Tree Ivy (xFatshedera lizei) Care Indoors; Watering, Light, Soil, Propagation, Problems

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xFatshedera lizei (Tree Ivy) thrives in medium to bright indirect light, average warmth and 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 evergreen plant which features large, glossy green leaves, that can be grown as a climbing vine, trailing plant, or bushy shrub.

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.

Is xFatshedera lizei toxic?

Yes, 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.

Benefits of Tree Ivy Indoors

• Low-maintenance: It thrives with minimal care


• Air-purifying: Removes toxins from indoor air


• Versatile growth: It can be trained as a climber, trailer, or compact shrub


• Non-invasive alternative: Unlike traditional ivy, it won’t spread aggressively


• Great for low-light conditions: It is perfect for homes and offices

How to Care for xFatshedera lizei Indoors

To care for xFatshedera lizei indoors, provide medium to bright indirect light, warmth 16-26⁰C, humidity of 50-55% and moderately moist, fertile, well-drained soil coupled with monthly feeding during the growing season.

Tree Ivy needs regular pruning to keep it neat and tidy as well as encourage a bushy growth. Biannual repotting is necessary when it becomes pot-bound. Keep reading for more on these growing conditions and how to achieve them.

Watering

Water xFatshedera lizei thoroughly in spring and summer until the water drips through the drainage hole. Allow the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry a little between waterings. Keep the soil moderately moist and avoid overwatering as it can result in rotting, drooping, yellowing and leaf loss.

Lessen watering in fall and winter to keep the soil slightly moist since growth is minimal at this time. Do not allow the soil to dry out completely for a long period to prevent wilting, drooping, yellowing and leaf drop.

Ensure that the pot has a draiange hole and the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogging which can lead to root-rot and eventual death of the plant.

Use room temperature water to avoid cold shock which can result in reduced growth and leaf drop. Only use cholrine-free water to avoid brown leaf tips and edges.

Light Requirements

Tree Ivy grows best in medium to bright indirect light; place it near a bright, sunless window. Keep it away from direct sunlight as it may cause scorching. The all green types require less light than the variegated types.

If the leaves begin to lose their variegation or look pale, move the plant to brighter light or use a grow light to increase the natural light.

Give the pot a quarter turn every month, to ensure that the plant is receiving light on all sides for uniform growth and to prevent leggy growth.

Temperature and Humidity

xFatshedera lizei prefers a warmth of 16-26⁰C. Keep it away from sources of drafts like open doors, drafty windows, heaters, air conditioners and others, to avoid sudden changes in temperature as they can cause stunted growth, wilting, drooping, yellowing and leaf drop.

Tree Ivy has no need for extra humidity; a 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. Do not mist the plant and maintain proper air circulation to minimize fungal diseases.

Fertilizer

Feed xFatshedera lizei with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 3-4 weeks in spring and summer for a lush growth. Minimize or stop feeding in fall and winter to avoid fertilizer burn as growth is slowed at this time.

Brown leaf tips and a white crust on soil are signs of overfertilizing. Flush the soil with water every 2-3 months to remove excess salts from the soil.

Potting Soil

The best potting soil for Tree Ivy is a well-draining, organic-rich potting mix which does not get soggy while providing the nutrients needed. An organic potting mix is good for this plant.

Repotting

Repot xFatshedera lizei every 2-3 years during the growing period when roots outgrow the pot or the soil becomes compacted. Use a pot which is 1 size larger and free-draining soil.

Make sure that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent sogginess as it can lead to root-rot. Check out these pots with drainage hole on Amazon.

Pruning & Maintenance

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.

You may also train the plant on a trellis or moss pole for vertical growth or leave it to trail down from a hanging basket where it can display its beauty.

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

xFatshedera lizei Propagation

xFatshedera lizei is propagated from stem-tip cuttings. The best time to propagate is at the beginning of the growing season (spring to early summer), when it is in active growth for faster establishment.

Propagating Tree Ivy from stem-tip cuttings in soil

1. Take stem-tip cuttings of about 4-5 inches length from a healthy plant.


2. Strip off the lower leaves from the cutting to expose the stem.


3. Dip the cut end of the cuttings in a rooting hormone to hasten rooting.


4. Insert 2-3 inches of the stem in moist rooting soil.


5. Place the set up in a warm, well-lit place away from direct sunlight to prevent rotting.


6. Maintain the soil moist until when new growth emerges and substantial growth is observed.


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

xFatshedera lizei Problems & Remedies

Tree Ivy problems are yellow leaves, brown leaf tips, drooping leaves, loss of variegation, brown leaves and leaf drop, leggy growth, pests and diseases among others. Keep reading for more on these problems and how to fix them.

Yellow leaves

The main causes of yellow leaves on Tree Ivy are overwatering, soggy soil or low light. Reduce watering, ensure proper drainage, move the plant to a brighter spot or use a grow light.

Brown leaf tips

Brown leaf tips on Tree Ivy are due to low humidity, use of chlorinated water or salts buildup. Increase humidity, use filtered water, flush the soil occasionally.

Drooping leaves

Drooping leaves on Tree Ivy are caused by underwatering, temperature stress or poor air circulation. Water when the soil is slightly dry, keep the plant away from drafts, improve airflow for the plant.

Loss of variegation

Loss of variegation in variegated Tree Ivy is caused by low light or being pot-bound. Move the plant to a brighter spot or instal a grow light. Repot the plant every 2-3 years into a pot 1 size larger.

Brown leaves and leaf drop

Brown leaves accompanied by leaf drop on Tree Ivy is caused by soggy soil or temperature stress. Use a pot with a drainage hole and well-draining soil. Keep the plant away from drafts.

Leggy growth

Leggy growth on Tree Ivy is caused by too little light. Move the plant to a brighter spot or instal a grow light if the natural lighting is not adequate.

Pests

Common pests of Tree Ivy are aphids, mealybugs and scale insects which are common in dry conditions. Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to other plants and treat it with insecticidal soap or neem oil as per the manufacturers' instructions. Increase humidity and improve ventilation.

Diseases

Tree Ivy is prone to leaf spot and root-rot which are prevalent in overwet conditions. Use a pot that has a drainage hole and free-draining soil to prevent waterlogging.

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