If your creeping fig grows vertically on a fence or wall, you can place trays with water next to its base. However, when the plant reaches maturity it produces quite different shoots without aerial roots and with much larger leaves. It can be grown in terrariums or used as a ground cover in larger pots, where it will prettily cascade over the sides of the pot. Usually 1 plant every 30cm (1ft). You can harvest them from fresh fruit or buy seeds; soak for 24 hours in warm water before planting in potting soil and keep moist. Keep It Alive Not only does creeping fig not require rich soil, it also is less aggressive and easier to contain when it … Gather a 4-inch-long softwood tip cutting from a healthy creeping fig stem. Native to China and Japan, Ficus pumila is a versatile species that’s capable of climbing just about any surface it can find. Native to the tropics and subtropics, ficuses are important food plants, landscape plants, houseplants, and even religious plants. The creeping fig needs a specific kind of wasp to germinate its seeds and reproduce, but you can propagate the creeping fig with stem cuttings. Ficus pumila 'Creeping Fig' is a rather invasive vining plant that thrives in the bright, humid confines of a tropical naturalistic vivarium and should be planted in the background or back portion of a vivarium. The vines adhere to surfaces by aerial rootlets which cling tightly to wood, stucco, brick or tree bark. In warmer zones, it's often used as a groundcover in the landscape. The slender stems have roots along their length that cling to the bark. There are over 800 varieties of fig trees in existence, all part of the mulberry (Moraceae) family. The basic plant has green leaves that are reddish or bronze when they first emerge. F. pumila is easy to propagate through stem-tip cuttings. Acclimate the cutting to direct sun over the course of one week if you are planting it in a sunny spot. When new growth begins to emerge, you can relocate to a more permanent container. Get it free when you sign up for our newsletter. A place for the best guides, pictures, and discussions of all things related to … Nice! Prized for its graceful growth habit and heart-shaped leaves, the weeping fig (Ficus benjamina) is an evergreen tree … Pull off and discard all of the leaves from the bottom half of the stem. Sever the stem one-eighth inch below a set of leaves using very sharp pruning shears. Where F. pumila shines, however, is as a topiary plant, even for indoor topiary. Sometimes called climbing fig, creeping fig (Ficus pumila) is an evergreen species of scrambling vine widely cultivated within U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 to 11. Keeping creeping fig happy as a houseplant Creeping figs are happy indoors, and if you live where temperatures drop below zero, a houseplant is your only option. Allow the top inch of perlite to dry out between waterings to prevent rot. Any good, fast-draining potting soil will likely do for creeping fig. Propagating the Creeping Fig In its natural habitat, this plant is only pollinated by the fig wasp. The Ficus genus contains some of the most beautiful, widespread, and important plants in the world. Add water whenever it feels slightly dry in the top inch. English box makes a fantastic formal hedge. Set the pot indoors on an east-facing windowsill with indirect sunlight, or outdoors under light shade. Creeping fig (ficus pumila) or climbing fig is an easy plant to propagate. Ficus pumila is vulnerable to pests including aphids, mealy bugs, scale, and whitefly. Vigorous and fast-growing, Ficus pumila (Creeping Fig) is an evergreen self-clinging climber or trailer that grows relentlessly, covering everything it encounters (walls, trellises and other structures) by adhesive aerial rootlets. Smaller plants that are grown as little specimens, such as those in topiaries, should be repotted annually, in conjunction with an aggressive trimming so the plant won't overgrow its surroundings. Lightly mist the cutting with a spray bottle each time you water to keep the leaves hydrated. Ficus pumila, commonly known as the creeping fig or climbing fig, is a species of flowering plant in the mulberry family, native to East Asia (China, Japan, Vietnam)[2] and naturalized in parts of the southeastern and south-central United States. Not only are they attractive and easy to grow, but they're also excellent and relatively hardy houseplants that can withstand a variety of different settings and even a certain degree of benign neglect. The creeping fig is a true terrarium staple thanks to it’s miniature size, easy care and prolific growth habits. Press the severed end of the creeping fig cutting into rooting hormone talc. When new growth begins to emerge, you can relocate to a more permanent container. I took a whole ton of fig cuttings this year. Press it in until the lowest set of leaves rests against the surface of the mixture. Ficus plants have been popular houseplants for many decades, and for good reason. Ficus Pumila is a type of vine plant that is