Plants
Tree Ivy
x Fatshedera lizei · Araliaceae
The tree ivy is a botanical curiosity: a true cross between two different genera, combining the hand-shaped leaves of ivy with the shrubby habit of the Japanese aralia. The result is an indestructible foliage plant for cool, shady spots where little else wants to grow. We buy our tree ivies in well-branched, sturdy quality at the Veiling Rhein-Maas.
- Light
- Bright to semi-shaded; the green form also tolerates shady spots, Variegata needs more light.
- Watering
- Moderate — keep lightly moist and let the top layer of soil dry; sparing in cool winter quarters.
- Care level
- Easy
- Botanical
- x Fatshedera lizei
The story of the tree ivy begins in Nantes in 1912: the Lizé brothers succeeded in crossing Fatsia japonica with Hedera helix — hence the x before the botanical name, marking an intergeneric hybrid. It inherited the best of both parents: the large, glossy leaves of the Fatsia in a scaled-down ivy cut, and the enormous toughness of both.
Unlike its climbing ivy parent, the tree ivy forms no aerial holdfast roots. It grows as an upright shrub that arches over with the years, its long shoots needing a stake or small trellis. Without support it drapes picturesquely over the rim of the pot — which can be intentional too.
Its favourite spot is cool and bright to semi-shaded: 12 to 20 degrees Celsius is ideal, and in winter it is happy at 10 degrees in a stairwell or bedroom. Warm, dry heating air is its greatest enemy — leaves drop and spider mites move in. The variegated form needs somewhat more light than the green one.
Water moderately: keep the root ball lightly moist and let the top layer of soil dry out. The tree ivy forgives short dry spells far more readily than waterlogging. For bushy growth, pinch the shoots in spring — it also shrugs off a hard cutback without complaint.
One point deserves plain words: like its ivy relatives, the tree ivy contains saponins and is considered toxic to cats and dogs; children should not nibble it either. In pet households it belongs out of reach. If you want a non-toxic alternative with a similar look, choose grape ivy.
In styling terms the tree ivy is a calm, almost architectural classic for hallways, cool offices and north-facing rooms. It combines beautifully with other shade artists such as aspidistra and ferns — together they make an easy-care green corner without any south-facing window.
Is Tree Ivy toxic to children and pets?
- Children
- Mildly irritating
- Cats
- Toxic
- Dogs
- Toxic
The tree ivy inherited the saponins of its ivy parentage and is toxic to cats and dogs; for children it is considered mildly toxic. Keep all parts out of reach and dispose of cuttings safely after pruning.
Typical symptoms: After ingestion: drooling, vomiting and diarrhoea; skin contact with the sap can cause redness and itching.
In an emergency:call the German poison control centre in Bonn on +49 228 19240 (24/7) — for pets, contact an emergency vet directly. This information does not replace medical or veterinary advice.
Overview: toxic & non-toxic plants for cats, dogs and children
Care
- 01Place bright to semi-shaded and as cool as possible (12–20 degrees Celsius); avoid direct sun.
- 02Keep the root ball lightly moist, letting the top layer of soil dry; avoid waterlogging.
- 03In winter move it brighter and cooler (around 10 degrees Celsius) and water more sparingly.
- 04Offer long shoots a stake or a small trellis.
- 05Pinch or cut back the shoots in spring — this encourages dense, bushy growth.
- 06Feed every two weeks from spring to autumn; watch for spider mites in warm, dry air.
Frequently asked
- Is the tree ivy toxic to cats and dogs?
- Yes. From its ivy parent the tree ivy inherited saponins that can cause drooling, vomiting and diarrhoea in cats and dogs. In pet households it should stand out of reach — or choose the non-toxic grape ivy as an alternative from the start.
- Does tree ivy climb like ivy?
- No. Unlike ivy it forms no holdfast roots and cannot climb walls on its own. It grows as an upright shrub with long shoots that you tie to a stake or trellis — or let arch over freely.
- Why does my tree ivy drop leaves in winter?
- Warm, dry heating air is almost always the cause — the tree ivy is a fan of cool conditions. A brighter, cooler winter spot around 10 to 15 degrees Celsius, more sparing watering and occasional misting usually stop the leaf drop quickly.
- Can the tree ivy go onto the balcony in summer?
- Very happily — in a shady to semi-shaded, wind-sheltered spot it thrives outdoors. It even tolerates light frosts, but should come back inside before the first proper freeze. Be sure to avoid direct sun right after moving it out.