Creeping fig (Ficus pumila) can be grown both indoors and outdoors in many climates. It is an evergreen climber native to East Asia, and grows vigorously on almost any surface, including walls, fences, tree trunks, and even concrete structures.
Although it can grow up to 66 feet tall in its native habitat, it usually remains at a maximum of 10 feet when grown indoors. Outdoors, it makes a great hedge or border when grown on an arbor, trellis, or other support.
The plant does well in bright, indirect light and prefers moist but well-drained soil. When grown indoors, it should be placed near east- or west-facing windows, and kept in temperatures between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
How much light do creeping figs need?
Creeping figs (Ficus pumila) need bright, indirect light but can tolerate some low light conditions. Direct sun should be avoided as it can cause leaf scorching. These plants can adjust to a variety of levels of light, but too much direct sun should be avoided.
Too little light will also affect their growth, causing the leaves to become limp and faded. To get the best growth, place the creeping fig in an area where it will receive bright, indirect light for most of the day.
If the area is too dark, supplemental lighting may be necessary. Being epiphytic plants, creeping figs also need to be in well-drained soil and should be regularly watered to keep the soil lightly moist.
Can creeping fig grow in low light?
Yes, creeping fig (Ficus pumila) can grow in low light, but they prefer bright light and will grow best with at least four hours of direct sunlight per day. Creeping figs do well in any moderate indoor light, such as near a window with a sheer curtain, 30-50 feet away from an east or west facing window, or two to three feed away from a south or west facing window.
Creeping figs do not need to be fertilized often but they like regular misting with lukewarm water during the growing season. It is important to monitor the soil moisture and make sure that it doesn’t dry out completely.
How do you care for creeping figs indoors?
Caring for creeping figs indoors is easy and straightforward. Start by providing the plant with a location that receives bright, indirect sunlight. Choose a south- or east-facing spot, as this will provide the optimal amount of sunlight for the creepers.
The warmer and brighter the spot, the better it will grow.
Watering is essential for keeping your creeping figs healthy. Too little water and the leaves drop off, while too much water can lead to root rot. Stick your finger into the soil to get a sense of the moisture levels – if it’s moist, don’t water; if it’s dry, go ahead and water until the soil feels evenly moist.
When you water, make sure the pot has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
As with most plants, creeping figs need regular feeding to stay healthy. Use a well-balanced liquid fertilizer and feed the plant every two weeks while it’s actively growing. During the winter, stop feeding and reduce watering, as the plant goes dormant during this time.
Finally, be aware of pests or diseases that may affect your creeping fig. Keep an eye out for mealybugs, scale, or aphids. Prune away any infected leaves or branches as quickly as possible before the pest spreads to the rest of the plant.
Why do creeping figs turn brown?
Creeping figs can turn brown for a variety of reasons. One of the main causes is exposure to direct sunlight, especially if the plant is exposed to excessive heat or direct, intense light. Too much direct sunlight can also cause leaf scorch, which makes the plant’s foliage turn brown.
Inadequate watering can also cause creeping figs to turn brown, especially if the soil is allowed to dry out completely between waterings. Overfertilization is another reason why creeping figs may turn brown, because too much fertilizer can damage or burn the foliage.
Poor soil drainage and/or improper pH levels can also contribute to browning foliage. Finally, environmental stress, such as extreme temperatures, freezing or sustained winds, or exposure to pollutants may cause creeping figs to turn brown.
How can I make creeping figs grow faster?
In order to make creeping figs grow faster, there are a few steps you can take. First, make sure you are providing plenty of sunlight for the plant. Creeping figs thrive in sunlight and require at least five hours of direct sunlight daily.
If the plant is not receiving enough sunlight, it could be stunting its growth. Additionally, choose a potting soil that is designed for growing creeping figs. A good potting soil should have plenty of organic matter, such as a compost blend, to ensure your creeping figs will get the nutrients they need.
You should also be sure to water your creeping figs regularly, making sure to provide the right amount of moisture. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between each watering, and be sure to never let the plant sit in water.
Too much water can lead to root rot, which will prevent your creeping figs from growing properly. Finally, fertilize your creeping figs regularly with a balanced fertilizer in order to give it the nutrients it needs to grow and remain healthy.
Follow these steps and your creeping figs should begin to grow faster.
How long does it take for creeping fig to cover a wall?
The amount of time it takes for creeping fig to cover a wall depends on several factors, such as the amount of sunlight and heat the wall receives, the size of the area, and how frequently the plant is watered.
Generally, Creeping Fig can take between 2-3 years before it fully covers a wall, but in optimal conditions, it can cover a wall in as little as 1 year. It’s important to note that the more frequently the plant is watered, the faster it will spread.
Additionally, because creeping fig needs to be actively trimmed, it’s important to keep up with regular pruning and trimming of the plant in order to maintain a healthy and aesthetically pleasing look.