also known as the creeping fig. If you want to keep your Ficus pumila around for longer than its natural indoor life, simply propagate the plant every other year or so. Look for cultivars with variegated, almost ivy-like leaves such as 'Snowflake' or cultivars with interesting leaf texture. There are hundreds of varieties of ficus. Shield the pot from direct sunlight. Place the potted weeping fig cutting into a 2-gallon plastic bag. Check the moisture level in the perlite mixture daily. Every winter we propagate thousands of english box plants. Add water from a watering can slowly to the media while stirring it. Close the bag around the cutting. Growing new creeping fig plants at home is simple to do since they root easily from cuttings and will produce a transplantable vine in just a few months. It can grow very quickly, and it attaches itself to rocks, walls or houses, which is where it got its name. Although creeping fig can only be pollinated by the fig wasp, (Blastophaga pamila), it is easily propagated by cuttings as the vine will root wherever it touches soil. Since the fast growing vines of a Creeping Fig easily cling to just about anything, it’s also a great plant for topiaries. Feed creeping fig with a weak liquid fertilizer throughout the growing season. If you want to dwarf them, you can also root prune when you're repotting to keep the plants smaller. The creeping fig is a climbing evergreen plant that's a common ground and wall covering in warmer parts of the country and a houseplant in cooler areas. ", 9 Species of Fig (Ficus) Trees for Indoor and Outdoor Gardening, 10 Low-Care Plants That Grow Well in Terrariums. However, the cuttings perform best when treated with growth-promoting rooting hormone. North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service: Plant Propagation by Stem Cuttings--Instructions for the Home Gardener, University of California; Alameda County Master Gardeners; Your Alameda County Garden Month-by-Month, How to Propagate Perennial Periwinkle From Stem Cuttings, How to Propagate Cuttings for a Creeping Jenny. There are more than 850 members of the Ficus genus; among them are several species commonly available for indoor gardeners, including the creeping fig, or F. pumila (sometimes also called F. repens). Gather a 4-inch-long softwood tip cutting from a healthy creeping fig stem. Climbing fig, sometimes called creeping fig, is an Eastern Asian species and a member of the mulberry family (Moraceae). Gently tap the end to remove the excess powder. Keep the container warm with high ambient humidity in a bright but not sunny location. Make a half-inch slice in the bag with a utility knife to allow excess moisture to escape. How do i root it and how long does it take? Mist the foliage every few days to keep it plump. Samantha McMullen began writing professionally in 2001. 54 votes, 14 comments. Jun 14, 2015 - Sometimes called climbing fig, creeping fig (Ficus pumila) is an evergreen species of scrambling vine widely cultivated within U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 to 11. [3][4] It is also found in cultivation as a houseplant. It creeps along the forest floor and sends long stems up into the trees. Profile Scientific name Ficus pumila Common name(s) Creeping Fig, Climbing Fig Family Moraceae Origin Eastern Asia (China, Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam) Height However, you can easily propagate the Creeping Fig through stem cuttings. I have an abundance of creeping fig. How to Clone a Weeping Fig. Most fig trees hail from tropical climates, as they prefer extreme heat and are intolerant of low temperatures, though there are Creeping fig is easy to propagate through stem-tip cuttings. Since the plant has a very fast growth rate, the cuttings catch roots fast and can … Creeping fig propagates readily by cutting with proper technique. Transplant the weeping fig cutting into the garden in autumn. If your climbing figs grow vertically on a wall or fence, simply keep water-filled trays next to the base of the plant. University of Florida Department of Environmental Horticulture; Landscape Plant Propagation Information; Ficus Spp. Water the parent plant to a 4-inch depth the night before gathering cuttings to ensure the leaves and stems are well-hydrated. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series, The Spruce Gardening & Plant Care Review Board, The Spruce Renovations and Repair Review Board. The creeping fig is an evergreen climbing species which you might have seen crawling up the walls of large mansions or a quaint house in the country. Choose a bed with fast-draining soil. However, with propagation, you can replace your houseplant indefinitely. If you want to see all the other plants we have propagation guides on check out our propagation page. Plant database entry for Creeping Fig (Ficus pumila 'Curly') with 2 images and 24 data details. 