Despite its preference for full sun, it will tolerate partial shade. Have you heard of this? This fast-spreading vine requires at least 10 feet of vertical clearance and 3 feet of horizontal space. The first step you should do in the winter is to move your plant to somewhere with enough sunlight. Prepare your plot. I had a beautiful 30 year old vine. Creeping fig plants can grow in myriad soil types, so long as they're well-draining. Does this mean it might have a chance of regrowth at the bottom? One reason could be that the plant is not getting enough water. Mix one part peat moss and one part perlite in a bucket. Once established, creeping fig will only require watering during droughts. As the vines age, or as they start to stretch out, the leaves get larger and the stem gets thicker. Despite its adaptability to full sun, a plant that thrives outdoors prefers partial shade and is best grown in moist, well-drained soil. Unfortunately, no, there is not a way to control where it grows other than regular trimming. One Dedicated Plant. I used floral wire around the very tip to help train it to grow upwards but It is starting to look a little brown and leafless around the wire area.. could that be affecting its growth? I would keep watering it regularly (especially during the dry season) and it should recover without any problems. Safe and Poisonous Garden Plants. Ive read very good things about the Creeping Fig but other things Ive read make me hesitate about planting it. Creeping fig ( Ficus pumila) is a fast-growing vine that can be used to soften the look of concrete garden walls. . Once the roots are established and at least 2 inches long, place in soil and treat as a new plant. Backfill the holes, patting the soil afterward to remove air pockets. If theres a freeze, the leaves will turn brown and fall off but usually come back in spring. Does creeping figs destroy walls? In drought conditions, it is still capable of doing well on its own. Make sure the base will be easily reached if you plant it. I live in West Africa and its hot and humid all year round so I know it will grow fast but view that these metal trellis will be hot all day.. It is now 2 months later and it is all brown up to the water line. I just clipped the living stiff off and covered them with a damp towel in a 1 gallon freezer bag, then I taped the clipping to the bag and covered it with a layer of sun-colored plastic. For now, leave the brown leaves on it (to protect from any future freezes this winter) and be patient in the spring. It can eventually reach lengths of up to 15 feet. Avoid direct sunlight and provide a brightly lit setting. Almost every English website will tell you that the Climbing Fig, Ficus pumila, does not have edible fruit (aka Ficus repens, Creeping Fig). Previous owner 20 years ago planted creeping fig on 2 level terraced block walls (San Francisco Bay Area). Do not attempt to pull any vines off the brick. Loosen the soil with a garden fork. The easiest way would be to just cut all of the stems around the trunk and let it die. For the first 10 years or so, this vine's growth direction is mostly upward, adding about 1 foot per year. How to Grow and Care for Philodendron Florida Ghost, How to Grow and Care for Philodendron Silver Sword, How to Grow and Care for Philodendron Shangri-La, How to Grow and Care for Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane), How to Grow and Care for Purple Passion Vine, How to Grow and Care for Chicago Hardy Fig, How to Grow and Care for Baltic Blue Pothos. I do think it is a plant that needs to be trimmed occasionally to keep it tight against your wall, so know that this regular maintenance will be part of the deal. Step 1 Test your soil prior to planting. It grows while you look at it. The plants wandering stems and small leaves create an interesting lacy pattern as the vine grows across the wall. It is possible to grow a wall up to 20 feet tall with proper care. To encourage vines to grow, water them on a regular basis during the early stages. Many thanks.). There are lots of roots from being attached to brick. The Gardenista editors provide a curated selection of product recommendations for your consideration. We do have some remaining but it is all twisted up with the sick fig. Get Ready to Plant a Home Garden in Your Kitchen, As we near summers end, expert DIYer shares 10 items that should be on your maintenance list. One common reason is overwatering. When growing Creeping fig vines, make sure they have plenty of room to grow. Since the freeze itself was so recent, I would recommend waiting a few weeks to see what other new growth starts. The best way to use creepers is to grow your own topiary, but older stems and leaves may need to be discarded. Clip vines as close as you can to the base so that they dont shoot out and it will also encourage new growth to stay tight to the wall. It has a new purple growth of about a quarter inch. The plant will put out these little roots and stick to anything in the vicinity: a trellis, a wall, rocks, or another plant. When creeping fig is small and it is growing on a wall it has small leaves, less than an inch in diameter and