Creeping Fig or Climbing Fig

Botanical Name: Ficus pumila

Creeping fig has small, heart-shaped leaves that densely cover its long stems. Its growing habits make it a versatile plant indoors. To show off its thickly leafed vines, put this trailing, climbing, creeping ficus plant in a hanging basket.

Better yet, you can train its aerial roots to sink into a moss support, trellis or topiary. Tie it loosely to a support with florist's wire and this climbing fig will readily take hold.

Want another option? Plant it as a ground cover beneath a tall house plant and allow the stems to spill over the sides of the container. It makes a nice complement to Norfolk Island pine or a braided weeping fig (F. benjamina).

Don't overwater. Water thoroughly when potting mix is dry 1 inch down. Reduce water in the winter when growth has slowed.

Prune it back. This plant is fast-growing and needs some help from you to shape it or train it. Prune off new stems regularly to encourage branching and to shape them as they grow. Pruning up to one-third in spring will keep the plant compact.

Repot in spring. This creeping ficus houseplant prefers to be slightly pot-bound. Repot every 3 years, moving to a pot 1 size larger or keep it in the same pot and just give it fresh potting mix.

Creeping Fig Care Tips

Origin: China and Japan

Height: Trailing to 3 ft (90 cm)

Light: Bright light. Will tolerate low light, but not direct sun. Dry, shriveled leaves are caused by too much sun.

Water: Keep soil lightly moist spring through fall. Water less in winter.

Humidity: Moderate to high room humidity.

Temperature: Will tolerate cool to warm temperatures (55-85°F/13-29°C)

Soil: Any good potting mix.

Fertilizer: Feed monthly spring through fall with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half.

Propagation: Take stem cuttings in spring and root in fresh potting mix.