Creeping Fig (Ficus pumila) Indoor Care, Propagation and Problems with Remedies
Some links in this post may be affiliate links
Creeping Fig (Ficus pumila) prefers medium to bright indrect light, average warmth, humid conditions and consistently moist, fertile, well-drained soils coupled with monthly feeding in the growing season.
Ficus pumila also called Climbing Fig is one of the lowly Ficus varieties and is useful as a trailer or climber. It produces a dense green carpet which makes it one of the best indoor ground covers.
The stems will cling to any damp surface, making it an excellent climber up to a height of 4 metres. Its aerial roots produce a translucent latex that hardens on drying, allowing the plant to adhere to their support.
Ficus pumila has a high humidity requirement which makes it perfect for growing in a terrarium. In addition, the long trailing stems make it ideal for a hanging basket, a table top plant or on a shelf. It is one of the best plants for a hanging basket.
The plant bears numerous, tiny, oval-shaped leaves with opposite veins. The Latin name "pumila" comes from the word "pumilus" meaning dwarf which refers to the very small leaves.
Botanical name: Ficus pumila
Synonym: Ficus repens
Family: Moraceae
Common names: Creeping Fig, Climbing Fig
Origin
Ficus pumila also called Ficus repens is native to East Asia (China, Japan and Vietnam).
Invasiveness
Creeping Fig can become invasive, covering structures and landscape features if not maintained and its growth contained. As it climbs on buildings and wooden structures, the woody tendrils can cling or root in and damage structures and or their surfaces.
Varieties and Cultivars
Ficus pumila comes in many varieties like Ficus pumila 'Minima' which has smaller leaves and Ficus pumila 'Variegata' has heart-shaped, thumbnail-sized leaves with broad white margins on wiry stems among others.
The popular cultivars are;
Ficus pumila var. awkeotsang (Awkeotsang Creeping Fig)
Ficus pumila var. quercifolia (Oak Leaf Creeping Fig or Miniature Oakleaf Fig).
Ficus pumila 'Curly' (Curly Creeping Fig or Crinkled Leaf Form) has green leaves with a cream center and crinkled leaves.
Toxicity
As stated by Wikipedia, like other plants in the Moraceae family, the Ficus pumila sap may cause a skin inflammation in sensitive skin. Always wear gloves when handling this plant.
Where to Buy
Are you looking to add this creeper to your plant collection? Creeping Fig is available online on Etsy (Link to Etsy).
Ficus pumila Care Indoors
Creeping Fig (Ficus pumila) flourishes in medium to bright indrect light (filtered light), average warmth of 16-280C, humidity of 60-70% and consistently moist, rich, well-drained, all purpose potting soils coupled with monthly feeding during the growing season.
Ficus pumila requires regular pruning to keep it neat and also encourage a bushy growth. Repotting is only needed when it becomes pot-bound. Keep reading for more on these growing conditions and how to achieve them.
Water Requirements
Water Creeping Fig liberally during the growing season while allowing the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry out between waterings to keep the soil moist at all times.
Significantly decrease watering during the cold season to maintain the soil slightly moist. Do not allow the soil to dry out completely to avoid leaf drop.
Avoid overwatering and soggy soil as they can result in root-rot and eventual death of the plant. Make sure that the pot has a drainage hole and the soil is well drained to avoid getting soggy soil. Read more on how to water indoor plants the correct way.
Light Requirements
Creeping Fig grows best in a medium to bright indirect light. Keep it away from direct sunlight as it can burn the leaves resulting in dry shrivelled leaves.
Where the natural lighting is not adequate, you may grow Ficus pumila under grow lights. Take a look at these full spectrum grow lights on Amazon.
Rotate the pot regularly to ensure that the plant receives light on all sides for even growth and avoid leggy growth.
Temperature and Humidity
The best temperature for Creeping Fig is an average warmth of 16-280C. Keep it away from drafts to prevent sudden changes in temperature which can lead to leaf drop.
Ficus pumila thrives in a high humidity of 60-70%. To raise humidity, set the pot on a wet pebble tray or grow the plant in a well-lit bathroom and other moist areas in the home.
Climbing Fig may be grown in a closed terrarium as a high humidity can be maintained in a terrarium. It is one of the best plants for a closed terrarium.
Occasionally clean the leaves by washing them under a steady stream of water from a hose to get rid of dust and discourage pest infestation.
Potting Mix
Soil for Creeping Fig should be rich in organic matter and free-draining to prevent it from getting soggy while providing the required nutrients. All purpose potting mixes are ideal for the plant.
Feeding
Feed Creeping Fig monthly during the growing period with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer to promote a lush growth. Stop feeding during the cold season as growth is minimal and feeding at this time can lead to fertilizer burn.