Does creeping fig damage walls?
Yes, creeping fig can damage walls when it is left to cover a wall for an extended period of time. This is because the roots of the creeping fig grow deeply and quickly, and penetrate deep into mortar and cement joints.
As these roots continue to grow, they push against the surface of the wall, causing the mortar and cement to become weakened and eventually crack and displace bricks, causing the wall to become structurally unsound.
Additionally, the semi-woody vines of the creeping fig act as a wick and draw moisture into the wall, promoting further damage due to mold, insect infestations, and potentially the deterioration of the wall’s structural integrity due to water saturation.
For these reasons, it is not recommended to allow the creeping fig to cover a wall for an extended period of time.
How many creeping figs should I plant?
This is a great question, and it depends on a few factors. Generally, it’s recommended that you start with a minimum of two creeping figs so you can achieve a fuller look. If you have a larger area to cover, you can plant more to create a hedge.
A single rolling yard could easily accommodate several in a row as a border along a walkway or planted singly around trees. If you plan on transplanting the creeping fig, keep in mind that it grows over time, so you may need to give it more room than other shrubs or vegetation.
Also, consider what kind of style and shape you’d like the creeping figs to form. For an informal look, placing them further apart would create a natural blanket. Alternatively, if you’d like a more structured look, planting them closer together will help achieve a denser form.
Does fig ivy ruin brick?
No, fig ivy generally does not ruin brick. While fig ivy is a strong and aggressive climber, it typically only causes minor surface discoloration to brick walls, rather than actual structural damage.
If left unchecked, however, fig ivy can cause more extensive damage over time, as the roots and tendrils can work their way into mortar joints and the growth of the plant can cause cracking and crumbling of the brick.
To prevent these potential issues, it’s recommended to regularly prune fig ivy and remove it completely should it become too large. In areas where fig ivy is located near brick surfaces, preventative pest control measures should also be taken to ensure the brick remains unaffected.
Is fig ivy invasive?
Yes, fig ivy (Ficus pumila) is considered an invasive species in many areas. It grows quickly in a variety of habitats and can overrun native plants and trees, outcompeting them for light, water, and nutrients.
It can climb up walls, fences, and trees, and will send roots deep into crevices in search of stability and moisture, making it hard to remove in some cases. As with all invasive species, it is important to limit its spread by controlling its growth as soon as possible and removing any plants, vines, cuttings, or root systems as soon as they are spotted.
If you happen to have fig ivy on your property, take steps to keep it at bay and consider replacing it with a native plant species.
Will creeping fig grow down a wall?
Yes, creeping fig (Ficus pumila) will grow down a wall. It is an evergreen, trailing or climbing vine that grows quickly and easily attaches itself to walls with aerial roots. Its tough stems and leathery, glossy oval leaves cling to the wall surface and create a dense purple or green foliage.
It has a vigorous growth habit and is ideal for covering large walls, trellis, fences and posts, although it can be grown in containers and hanging baskets as well. Though creeping fig is hardy and easy to care for, it will require regular pruning to keep its spread in check.
Also, when grown in direct sunlight, the foliage may become sparser.
How far apart should I plant creeping fig?
Creeping fig, also known as Ficus pumila, is a type of evergreen vine that spreads by climbing and trailing. When planting creeping fig, it’s important to provide ample space in between each plant in order to allow for proper growth and avoid overcrowding.
Generally, 12 to 18 inches apart is a good distance to plant creeping figs. Keep in mind that creeping figs can grow up to 10 feet in length, so you should allow for more than enough space for each plant to grow.
Additionally, it’s important to provide a sturdy structure for climbing plants like creeping fig, such as an arbor, fence, or wall. This will ensure that the plants have the support they need to spread and reach their full potential.
How do you creep a plant on a wall?
Creeping plants are a great option for adding texture and depth to a wall in your home or garden area. There are several ways to go about it depending on the type of creeping plant you’re looking to grow.
For starters, you’ll need to choose the right kind of plant for your wall. Some good choices include trailing vines and non-vining ground covers, such as Irish moss and rockfoil. These plants grow low to the ground and provide great green wall coverage.
Once you’ve picked the right kind of plant, you’ll need to make sure you have the right setup for it to thrive. Make sure the wall is constructed with materials that can sustain the plant’s growth, such as a mesh-type fencing with metal or wires.
The mesh fencing will keep the plants from slipping, thus allowing them to stick to the wall.
You’ll also want to ensure the wall is irrigated properly, as creeping plants need ample water to survive. You can do this by drilling a few small holes in the wall to allow for a continuous drip system.
Plus, adding a few mulches and fertilizers to the soil will help maintain the right soil quality.
Finally, make sure you provide a few small trellises that support your climbing plants, allowing them to set roots at different levels while they climb the wall. Once you have all these elements in place, you’re ready to hang the creeping plants on your wall.