The Pia Tree Ivy is a unique, eye-catching plant featuring curly leaves which can turn into a central piece with optimum care.
So without hesitation, dig into the article to learn the care needed by Pia Tree Ivy with its toxic nature.
Table of Contents Show
Overview Of Pia Tree Ivy
Pia Tree Ivy, which goes by the scientific name x Fatshedera lizei, is a hybrid plant generated from the cross between Fatsia japonica and Hedera helix.
It has an upright and bushy spreading growth, making the Pia Tree Ivy size 4 to 6 feet in height and 0.75 to 10 feet in width.
| Characteristics | Descriptions |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | x Fatshedera lizei |
| Common Name | Curly Tree Ivy Pia Tree Ivy |
| Origin | Cross between Japanese Aralia (Fatsia japonica) and English Ivy (Hedera helix) |
| Family | Araliaceae |
| USDA Zone | 8 to 10 |
| Plant Nature | Evergreen Upright and bushy |
| Plant Size | Height: 4 to 6 feet Width: 0.75 to 10 feet |
| Foliage Feature | 4-8 inches long lobed with wavy and curly edge Mostly green but can sometime can have white or yellow variegation |
| Flowering Season | Early to late fall |
| Toxicity | Toxic to humans and animals |
Pia Tree Ivy Care: A Complete Guide
The wavy, glossy leaves that shine throughout the year as an evergreen shrub make Pia Tree Ivy famous.
However, without optimum care, the Pia Tree Ivy loses its vigor. So, maintain the requirement to its level by learning from the briefing below.
1. Sunlight and Temperature
Pia Tree Ivy is a sun-loving shrub that prefers mild temperatures ranging from 50 to 70ºF.
However, look out for excessive heat from the sun as it can lead to the falling off and scorching of leaves.
Also, the tree has a cold tolerance of up to 20ºF, but that is the limit. Do not let it drop below to prevent the dying back.
Tips To Maintain Light and Temperature As Pia Tree Ivy Care
- During the afternoon, use curtains to keep it in partial shade.
- Locate the plant near a bright window, mostly east facing or west facing, if you do not have a south-facing window.
- Use grow light in case of scarcity of light and a heating mat to maintain constant warmth.
- Cover the plant with a frost blanket to prevent cold injuries.
- Bring it indoors before frost hits your door.
2. Water and Humidity
Even if Pia Tree Ivy has a tropical origin, soggy conditions with highly moist surroundings are never its choice.
Such practice will provide Tree Ivy with consistently moist conditions. It can help to avoid overwatering issues that may cause root rot, mold, and fungal infections.
Moreover, there will be fewer chances of underwatered Pia Tree, preventing the leaves from drying out or falling off.
Tips To Maintain Optimum Water and Humidity Level
- Place a humidity tray near the plant to maintain consistent humidity.
- Alternatively, you can use a humidifier or mist the plant regularly.
- Reduce watering frequency during winter (October) as the tree undergoes dormancy, slowing its growth.
- You can also approach the bottom watering technique for slow absorption by the plant.
3. Soil and Fertilizer
Keep the soil well-aerated and well-draining if you wish to enjoy the lush leathery leaves of Pia Tree Ivy that rarely lose their green shine.
Remember to keep the soil quality from sandy loamy to loamy for successful cultivation.
Moreover, maintaining the soil quality helps to prevent clogging of fertilizer, the main reason for overfertilization that can lead to the burning of roots and yellowing of leaves.
Tips To Maintain Soil and Fertilizer Need As Pia Tree Ivy Care
- Water the plant as soon as you fertilize it to enhance the absorption rate of the root.
- Do not fertilize the plant in winter.
- Prepare an ideal soil mix using perlite, peat, and regular soil in a 1:1:1 ratio.
- You can use organic compost to increase drainage.
- Also, wash off the soil thoroughly monthly to avoid overfertilization issues.
4. Potting and Repotting
Pia Tree Ivy is fit for ground and container growth if you choose a deep and large enough pot suitable for root expansion.
After choosing the ideal pot, allow the plant to rest till it crowds out the soil.
After 2 to 3 years, Pia Tree Ivy signals repotting time from the compact soil and roots poking out from drainage holes.
Before repotting, water the pot thoroughly to loosen the soil. Choose at least 1 inch wider pot than the recent one and ensure that the time is spring.
Then, fill the pot 2/3rd of its height with an all-purpose potting mix and place the plant at the center.
Lastly, fill it back with the mix and water it thoroughly. Provide the plant with full sun and optimum temperature to restrain from stressing the tree.
5. Occasional Pruning
Pruning is always required for Pia Tree Ivy’s healthy and full growth, so do it once yearly to give it a proper shape or remove damaged parts.
Common pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids can attack the Tree Ivy during the summer month.
Meanwhile, highly moist and low light conditions invite diseases like root rot. Thus, hygiene maintenance is highly motivated while growing Pia Tree.
You can also take preventive measures by spraying neem oil or insecticidal soap once every spring and copper fungicide for disease control.
Is Pia Tree Ivy Poisonous To Cats And Dogs?
Originating from toxic parents like English Ivy, Pia Tree Ivy is considered poisonous to cats and dogs.
Even ASPCA has listed most of the Ivy’s in the list of toxic plants for cats and dogs as they contain saponins as poisonous principles.
The most common symptoms in pets after consuming toxic plants include vomiting, diarrhea, excess drooling, difficulty breathing, and stomach ache.
When you notice such a problem, contact the veterinarian or the immediate helpline.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: 888-426-4435
- Pet Poison Helpline: 855-764-7661
From Editorial Team
Additional Dose!
Pia Tree Ivy benefits include air purification and an excellent floor plant in any corner of the room.
Moreover, you can increase its number by following Pia Tree Ivy propagation methods like stem cutting from a healthy branch.