the stems are very thin and easy to trim. It attacks stucco so aggressively we will have to put a new cover coat on before we sell the house. Our architect urged us not to plant creeping fig but we liked the look we had seen on other houses so we put it in everywhere. It looks like the previous owners just let it go and we are trying to figure out how to trim it back but also keep it in some spots. It is a good idea to use a pot with plenty of drainage holes at the bottom. My question is if I grow flowering climbers on the same fence will the ficus take them over, and will I still be able to control the ficus with the climbers growing on same fence. Then, press the soil around the cutting to help ground it. Since it holds tight and grows quickly, it can easily cover just about any topiary form. 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, and it's highly unlikely your indoor plant will ever bloom or yield fruit. Water the ground thoroughly and add a couple inches of mulch around the plants to suppress weeds, keeping the mulch away from the stems of the plants. Will they fill in eventually or should I just cut it all back and let it grow again? If you want to completely eradicate the vines and start over in an area, you can use the herbicide glyphosate to kill them off. I think you would have better success with Asiatic jasmine instead. Size Option: 1 Gallon - 1 - 2 Feet **Fertilizer** Florikan 18-6-8, 2 Stage 360 Fertilizer Despite the fact that creeping fig is a relatively peaceful plant, there are some cultural issues. It will quickly grown and fill back in! They do like to be slightly root-bound, however, so the best repotting strategy is to prune back the roots themselves and repot with a relatively small amount of free space for the roots to fill in again. Change the water regularly and wait for new roots to form. And do I have to put a barrier around the plant root so it. Cover the stem with soil or peat moss Cover the part where you cut it with peat moss. Thanks. If you're choosing a solid surface like a wall, it needs to be crack-free and made of stone, brick, or concrete. The creeping fig can be easily propagateed by cutting it into segments with stem cutters. A young vine can be watered on a regular basis as long as it is not watered until it is mature, but you should leave it to Mother Nature to take care of. To get a creeping fig growing on walls doesnt require much effort on your part, only a little patience. Will it come back in the spring , or shoould I pull down and start over in the spring? Juvenile plants have smallish leaves that work very well for indoor potted plants. Here, it again has the old looking big leaves and figs but is not as thick (maybe 4-6 inches at the thickest parts). Make the hole just large enough for the root ball to fit, and plant the tree at the same level it was growing in the container. For $5/month ($59.99 paid annually) you'll enjoy unlimited, ad-free access to Remodelista, Gardenista, and The Organized Home and all the benefits of Membership. Dig holes for the creeping fig twice the width of the root balls. I guess other than hot glue gun. If you are planting the climbing fig in a container, use a loamy, peat-based potting mix. It is about 3-4 feet tall from the ground. During Hurricane Matthew, we had three feet of salt water covering it for 3 days. Or will it just tumble over the shelf and attach via a breeze? there are areas where healthy new growth has somehow managed to climb. For instance, you can attach eyehooks in the wall using masonry shields. To keep a creeping fig in top condition, make sure the plant receives approximately 2 inches of water weekly. Twice-a-week notices of our latest tips and inspiration to improve your home organization and storage strategies. A creeping fig should be about 2 inches (5 centimeters) long. Let it cool slightly before pressing your stem into the glue. It's also wise to move the plant away from your other houseplants as a precaution until all signs of infestation are gone. 1. To revive a creeping fig, first check the plant for signs of pests or disease. When I purchased my house this plant was actually growing over the windows until we regained the upper hand! Her articles or photos have also appeared in such publications as Birds & Blooms, Horticulture and Backwoods Home. Baby Ficus Repens. This focus pumila or creeper fig can grow in almost any environment, but does best in 55-75F tempt.The single plant is enough to cover the whole house, whole. It will likely take a few years for it to get that added height above the block itself. Because Creeping fig vines can grow in both full sun and partial shade, even the tiniest area is likely to be infected with these fast-growing vines. I would take it off of the tree too. The best strategy is to propagate new plants through stem cuttings and discard the old plant. It does not require fertilization in order to thrive, but it can be fed to aid its growth. Thank you! Water the ground thoroughly and add a couple inches of mulch around the plants to suppress weeds,. (Box cutters also work for making nice, straight lines quickly.) With proper care, your creeping fig should