Creeping fig vine, also known as fig ivy, creeping ficus and climbing fig, is a popular ground and wall cover in warmer parts of the country and a lovely houseplant in cooler areas. Creeping fig plant (Ficus pumila) makes a wonderful addition to the home and the garden.
What does creeping fig look like?
As an young indoor plant, creeping fig sports small heart-shape glossy leaves on slender stems. Outside, mature leaves develop a leathery texture and elliptical shape on bushy stems. Creeping fig is an eager climber and is better able to withstand aggressive trimming than finicky species like English ivy.
Is fig ivy poisonous?
It is not toxic. It does not have spines.
Are creeping fig figs edible?
Edibility: Not usually grown for edible fruit, but properly prepared it is popular in Asian countries.
Is creeping fig poisonous?
Creeping Fig Toxicity
Like many other Ficus’s, the Creeping Fig, when injured, oozes a milky sap that is toxic to people and pets.
Are there different types of creeping fig?
There are a number of creeping fig varieties available (see them below at the bottom of the page), including types with extra-textured or variegated foliage. No matter which creeping fig variety you grow, it makes an excellent choice for indoor hanging baskets. Creeping fig is also one of the best plants for topiary.
Will creeping fig survive winter?
A Beautiful Evergreen
Creeping fig is evergreen within its hardiness range, making it a good candidate for coverage of ugly walls, arbors or trellises. Happily, it withstands a few cold blasts down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
Can you eat fig ivy?
Fig ivy does not produce edible fruit. It rarely flowers especially when it is grown indoors.
Does creeping fig attract rats?
Pet food and ivy are also a lure for them. Rats will even eat grass seed, bird seed and pet droppings. Roof rats like to establish nests in many of our most common backyard plants such as Algerian ivy, bougainvillea, cape honeysuckle, creeping fig, Italian cypress, natal plum, palm trees, oleander and yucca.
How fast does fig ivy grow?
Initially, in the first year, creeping fig will grow slowly, if at all. In year two, it will begin to grow and climb. By year three you may wish you hadn’t planted it. By this time, it will grow and climb in leaps and bounds.
Is creeping fig good for indoors?
This plant likes medium to bright light. As far as indoor plants go, it likes your brightest indirect light. Place your creeping fig in your brightest window and see how it does. If the leaves begin to look pale, then it may be getting too much light and you can simply move it to a less bright window.
Can you grow creeping fig in a pots?
As an indoor plant, creeping figs thrive in aerated potting soil. Use a pot with plenty of drainage holes at the bottom.
Can creeping fig grow in water?
Propagating creeping fig in water is really, really easy. Even if you are just starting to learn about propagation. For a water cutting we like to take a piece of stem about 10cm (4in) long. It doesn’t matter what part of the stem you take it all works.
How big will a creeping fig get?
Quickly climbs, reaching 25 to 30 ft. tall, spreading 3 ft. wide or more. Inconspicuous; prized for foliage.
What is the botanical name for creeping fig?
Ficus pumila, commonly called creeping fig, 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.
Is creeping fig hard to grow?
Creeping fig will grow in almost any light conditions from shade to sun. Water regularly when the vine is young but, after it is established, you can leave it in the hands of Mother Nature. It will do fine on its own, even in drought conditions.
What kills creeping fig?
A nonselective herbicide, such as glyphosate, is effective at killing creeping Ficus pumila vines. However, since it is nonselective, it will also kill surrounding plants. If you want to clear out an area and completely start over, you can apply the glyphosate to the vines to kill them off.
Is creeping fig easy to maintain?
Its thickly leafed vines look great in hanging baskets and it is also a relatively easy plant to maintain. Let’s have a look at Creeping Fig Indoor Care in detail.
How long does it take for creeping fig to cover a wall?
A newly planted creeping fig takes a few months to get established before sending out vigorous new shoots. Juvenile growth has aerial roots that manufacture adhesive that glues the plant to underlying surfaces, including concrete, masonry, tile and glass. Juvenile growth can cover a wall in two to three years.
Is fig ivy poisonous to dogs?
The leaves of the fig contain a sap that can be very irritating to dogs, either on the skin or when ingested. Fig poisoning in dogs can happen to dogs that eat any part of this well-known plant. It is important to avoid having any fig plants within the home if you have dogs or other small animals.
Can you root fig ivy?
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.