloth to keep them clean and also discourage pest infestations.

Potting Medium

The best potting mix for Tree Ivy should be rich in organic matter and free-draining to prevent it from getting soggy while providing the required nutrients.

Most multi-purpose potting mixes are ideal for Tree Ivy. Buy quality Potting Mix from Etsy.

Fertilizer

Feed Tree Ivy with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 3-4 weeks during the growing period for a lush growth. Withhold feeding during the cold season as growth is minimal at this time.

Repotting

Repot Tree Ivy every year during the growing period. Use a pot which is 1 size larger and loose free-draining soil. Make sure that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to root-rot and eventual death of the plant.

Pruning

Pruning Tree Ivy involves removal of yellow and dead leaves to maintain the plant neat and tidy as well as reduce pest and disease infestations.

To encourage a bushy and compact growth, pinch off the growing tips. The tips can be used to propagate new plants.

Propagation

Tree Ivy (xFatshedera lizei) can be propagated at the beginning of the growing season from stem-tip cuttings.

How to propagate Tree Ivy from stem-tip cuttings in soil

Take stem-tip cuttings of about 4-5 in. length from a healthy Tree Ivy. Strip off the lower leaves from the cutting.

Dip the cut end of the cuttings in a rooting hormone and insert them in moist rooting soil.

Place the set up in a warm, well-lit place and maintain the soil moist until new growth emerges and substantial growth has been observed.

Transfer the rooted Bush Ivy cuttings to individual pots and begin routine care. For a fuller plant, transfer several cuttings into one pot.

xFatshedera lizei Problems

Tree Ivy (xFatshedera lizei) problems include leaf drop, leggy growth, loss of variegation, pests and diseases among others. Keep reading for more on these problems and how to fix them.

Loss of variegation

Too little light is one reason for loss of variegation in variegated Tree Ivy as it grows best in medium to bright, indirect light away from direct sunlight.

Move the Aralia Ivy to a brighter spot where it will receive medium to bright, indirect light away from direct sunlight or instal a grow light if the natural lighting is not adequate.

The second reason for loss of variegation in variegated Tree Ivy is inadequate growth space if the plant is pot-bound.

Repot Bush Ivy every year in a pot 1 size larger than the current one to provide adequate growth space for the plant.

Brown leaves and leaf drop

There are two possible reasons for brown leaves accompanied by leaf drop in Tree Ivy. The first possible reason is soggy soil.

Maintain the soil moist but not soggy by ensuring that there is proper drainage of both the soil and the pot.

The second possible reason for brown leaves accompanied by leaf drop in Tree Ivy is high temperatures.

Aralia Ivy prefers cool to average temperature so it needs protection from hot draughts. Keep it away from hot air vents or any source of hot air.

Leggy growth

If Tree Ivy receives too little light the leaves will be small and the growth is leggy as it grows best in medium to bright, indirect light away from direct sunlight.

Move the Ivy Tree to a brighter spot as it prefers medium to bright, indirect light away from direct sunlight or instal a grow light if the natural lighting is not adequate.

Pests

The common pests in Tree Ivy are Aphids, Mealy Bugs and Scale Insects. Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to other houseplants. Read on how to identify and get rid of pests in houseplants.

Diseases

The common diseases in Tree Ivy are Leaf Spot and Root-rot which are prevalent in too wet conditions. Avoid soggy soil by ensuring that the pot has a drainage hole and that the soil is free-draining.