begin to thrive once again. If you live in a hot, dry climate, growing figs indoors may be a good option for you. You can help your plant recover more quickly by giving it additional water. Pets who chew on plants can experience severe irritation of the mouth, throat, and intestinal tract. This little plant is a vine or groundcover rather than an upright tree in the family. twigs still attatched to the wall and tons of dead- looking stems sticking out far from the stuff that is clinging to the wall. The branch can reach several inches in diameter and will actually set a "fig" type of fruit. However, even the tough creeping fig can succumb to problems, such as dying leaves. My nursery said it had been poisoned. There are two stages of flowering fig growth. It takes time and patience for creeping figs to grow on a wall. When the vine is outdoors, it climbs any surface it can reach, from walls to fences. It will also tolerate low lighting conditions. These are designed to cover unsightly cement, stucco, and brick buildings without requiring a trellis or wires. If you allow creeping fig to cover and smother a small tree, you may be putting yourself in danger. I would prune back small pieces until you get to a point where there is live tissue. One of my most common questions is on where to start? My suggestion to you is to remove it from the sides of the house and keep it on only your fence. Can I successfully prune is all the way back to the deck railing and keep it alive and closely grown? To get rid of all of it I would start by cutting down as much as you can and then spraying the remaining stump with Tordon or glyphosate. Hi Jeb,How long has it been growing? Creeping figs make an excellent addition to any indoor space. Any guidance is greatly appreciated. According to Cornell Cooperative Extension, higher light and temperature levels can dry out creeping fig plants. The pumila is a tough plant and grows well in temperatures from 55 - 75F (13 - 24C (can be higher or lower and survive). Plant the cutting in a small pot filled with sterile potting mix. I have shared it on my social media accounts. Add fresh organic fertilizer each spring, brushing back the mulch to scratch the fertilizer into the soil around the plants. It certainly wont hurt to fertilize it and give it a little boost. Thank you for the awesome writing. If it has been for a year or more, I would anticipate the root system will be substantial enough for it to grow back. Transfer it to a new pot I live in historic Savannah, Georgia and we inherited creeping fig on the bottom half of our 1894 townhome when we purchased it. Would it be too hard to just trim them? This can be avoided by giving the vine a trellis or other structure to support it, keeping it well away from building walls. Should I take down the old vine completely and allow the new growth to slowly cover the wall anew? Actually like the money-chinese money plant!!!! When grown outdoors, creeping fig prefers full or partial shade and grows best in moist, well-draining soil. Another reason could be that the plant is getting too much sun. They are SUPER super trendy. Water the creeping fig plants immediately after planting using a soaker hose. That way, when one plant declines, a new one will be waiting to take its spot. Full sun to partial shade is required for healthy leaf coloring, as well as a soil pH between 6.1 and 7.8. Use a small shovel or your hands to dig a hole for your fig tree. Recently I noticed it growing out of his gutter !!! And do I have to put a barrier around the plant root so it does not spread on flat ground? It now seems, unsurprisingly, that some of these large, old plants are dying and detaching from our walls. North Carolina State Extension. I have not heard of paint of any type stopping ficus from spreading. I dont think the sheet metal will do the trick to stop it. The vine started turning brown and losing large amounts of the foliage. If the leaves are getting too much direct sunlight, they will start to turn crispy. Initially, in the first year, creeping fig will grow slowly, if at all. Typical gardens do not have an infinite amount of space for the creeping fig vine's fast-growing nature if left alone; you must prune away the tops and edges of the plant for a better aesthetic and garden foliage control. Water the creeping fig plants once a week in lieu of rain, maintaining moist soil at a depth of 1 inch at all times. It also helps to fill in any cracks in a wall before growing a creeping fig there. If your plants leaves brown or fall off, it most likely has too much water. We enjoy the look, but after the cold winter we had here in Texas, much of the top has not come back green. It is completely brown and dried out from the Feb 2021 deep freeze in Houston. Creeping Fig Care. But because old plants are less attractive, it is more common to discard old plants and propagate new ones. There is a lot of brown with just a few green shoots mingled in. How is the variate form compared to the green version? Another excellent use for creeping fig is in topiaries. we have done zero maintenance and now large areas are falling completely away from the wall. When