Creeping Fig

Ficus pumila

Characteristics

Culture

Creeping Fig is a broadleaf, evergreen, woody, climber in the mulberry family. It is native to central and southern China and eastern Asia. It is a vigorous grower and, in favorable conditions, will climb 8 to 15 feet high and spread 3 to 6 feet wide. It climbs, like English ivy, by attaching itself to walls or supports via clusters of short roots. The species epithet means “small,” which is true only in comparison to other species of Ficus, most of which are large trees.  It can be grown as a houseplant. Indoors, grow it in a soil-based potting mix placed in a spot that receives bright indirect light or part shade and protection from afternoon sun. Water regularly during the growing season and reduce watering from fall to late winter. Prune as needed.

Noteworthy Characteristics

When grown outdoors, Creeping Fig prefers partial shade or dappled sunlight but will tolerate full sun in moist, well-drained soil high in organic matter. It does best in high humidity. It is a vigorous, fast-growing, evergreen, climbing vine that from a distance simply does not look much like a fig. Where it may be grown outdoors, it will climb and cover walls, posts, trellises and other structures by adhesive aerial rootlets. It will climb a rock wall or another vertical space in a butterfly garden or use it as a ground cover. The fruit in inedible, but properly prepared it is popular in Asian countries as a refreshing drink or canned jelly.  When grown outdoors, the flowers are pollinated by fig wasps. Rarely flowers when grown indoors.

Problems

Watch for scale, aphids, mealybugs, thrips and spider mites.  The milky sap can cause itching in humans.  The ASPCA does not list it as toxic to cat or dogs, but if ingested can cause intestinal distress.

Garden Uses

Outdoors, this plant is a popular cover for stone walls or rock outcroppings. Can be grown as a houseplant.