Repotting
Repot Creeping Fig at the beginning of the growing season only when it has become pot-bound. Avoid frequent repotting as it prefers to be pot-bound. Repot only when the plant has outgrown its current pot; when roots begin to grow through the drainage holes.
Use a pot 1 size larger than the current one and one that has a drainage hole to avoid getting soggy soil. Never allow the roots of the to sit in soggy soil as it may lead to leaf drop and root-rot. Check out these pots with drainage holes on Amazon.
Pruning
Pruning Creeping Fig involves removal of dead and yellow leaves to maintain the plant neat. To encourage a compact and bushy growth, pinch off the growing tips regularly. If the plant becomes unruly, cutback the stems to rejuvenate growth. The foliage emanating from the pruning, can be used to propagate new plants.
Propagation
Creeping Fig (Ficus pumila) can be propagated at the beginning of the growing season from stem-tip cuttings.
How to Propagate Creeping Fig from Stem-tip Cuttings
Take stem-tip cuttings of about 6 inches long from a healthy Creeping Fig. Strip off the lower lower leaves from the cutting and retain at least 2 sets of leaves on top.
Insert the cutting in moist rooting soil. Ensure the rooting container has adequate drainage to avoid getting soggy soil as it can lead to rotting.
To hasten rooting of the cutting, create a mini-greenhouse by covering the set up with a polythene sheet or bag.
Ensure the leaves of the cutting do not touch the sheet or bag too much by propping it up with sticks.
Place the set up in warm, well-lit spot and maintain the soil moist through out until new growth emerges. New growth indicates that the cutting has rooted.
Gradually over a period of two weeks, remove the plastic bag cover to acclimatize the new plant.
In 2-3 months, there will be adequate root development and and routine care for the new Climbing Fig can begin.
Ficus pumila Problems
Creeping Fig (Ficus pumila) problems include plant dying, leaf drop, yellow leaves, shrivelled leaves, pests and diseases among others. Keep reading for more on these problems and how to fix them.
Pests
The common pests in Creeping Fig are aphids, mealy bugs, scales and spider mites. Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to other plants and treat it for the pests. Learn how to identify and get rid of pests in indoor plants.
Plant dying
Creeping Fig is easy to grow when the right growing conditions are provided. When these conditions are not present, the plant may begin to die. Ficus pumila may die if the growing conditions are wrong like overwatering, underwatering, improper feeding, hot direct sunlight, incorrect temperature, poor quality soil, diseases and pests among others.
Read more on these 10 Reasons why Creeping Fig is Dying and their Solutions.
Leaf drop
There are four possible causes of leaf drop in Creeping Fig. One possible cause of leaf drop is any changes in the growing conditions like soggy soil. Ensure the pot has a drainage hole and the soil is free-draining to prevent the soil from getting soggy.
The second possible cause of leaf drop in Climbing Fig is low temperature due to cold drafts from windy doors and windows, air conditioning units among others. Keep it away from cold drafts to avoid sudden drops in temperature to maintain an average warmth of 16-280C. A temperature that is comfortable for you is ideal for this plant. Check out this guide on understanding temperature for houseplants.
The third possible cause of leaf drop in Ficus pumila is too little light. Move the plant to a brighter spot and ensure it will receive medium to bright indirect light but away from direct sunshine. You may instal a grow light if the natural lighting is not sufficient. Check out this guide on understanding light for houseplants.
The fourth possible cause of leaf drop in Creeping Fig is overfeeding. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when feeding your plant. In addition, do not feed the plant in the cold season as growth is minimal at this time.
Dry and shrivelled leaves
There are three possible causes of dry and shrivelled leaves in Creeping Fig. One possible cause is exposure to direct sunlight. Protect the plant from direct sunlight by instaling a light curtain or sheer or keep it away from direct sunlight.
The second cause of dry and shrivelled leaves in Climbing Fig is low humidity. To elevate humidity for the plant, set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier or grow the plant in a bathroom. Check out these techniques on how to increase humidity for houseplants.
The third cause of dry and shrivelled leaves in Creeping Fig is allowing the soil to dry out completely for a prolonged period. Maintain the soil consistently moist in the growing season and slightly moist in the cold season but never allow the soil to dry out completely.
Loss of the lowest leaves
This is a normal occurence in Creeping Fig. As the plant matures, a degree of legginess will be observed after a few years. Cut back the leggy stems to rejuvenate growth for Ficus pumila.
Yellowing leaf edges
Underfeeding Creeping Fig is the reason for yellowing of the leaves at the edges. Monthly feeding with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer through out the growing period is recommended.
You liked it? Share on social media.
Related Content
Amazon Associates Disclosure
Homeplantsguide.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.