How to Grow and Care for Angyo Star Tree Ivy

Angyo Star Tree Ivy (× Fatshedera lizei ‘Angyo Star’) is an evergreen plant valued for its decorative foliage. It is an intergeneric hybrid, a cross between Fatsia japonica ‘Moserii’ and English ivy (Hedera helix). Its appearance is defined by large, star-shaped leaves with five deep lobes. The glossy, dark green centers are contrasted by irregular, creamy-white to pale yellow margins, which brightens shaded areas. This plant has a versatile growth habit and can be trained to climb like a vine or pruned into a dense shrub.

Angyo Star Tree Ivy Care Guide

Light Requirements

Angyo Star requires bright, indirect light to maintain its best foliage color and health. An ideal location is near a window with filtered sun or in a spot that receives dappled shade outdoors. Avoid exposing the plant to intense, direct sunlight, as this can be damaging and lead to scorched or brown patches on the leaves.

Soil and Potting

This plant grows best in a well-draining, loamy potting medium. A peat-based commercial mix amended with perlite or sand is effective, as it provides aeration. Using a container with adequate drainage holes is important to let excess water escape freely, which is fundamental in preventing waterlogged soil and root rot.

Watering Routine

Water consistently, allowing the top one to two inches of soil to dry before watering again. Overwatering is a common problem that can lead to root rot. Underwatering, on the other hand, can cause the plant to wilt and the leaf edges to become dry and crispy. The goal is to maintain soil that is slightly moist but never saturated.

Temperature and Humidity

Angyo Star thrives in moderate temperatures, typical of most homes, between 60-80°F (15-27°C). It is hardy outdoors in USDA zones 7b through 9b. The plant prefers average to high humidity levels. In drier indoor environments, especially during winter, you can increase moisture by misting the leaves or placing the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water.

Fertilizing

During the active growing season of spring and summer, feeding the plant supports its development. A balanced liquid fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 formulation, can be applied monthly. As the plant’s growth slows in the fall and winter, fertilizing should be reduced or stopped to prevent nutrient buildup in the soil.

Pruning for Health and Shape

Pruning is performed to manage the plant’s size and encourage a fuller, more compact growth habit. Without occasional trimming, the stems can become long and sparse, giving the plant a leggy appearance. This is particularly useful when growing it as a shrub rather than a climbing vine.

The best time to prune is in the spring or early summer, just before the plant enters its most vigorous growth phase. Using clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears, make cuts just above a leaf node to encourage branching, and remove any dead or yellowing leaves as needed.

How to Propagate Angyo Star

This hybrid propagates readily from stem cuttings, making it simple to create new plants. Sections removed during routine pruning are perfect for this purpose. The ideal time to take cuttings is during spring and summer when the plant is actively growing, as this is when rooting is most successful.

To propagate, select a healthy stem and take a cutting that is several inches long with a few leaves attached. You can root these cuttings in either water or soil. For water propagation, place the cutting in a jar of water, ensuring the leaves are above the waterline. For soil propagation, dip the cut end into a rooting hormone and plant it in a pot filled with a moist, well-draining potting mix. Keep the cutting in a warm spot with indirect light until new growth indicates that roots have established.

Common Issues and Solutions

Common pests include spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects, particularly on indoor plants. These pests are often found on the undersides of leaves or at stem joints. Manage them by wiping the leaves with a damp cloth or by applying an insecticidal soap according to product instructions.

A loss of the creamy-white leaf variegation is a sign of inadequate light. If the colorful margins fade and the leaves turn solid green, move the plant to a location with more bright, indirect sunlight. Yellowing leaves are a symptom of overwatering. If this occurs, allow the soil to dry out more thoroughly between waterings and ensure the pot has proper drainage.

Angyo Star Tree Ivy is toxic to cats, dogs, and humans if ingested. Ingestion can cause oral irritation and digestive upset. The plant should be kept out of reach of pets and small children.