Araliaceae
Tree Ivy: Air Purifying Plant
× Fatshedera lizei
Fatshedera lizei prefers bright indirect light and tolerates moderate shade, but should be protected from direct sunlight. Water once the top few inches of the substrate have dried out, and reduce watering in winter. It requires well-draining, nutrient-rich soil and temperatures between 50-75°F (10-24°C) away from drafts. Regularly pinch back shoots to encourage bushier growth and repot into a slightly larger container every 1-2 years.
Every 7 days
Partial shade
10° - 24°C
40% - 60%
Categories
What is Tree Ivy?
Tree Ivy (× Fatshedera lizei) is a easy-care plant from the Araliaceae family. × Fatshedera lizei is a unique intergeneric hybrid created by crossing Fatsia japonica 'Moserii' and Hedera helix (English ivy), first bred by the French nursery Lizé Frères in Nantes around 1910. Belonging to the Araliaceae family, the plant combines the large, glossy, dark green five-lobed leaves...
Tree Ivy grows up to 1.5m, spread of 150cm, watering every 7 days, 10°C – 24°C, 40–60% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and not safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Tree Ivy tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Without precautions, ingestion can cause irritation in pets. Keep out of reach of cats and dogs. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 14 days.
How to Care for Tree Ivy?
TLDR: Tree Ivy needs Partial shade, watering every 7 days, and temperatures between 10-24°C with 40-60% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Tree Ivy?
Water when the top 1 inch (2-3 cm) of soil is dry, watering thoroughly until water drains from the drainage holes. During the dormant period (fall/winter), reduce watering to prevent waterlogged roots.
How Much Light Does Tree Ivy Need?
It grows best in bright indirect light and tolerates partial shade, but direct sun will scorch the leaves. An ideal location is within three feet of a window with a sheer curtain.
What Is the Best Soil for Tree Ivy?
Choose a well-draining substrate rich in organic matter (such as a mix with coco coir and perlite) with a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
What Pot Should You Use for Tree Ivy?
Choose a pot with drainage holes; materials like terracotta help wick away excess moisture. If you want to grow the plant vertically, select a pot that can accommodate a moss pole or trellis for support.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 30 days
Rotate
Every 14 days
Repot
Every 730 days
What Is Tree Ivy and Where Does It Come From?
× Fatshedera lizei is a unique intergeneric hybrid created by crossing Fatsia japonica 'Moserii' and Hedera helix (English ivy), first bred by the French nursery Lizé Frères in Nantes around 1910. Belonging to the Araliaceae family, the plant combines the large, glossy, dark green five-lobed leaves of the Fatsia with the semi-climbing, shrubby growth habit of the ivy. Unlike ivy, it lacks aerial rootlets and therefore requires support (such as a moss pole or trellis) to grow vertically, to which it must be tied. In autumn, it produces spherical panicles of small greenish-white, sterile flowers at the tips of the shoots. It is a moderately hardy evergreen plant suitable for both indoors and (in milder USDA zones 7b–10b) gardens in shady to semi-shady locations.
How Big Does Tree Ivy Grow?
TLDR: Tree Ivy can reach up to 1.5m tall with Medium growth rate.
Max height
1.5m
Spread
1.5m
Growth rate
Medium
Foliage
Evergreen
Warning: Toxic Plant
This plant can be toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of:
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Air Purifying
Improves air quality
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Tree Ivy?
TLDR: Tree Ivy is susceptible to 8 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Scale Insects
Scale insects are small sap-sucking pests that appear as brown, shell-like bumps on plant stems and leaves. There are over 25 species, divided into armored (hard) and unarmored (soft) scales. They feed by piercing plant tissue and extracting sap, which weakens the plant and can lead to yellowing, stunted growth, and even death if left untreated. They also excrete honeydew, which attracts ants and promotes sooty mold growth.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects covered with a white, waxy, cottony material. They are common pests of houseplants and outdoor plants in mild climates. These sap-sucking insects feed on plant tissue, causing damage, stunted growth, and can lead to plant death if left untreated. They produce sticky honeydew which attracts sooty mold.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects (1/16 to 1/8 inch long) that feed by sucking nutrient-rich sap from plants. They reproduce rapidly and can quickly weaken plants, causing distorted growth and transmitting plant viruses. Aphids come in various colors including green, black, red, yellow, brown, and gray. They secrete honeydew, a sticky substance that attracts ants and encourages sooty mold growth.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny arachnids (less than 1/20 inch long) related to spiders and ticks that feed on plant sap. They thrive in hot, dry conditions and can cause significant damage to ornamental and vegetable plants. During severe infestations, crop losses can reach 14% or higher as these pests disrupt vital plant processes including photosynthesis, carbon dioxide absorption, and transpiration.
Meaning & Symbolism
As a relative of ivy, it symbolizes fidelity, friendship, and eternal life; due to its resilience, it is also seen as a symbol of endurance and constancy.
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Maple | Easy | Bright indirect | 14d | ✓ |
| Silver Birch | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Common Blanketflower | Easy | Direct sun | 10d | ✓ |
| Cushion Bush | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