you register as a free Member of the Remodelista family of websites (Remodelista, Gardenista, and The Organized Home), you gain access to all current posts plus 10 archived posts per month, our internal bookmarking tool, and the community bulletin board. I dont think Ive ever seen Ficus pumilla mowed. According to the Missouri Botanical Garden, the best way to germinate crappie fig is to use a potting mix that is soaked in soil. Your plant already has an established root system so it should recover very quickly. In fact, many people find this plant to be a pest, as it grows quickly and takes over all kinds of vertical surfaces, including other plants. Here are some cultivars to consider: Indoor plants should be kept well pruned so trailing stems are no more than 3 feet long. Creeping fig fertilizer is best applied in the spring and summer when the plant is actively growing. Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program, UF/IFAS Extension: Solutions for Your Life, Institute of Food & Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS). It is tolerant of rootbound roots, but it thrives best when repotected. Im really upset about this. Plants growing in exposed outdoor locations can be scorched by drying winter winds. Space multiple . Or maybe burning the tips? The ficus will send out small root-like growths to anchor it down, but it needs to be in contact with the structure. The sticky stems adhere to almost any surface; by pruning periodically, you control the plant's space requirements and keep the damaging adhesive substance on surfaces that you do not mind being marred. Creeping fig prefers planting in the rich, well-drained soils of USDA hardiness zones 8 through 11. Outdoor plants can develop scorched leaves due to sun-scald. Actually, a hot glue gun probably isnt the worst idea! Temperature The optimal temperature for a Ficus pumila is 65-75F (18-24C). She founded Gaia's Farm and Gardens,aworking sustainable permaculture farm, and writes for Gaia Grows, a local newspaper column. Most soils will be able to support it, but it prefers a well-drained soil. This product is extremely simple to care for, is ideal for adding a natural touch to any room, and can be used to decorate any room. Creeping Fig is dead 95% of the time as a hanging basket. If your creeping figs leaves are dying, its important to identify the cause so you can take steps to correct it. This is a labor-intensive project, but the gummy stains left on siding from creeping figs suckering tendrils can usually be removed by scrubbing the siding with a mixture of water and either bleach or TSP (trisodium phosphate). I wouldnt worry about it spreading too much on the ground. It will spread at ground level by self-layeringrooting itself wherever loose stems touch the ground. Creeping fig, aka Creeping ficus, or Ficus pumilla, is a creeping vine that crawls along structures or walls and is a favorite Florida plant for disguising or softening fences or buildings. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Calculate how many plants you will need to cover your building's walls, if those plants are spaced 2 feet apart. The lack of enough light can cause stunted growth, so make sure the plant gets at least 6 hours of indirect sunlight . Any ideas are appreciated. You can determine when your creeping fig should be watered by checking . The problem is that because it is nonselective, it will also kill surrounding plants. There are cultivars available, including 'Minima', with slender, small leaves; Quercifolia, with leaves resembling those of a miniature oak; and 'Variegata', the leaves of which have creamy white markings. They do this by secreting a sticky substance from the aerial roots. When your creeping fig becomes distressed, watering it less frequently and letting it soak for a few minutes before watering it again should aid in its recovery. It can damage wooden structures. We also live in Charleston SC where the weather is hot and humid much of the year. The plants will be able to send out new growth from those large twigs that are attached. It takes light traffic, needs EXTREMELY little water once established, is nearly indestructible, grows like crazy and can be mowed (many folk around here use it as a lawn stand-in). Use a soil testing kit purchased from a garden center to determine the pH. When growing figs in full or partial shade, soil that drains well should be used. Amend with lime if the pH is below 6.1 or peat moss if the soil pH is above 7.8. Foot fungicide can be used to treat infected areas or to disinfect contaminated areas. Creeping fig is a largely problem-free plant, but several cultural problems may be noted, both with indoor and outdoor plantings: When creeping fig is grown in the garden and allowed to climb up walls, the suckering discs by which the plant attaches itself can damage stucco, brick, or wood surfaces. If you inherit some out of control creeping fig you may need to use pruners or even loppers to get rid of the large stems so that the new growth is nice and tight to your wall or structure. There were be gaps and spaces, but dont worry. I pull huge chucks of it off several times a year and do lighter trimmings every few weeks. The roots of creeping fig may damage foundations and the tendrils can lift roof tiles. Can I start it out in a pot as I only have a side walk right there and no garden to plant anything? If the soil is well-draining, repotting should be performed. The difference is quick to see. When the humidity levels are low, the plants growth slows down or even dies. The results are immediately pleasing and well worth the hour or so that it requires. A charming climber with small, heart-shaped leaves, creeping fig (Ficus pumila) will cover unsightly cement, stucco or brick buildings. With potted plants, it's not practical to keep increasing pot size with each annual repotting. