Fatshedera Lise is an intergeneric hybrid. The plant was bred in 1912 in the city of Nantes (France) by crossing Japanese Fatsia and common ivy (Hedera), as a result of which it received the corresponding name.
The hybrid inherited from the "parents", perhaps, the best qualities. From Japanese Fatsia he got beautifully shaped carved leaves, and from ivy - the ability to form long shoots and easy care at home. Fatshedera is unpretentious and suitable for both well-heated rooms and for cool ones.
Plant Overview
Almost immediately after the breeding of the hybrid by the Lise brothers, he became very popular among gardeners and florists. Exotic, but easy-to-care vine has become widely used in vertical landscaping of winter gardens, terraces, balconies and even walls of houses in mild climates.
The plant belongs to the Araliaceae family. Fatshedera can reach a height of 5 m, while its annual growth is about 30 cm.The hybrid is a perennial, appreciated for its decorative properties, blooms nondescript pale green flowers collected in an umbrella. Fatshedera (home care is described later in the text) has large stellate leaves with 3-5 lobes. The surface of the plates is glossy, smooth, dark green. Variegated forms are derived, but they grow more slowly. The fruits of the plant are berries of a dark blue color.
Lighting and air temperature
Unlike Fatsia, Fatshedera prefers bright lighting, but it is better to protect indoor specimens from exposure to direct sunlight. Only under such conditions will flowering and fruiting occur. The plant adapts to partial shade, however, in this case, illumination in the winter is desirable. Variegated forms are especially sensitive to the level of lighting (in the photo below), with its lack, the effective contrast on the leaves is lost, the beauty of the fatsheader fades.
Home care of the plant involves the organization of the correct temperature regime throughout the year. The hybrid needs to be cool. In summer, the air temperature in the room should be moderate, preferably not higher than + 18-23 ° , and in winter it should be kept in the range + 5-18 ° . The plant is resistant to cool, so in warm regions it is grown in gardens.
Fatsheader Soil
Fatshedera prefers light, well-permeable ground. If the earth is heavy or dense enough, then experts recommend adding perlite or sand, as well as peat. You can buy ready-made soil in a specialized store or prepare it yourself. To do this, take peat, light turf and garden soil, sand in equal proportions, mix thoroughly and disinfect.
Watering and humidity
When caring for a fatsheder at home, remember that the plant is demanding for watering. The soil in the pot must be constantly moist. Abundant watering, in the summer, the frequency of 2-3 times a week, in the winter - every 7-10 days. However, in this case, the water in the pot should not stagnate, because this leads to rotting of the roots. Signal of the problem may be falling leaves. Use pots with a tray and drain excess water from it in time.
Like parent species, Fatshedera prefers moist air. Ideally, it is recommended to spray it with water at room temperature daily or at least 2-3 times a week.
During the period of active vegetation, the plant must be fed every two weeks. It is recommended to alternate complex mineral and organic fertilizers.
Fatshedera: Home Care, Transplant
Young specimens need an annual transplant, adults only need to change the pot every two or three years. The procedure is carried out in early spring, before the plant starts to grow actively. For transplantation, soil is used, the composition of which is described above (sand, peat, garden and turf land). Do not forget about the drainage layer at the bottom of the dishes, which should be 1/3 of its height.
A new pot for the Fatsheder should be selected 2-3 cm in diameter more than the previous one. Once it reaches the desired (maximum) size, you can limit yourself to annual replacement of the topsoil.
Fatsheder propagation by layering, cuttings and seeds
Fatshedera care at home (photo on the text) requires a minimum, in addition, it is also quite easy to propagate vegetatively. To obtain new plants, apical cuttings with a length of about 15 cm with several buds should be used. They are rooted in wet sand, providing a constant temperature of + 20-25 ° C. After the roots appear, the plants are transplanted into the prepared soil mixture.
Reproduction by layering is more troublesome. In early spring, the shooters make a small and shallow incision on the shoot. Then wet moss is applied to it and wrapped with polyethylene. It is important to constantly maintain moisture under the wrapper. After about two months, roots form at the incision site. The top of the shoot along with the roots is cut and rooted in a separate pot.
Rare variegated forms, characterized by more demanding care at home, Fatshedera Variegata in particular, can be obtained from seeds purchased in the store. Sowing is carried out at any time of the year, but spring and summer are most favorable. Seeds are scattered on the surface of the substrate and only slightly sprinkled on top of the ground. It is best to use a mini-greenhouse or container with a transparent lid. For germination, a temperature of +27 ° C is required. Before emergence, the container is placed in a warm and dark place. Young seedlings are planted as they grow.
Pests and diseases
Fatshedera is susceptible to a specific group of pests and diseases. Most often, the plant is affected by a spider red mite. The first signal about the appearance of the pest can serve as a blanching of the color of the leaf blade. In addition, thrips, aphids and scale insects can damage the plant.
Of all the diseases of a bacterial and fungal nature, gray rot causes the most problems, which is confirmed by numerous reviews of Fatsheder. Care at home, carried out in accordance with all the rules, is a guarantee of health. The plant should be observed, regularly inspect the leaves and soil, carry out preventive treatments with soapy water or special preparations. It is important that abundant watering is not accompanied by low air temperature and drafts.
When growing Fatsheder Lise, home care also includes pruning the shoots. You can leave them at a level of 30 cm. Curly branches of a plant need support. In order for the bush to acquire the desired shape, you should pinch the tips of young shoots.
Fallen leaves in old specimens is a completely natural process, which, as experienced growers say, should not be feared. However, if young leaves turn yellow, then most likely this is due to waterlogging, and their small size, growth retardation and elongated shoots are a signal of a lack of sunlight.