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

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Tree Ivy (xFatshedera lizei) thrives in medium to bright indirect light, average warmth, moderate humidity and moderately moist, rich, well-drained soil coupled with monthly feeding in the growing season.

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 botanical name indicates that this is an inter-generic hybrid; a cross between plants from different genera.

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

Origin

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

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

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. Ivy Tree is among the large leafed plants for a bold statement in any space.

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, average warmth 16-26⁰C, moderate humidity of 50-55% and moderately moist, fertile, well-drained, all purpose potting soil coupled with monthly feeding during the growing season.

Regular pruning is needed to keep the plant neat and tidy as well as encourage a bushy growth. Keep reading 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 it away from direct sunlight as it may cause scorching.

You may also grow Ivy Tree under grow lights if the natural light is not adequate. Check out these full spectrum grow lights on Amazon.

Rotate the pot regularly to ensure that the plant is receiving light on all sides for uniform growth and prevent leggy growth.

Watering

Water Tree Ivy thoroughly during the growing season while allowing the top 2 inches 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. Learn how to water houseplants correctly.

Temperature and Humidity

Tree Ivy prefers average temperature of 16-26⁰C. Keep it away from cold and hot drafts to prevent sudden changes in temperature.

Tree Ivy has no need for high humidity, moderate humidity of 50-55% is adequate for this plant. 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 increase humidity for houseplants.

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

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 all purpose potting mixes are ideal for this plant.

Fertilizer

Feed Tree Ivy with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 3-4 weeks during the growing period for a lush growth. Withhold feeding in 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. Take a look at these ceramic pots with drainage holes and saucer on Amazon.

Pruning

Pruning Tree Ivy involves removal of yellow and dead leaves to maintain the plant neat 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 inches 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.

Pests

The common pests in Tree Ivy are aphids, mealy bugs and scale insects. Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to other plants. Read more 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.

Loss of variegation

Too little light is one reason for loss of variegation in variegated Tree Ivy. Move the plant to a brighter spot where it will receive medium to bright indirect light or instal a grow light if the natural lighting is not sufficient. Check out this guide on understanding light for houseplants.

The second reason for loss of variegation in variegated Tree Ivy is inadequate growth space if the plant is pot-bound. Repot the plant 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. It prefers average warmth of 16-26⁰C so it needs protection from hot drafts. Keep it away from hot air vents or any source of hot air. Check out this guide on understanding temperature for houseplants.

Leggy growth

If Tree Ivy receives too little light the leaves will be small and the growth is leggy. Move the plant 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.

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