2.9m members in the gardening community. All it takes is a cutting left in a soil for it to root and start doing its thing. Gently pinch the mixture in against the stem. To produce a nice thick hedge it takes many plants. Open the plastic bag after the cutting roots so it can acclimate to less humid conditions before transplant. And it's highly unlikely your indoor plant will ever bloom or yield fruit. Creeping Fig and Propagation The creeping fig plant can propagate easily and rapidly. Creeping fig requires a humid surrounding, so you may need to provide the plant artificial sources of humidity if you live in a dry climate region. However, the fig will not grow true to type, so this method of propagation is a gamble. The Creeping Fig grows wild in the rain forests of China, Japan and Australia. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. Unlike its larger, woody-stemmed cousins, which want to grow into towering trees, the F. pumila is a mostly well-behaved vining plant. Fill a 4-inch square pot with a mixture of 2 parts perlite, 2 parts sand and 1 part sterile compost. Start creeping fig cuttings in spring just after new growth appears at the stem tips. Jon VanZile is a Master Gardener and the author of "Houseplants for a Healthy Home. Sever the stem one-eighth inch below a set of leaves using very sharp pruning shears. Topiaries should be repotted every other year, being careful not to disturb the structure of the plant. Remove stem cuttings in the early spring, when the plant begins growing again, and pot up in a sterile potting mix. Creeping Fig This tiny leafed plant, native to Japan, Vietnam, and China, is an excellent table plant, hanging plant, or climbing plant. Find help & information on Ficus pumila creeping fig from the RHS see more Synonyms Ficus stipulata Family Moraceae Genus Ficus can be evergreen or deciduous trees, shrubs or climbers, with often leathery, simple, entire or lobed leaves and tiny flowers borne … Remove stem cuttings in the early spring, when the plant begins growing again, and pot up in a sterile potting mix. Creeping Fig is clothed in rich green, ovate, heart-shaped leaves, 2 … The water will evaporate, creating … Check for roots in four to eight weeks by gently pulling on the base of the stem. Ficus Pumila - The Creeping Fig Used widely as a tough ground cover or climbing plant and originally from Asia, Ficus Pumila (picture right) is an evergreen plant that is self clinging and with nice dark green foliage does well in full sun in a humus rich well drained soil. Newer cultivars feature beautiful variegation and leaf texture. How to Start Photinia Fraseri From Cutting, How to Propagate Weeping Japanese Cherries, University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service; Fact Sheet; Ficus Pumila. That way, when one declines, a new one will be waiting to take its spot. Her nearly 20 years of experience in horticulture informs her work, which has appeared in publications such as Mother Earth News. Everything you need to know about Creeping Fig (Ficus pumila), including propagation, ideal conditions and common pests and problems. Each year we propagate around 1500 hundred to sell in our wholesale nursery. General Plant Information ()Plant Habit: Shrub Vine Life cycle: Perennial Sun Requirements: Full Sun to Partial Shade Water Preferences: About 30 years ago at our monthly library volunteers meeting we were asked our favorite book. Add water until the mixture is saturated and the water trickles freely from the drainage holes. It's an eager climber, can withstand aggressive trimming, and is much less finicky than English ivy. If possible, identify the infestation as early as possible and treat it with the least toxic option. Often called a climbing fig vine, they're low maintenance, easy to propagate and deer and rabbit resistant but poisonous to indoor pets. Creeping fig loves humidity, so if you want to grow it in dry climates, you will need to provide some artificial sources of humidity. Browse pictures and read growth / cultivation information about Creeping Fig, Climbing Fig (Ficus pumila) 'Variegata' supplied by member gardeners in the PlantFiles database at Dave's Garden. Because of this it can be If allowed to, it will grow up the background and hardscape. Ficus pumila is native to East Asia, where it is used frequently as a landscape plant. Its adaptable nature and glossy green foliage make creeping fig a suitable ground cover for less-than-ideal locations since it will thrive in poor soil and variable light conditions. Continue to water the creeping fig cutting regularly after it roots. However, it's worth noting that even very healthy and well-cared-for plants will likely only last a few years in their pots—ultimately their root structures are designed for aggressive and spreading growth. Stick the talc-coated end of the cutting into the moistened perlite mixture. The key to a healthy creeping fig plant is to provide as much warm, humid air as possible, plenty of even moisture, and bright light but not direct sunlight. Know that the plant will only live for a few years in a pot as its roots really need to spread. 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