Ficus pumila
Ficus pumila
Creeping Fig
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Description
Ficus pumila, the creeping fig, is a fast-growing, self-clinging vine with cute heart-shaped juvenile leaves. It’s versatile indoors as a trailing houseplant or terrarium groundcover, and outdoors it creates lush living walls—just trim regularly to keep it tidy.
Common Names
Creeping FigClimbing FigCreeping FicusFicus Repens
Context
nativeRegion
East Asia (China, Taiwan, Japan, Vietnam)
usdaZones
8–11 outdoors; commonly grown as a houseplant elsewhere
companionPlants
Fittonia (nerve plant), Pilea, Peperomia, Nephrolepis (Boston fern), Mosses
culturalUses
Popular for living walls, groundcover, topiary frames, terrariums, and bonsai practice; valued for quick coverage of masonry (may adhere strongly).
Care
Care Requirements
LightBright, indirect light is ideal; tolerates medium light. Outdoors, partial shade. Avoid harsh, direct midday sun indoors.
WateringKeep evenly moist; let the top 0.5–1 inch of soil dry between waterings. Reduce slightly in winter; never let sit in water.
SoilWell-draining potting mix with peat/coir and perlite; add fine bark for aeration. Slightly acidic to neutral pH.
FertilizerBalanced liquid fertilizer at 1/4–1/2 strength every 4 weeks in spring–summer; sparingly in fall–winter.
HumidityPrefers 50–70% humidity; tolerates average indoor levels. Benefits from pebble tray or humidifier; excellent in terrariums.
TemperatureIndoors 60–85°F (16–29°C); avoid drafts and temps below ~55°F (13°C). Outdoors hardy in USDA 8–11.
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitEvergreen, self-clinging vine with adhesive aerial roots; juvenile foliage small and heart-shaped, adult leaves larger and leathery.
Mature SizeIndoors 2–10 ft (0.6–3 m) trailing or climbing; outdoors 10–30+ ft (3–9+ m) on surfaces.
Growth RateFast
BloomingRare indoors; mature outdoor plants may produce small, inconspicuous figs (not showy).
DormancyEvergreen; growth slows in winter without true dormancy.
Propagation
MethodsStem cuttings, Layering, Air layering
DifficultyEasy
Best SeasonSpring to early summer
Maintenance & Notes
PruningPinch tips to encourage fullness; trim regularly to contain size. Shear wall covers as needed. Removing from walls can damage paint/mortar.
RepottingRepot every 1–2 years or when rootbound; can root-prune to control vigor. Use a slightly larger pot only if needed.
Pests & DiseasesSpider mites, scale, and mealybugs are most common; treat early with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. Watch for root rot if overwatered; occasional leaf spot in poor airflow.
ToxicitySap contains latex; may irritate skin. Leaves/sap are mildly toxic if ingested by pets or humans (GI upset).
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