How to Grow Tree Ivy
Closest match — some photos here may show the parent species rather than this specific variety.
Tree Ivy
Fatshedera lizei
shrubTree ivy is a hybrid evergreen shrub that combines characteristics of ivy and fatsia, featuring large, glossy, deeply lobed leaves. It grows as a trailing or climbing plant with a loose, open habit and can reach 4-6 feet tall. This tropical-looking plant is prized for its attractive foliage and ability to tolerate partial shade indoors and outdoors.
When should you plant Tree Ivy in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Tree Ivy timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Tree Ivy
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Tree Ivy
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Tree Ivy dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9-11; can be grown indoors in cooler regions
Sign up free to see if Tree Ivy grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Tree Ivy timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
4-8 weeksRecently planted or propagated cuttings developing initial root systems
Keep soil consistently moist without waterlogging; provide bright indirect light; maintain warm temperatures (65-75°F); mist regularly to establish humidity
Vegetative Growth
Ongoing during growing season (spring-fall)Plant produces new stems and leaves, developing its characteristic loosely branched habit
Water when top inch of soil feels dry; feed monthly with balanced liquid fertilizer during spring and summer; provide support or trellis if vertical growth desired; mist 2-3 times weekly
Training & Pruning
Annual, late winter to springPlant responds well to pruning and shaping to control size and encourage bushier growth
Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth; remove dead or damaged stems; pinch tips to encourage branching; can be trained as a standard or trailing specimen
Flowering
Late fall to winter (optional)Produces small, insignificant greenish-white flowers in late fall to winter (not the main ornamental feature)
Flowers are secondary to foliage; maintain consistent care; no special treatment needed; flowers may be followed by small black berries
Rest Period
November-FebruaryWinter dormancy with slower growth; foliage remains attractive
Reduce watering and fertilizing; maintain temperatures above 50°F; continue misting; move away from cold drafts; lower indoor temperatures slightly to encourage dormancy
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Increase humidity through regular misting; spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap if infestation persists; ensure good air circulation
-
Isolate affected plant; remove with cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol; spray with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap; repeat every 7-10 days as needed
-
Inspect regularly; manually remove with soft brush; apply horticultural oil spray; repeat treatments every 10-14 days until controlled
-
and
(fungal)
Improve air circulation; avoid wetting foliage; water at soil level only; reduce watering frequency; use well-draining soil; remove affected leaves; apply fungicide if severe
Uses
Indoor Ornamental Plant
HouseholdTree ivy is an excellent houseplant for contemporary and tropical-themed interiors, adding architectural interest with its large, glossy lobed leaves. It works well as a specimen plant, in mixed containers, or trained on a moss pole or trellis. [source]
Living Wall & Vertical Garden Accent
CraftCan be trained to climb or trail, making it suitable for living walls, hanging baskets, or as a backdrop for other plants in outdoor gardens in warm climates. Its architectural foliage adds texture and height to vertical plantings. [source]
Tropical Landscape Design
HouseholdIn zones 9-11, tree ivy is used in mixed borders, containers, and tropical-style gardens for its bold, sculptural appearance and evergreen qualities. [source]
Wildlife Shelter & Food Source
WildlifeWhile not heavily relied upon, the plant's dense foliage provides shelter for small animals and birds, and its winter berries offer a modest food source for wildlife in outdoor garden settings. [source]
Harvest Tips
Not typically harvested; grown as ornamental foliage plant. Remove dead or yellowed leaves as they appear. Prune stems selectively for shape and size control in late winter or early spring.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Tree ivy is a hybrid created by crossing English ivy (Hedera helix) and Japanese aralia (Fatsia japonica), combining the vigor of ivy with the dramatic foliage of fatsia
- 🌱 Unlike its ivy parent, tree ivy does not have aerial rootlets, making it safer for building facades and requiring support structures if vertical growth is desired
- 🌱 Tree ivy gets its common name from its tree-like appearance and ivy heritage, but it is neither a true ivy nor a tree
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Tree Ivy planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Tree Ivy seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Tree Ivy timeline →