Ficus pumila

Creeping Fig, Climbing Fig

Ficus pumila Variegata
Ficus pumila “Variegata”

Care

Lighting

The variegated cultivar will need bright to part sunny spots with morning or evening sun. Otherwise it can produce solid green leaves. Green leaved Ficus pumila does also good in light shade. During summer it can be placed in the garden or on the balcony.

Soil

Regular mixes for container plants, vegetables or herbs are suitable.

Watering

Let the soil moderately dry between the waterings to max. 75 % of the pots height. Reduce watering if placed cool during winter. Avoid overwatering or drying out.

Feeding

When in active growth with standard liquid fertilizer (monthly), spikes or granules (2 to 3 monthly).
New bought or recently repotted plants don’t need to be fed for the first year.

Temperature

Green leaved Creeping Figs can either be grown warm the year round or given a winter rest period with a minimum of 5 °C (41 °F). Ficus pumila “Variegata” does not like it that cool and needs a winter minimum of 10 °C (50 °F).

Ficus pumila cuttings
Ficus pumila “Variegata” cuttings

Propagation

Cuttings – there should be at least 2 leaves on each cutting.

Profile

Scientific name

Ficus pumila

Common name(s)

Creeping Fig, Climbing Fig

Family

Moraceae

Origin

Eastern Asia (China, Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam)

Height

Shoots can reach up to 4 m in length

Toxic

Fruits are edible

Ficus pumila