Fatshedera

 
Фатсхедера

Araliaceae family. This plant was bred as a result of the crossing of Japanese fatsia and common ivy, is a hybrid, bred in the arboretum in Nantes in France in 1912.

Fatshedera Litse x Fatshedera lizei - evergreen vine. It has curly, over time lignified shoots that need support. The length of the stems reaches several meters in length. Palmately lobed leaves, about 20-25 cm in diameter contour. The surface of the leaf is leathery, dark green, denser than that of fatsia. The flowers are greenish-yellow, small, collected in paniculate inflorescences. Fatshedera has variegated varieties, very beautiful, but are not often found among florists - these are Fatshedera lizei 'Variegata' (with cream spots along the edge) and Fatshedera lizei 'Anne Mieke' (with a light green middle of the leaf).

The conditions of detention are more similar to those for fatsia than for ivy (more cool-loving).

Caring for Fatshedera

Temperature: moderate in summer, optimally within 18-20 ° C, cool in winter - about 14-16 ° C, but not lower than 8 ° C. In summer, exposed to fresh air, but protected from cold drafts, does not tolerate heat above 28 ° C.

Lighting: bright diffused light - light partial shade. In the spring-summer period, protection from midday sunlight is necessary, direct sun in the morning or evening will not hurt. In winter, full sun is useful, the southeast window is the most wonderful option.

Watering: plentiful in spring and summer, with obligatory drying of the upper layer of the earth. In winter, watering is moderate and cautious, depending on the temperature in the room, something like this:

  • if the temperature is about 24 ° C, after the top layer of the earth dries, wait another 2-3 days, and only then water
    • ;
  • if the temperature is about 20-24 ° C, after drying the soil in the upper part of the pot, wait about 5-6 days before watering;
  • if about 16-18 ° C - at least 1.5 weeks
    • ;
  • when the temperature is about 12-14 ° C watering once a month is very meager,
  • below 12 ° C - about once every 2 months, also very, very little water.

Fertilizer: in the period from May to August, the fatshedder is fed weekly with complex fertilizer for deciduous plants.

Air humidity: Fatshedera, like her relatives, loves humid air, the plant is regularly sprayed (only if the temperature is not lower than 18 ° C), and in spring and summer they are rinsed under the shower, including for the prevention of tick.

Transplant: Annually in the spring, when the roots will fill the pot. Soil - 2 parts of turf, 2 parts of leaf (peat), 1 part of sand and 1 part of pine bark. There is a high drainage to the bottom of the pot. Periodically (every 2-3 weeks) the soil must be loosened in the upper part of the pot. If the soil is too saline, you can replace 4-5 cm of soil from the surface with fresh soil. The acidity of fatsia is required slightly acidic or close to neutral pH 6-7, but this is theoretically, in practice it feels great at pH 6-6.5.

Reproduction: in spring by stem cuttings, which can be rooted by soil heating using root formation stimulants. It can take a very long time to take root in water, for several months.

Growing problems

Fatshedera looks very impressive if its stems are tied to a wide tube with moss. When the shoots grow too long, they are either cut off and, rooted, planted in the same pot, or wrapped around the tube with moss several times.

To keep the tube strong, take a larger pot. Place a tube of moss on the bottom and cover 1/3 or 1/2 of the height of the pot with expanded clay, depending on the size of the plant's root system. The stronger the roots of the plant, the more leave it space for the earth. Secure the flower stems with a wool thread or soft braided wire.

During transplantation, small expanded clay and pieces of birch coal can be added to the soil, since fatshedera is sensitive to waterlogging of the soil.

Growing problems

The tips of the leaves are brown, dry and brittle, pale spotted leaves are insufficient watering and/or too hot. Fatshedera does not tolerate temperatures above 25 ° C, if the room is too hot, then increase the watering and humidity.

The leaves shrivel, with brown dry spots appearing first - too dry hot air or sunburn - avoid exposing the plant to direct sun, especially during the hot hours of the day.

Variegated leaves lose their color and become pure green - if there is not enough lighting. Variegated fatshedera varieties are more light and heat-loving.

Leaves droop, a gray fluffy coating appears - if the plant stands in a cold room with excess humidity and (or) soil. Remove the damaged leaves, rearrange the plant to a warmer place, but to keep the temperature no higher than 16 ° C, loosen the top layer of the earth and spray the plant with fungicide.