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! For indoor care, keep your creeping fig's soil moist but not overly wet. There are several different varieties of creeping fig available (see the graphs at the bottom of the page for more information). If attaching creeping fig to a wall is your desire, the first year of growth can be slow, so have patience and use a few tricks to get your fig clinging to the wall in subsequent years. How do I get a creeping fig to grow 2-3 feet above the top of the cinder block wall for taller privacy from a neighbor? Thinking it was not enough water, I began watering more frequently and this seemed to make it worse. This includes the summer, spring, and fall. Another option is to attach some type of trellis or fencing to the wall. It looks great much of the time but is a constant battle and can be destructive if you turn your back. It is critical to water your creeping fig only when necessary to keep it growing. If you intend to grow figs indoors, you must provide them with plenty of sunlight, water, and air. In a well-draining pot with commercial potting mix, you should expect Creeping Fig to thrive. My suggestion would be to consolidate your plants to one area that you think is reasonable to trim and maintain. Despite its ability to reach 40 feet, the structures overall spread is frequently restricted by its surface area. This plant prefers to keep its roots in place, but it does not want the entire pot to be filled with its roots. Plant the cutting in a small pot filled with sterile potting mix. Remove the plant from the container and carefully put it on its side. But they bring damage to metal or wood by not letting air pass through them. In addition, a voracious fig will eat more figs if they are exposed to bright light. It has also moved aggressively into the foundation plantings-jasmine, holly, boxwood, etc. Be it concrete, rock, metal, or wood. At this point I think it would be best to trim it back to the green. Good luck! It's a good idea to wear gloves when pruning the plant. If there is a freeze, the leaves will turn brown, but they will usually come back in the spring. Leaves started dropping so we watered it less; then moved it to sun; then to shade; then watered it a bit more .and now its an ugly site.Given how expensive they are I know feel the pain as there are only 8 leaves (and now calculate that each leaf is worth $50). Creeping fig (Ficus pumila) is a fast-growing vine that can be used to soften the look of concrete garden walls. The flavor of figs can be changed by adding fresh or cooked figs. In late fall, fig trees begin to drop their leaves, which they do again in early spring. As the plant becomes old, the leaves and stems become larger and coarser, at which point you may need to discard the plant and start over. If the plant looks healthy, trim back any dead or dying leaves and stems. The runners of the vine are as thick as rope and entwined. When the weather cools down, the plant requires less water and can be watered once or twice per week. I might suggest trying some twine or string to hold it tight to the pergola as a first option though. Sign up for our newsletter. Ficus pumila. I would check to see if your plant is alive or not by scraping the stem with your fingernail. Stay current with the latest posts from Remodelista each day in their entirety. Major pruning for both indoor potted plants and outdoor plants is best done in spring. I would begin by cutting back any very large, woody branches that are extending out (I am assuming you are trying to grow along a wall or fence in a fairly tight, trimmed manner). Although creeping fig will tolerate almost any sun exposure or soil type, it may yellow on hot south or west-facing walls and performs best in partial shade. Amend with lime if the pH is below 6.1 or peat moss if the soil pH is above 7.8. It will be slower to grow and take more time, but it will grow. It's sometimes used to cover topiaries. (I notice you pay good attention to your blog and answer quickly, so please help, as the house painters are here, and I have decisions to make! Last updated: Oct 6, 2021 2 min read. Spacing becomes even more important when you grow multiple creeping fig vines side by side. The curly creeping figs green leaves are wavy, have lighter colors, and grow at a slow rate. Ideas to update and improve your outdoor space with hardscaping elements. However, during the winter, you may need to add humidity to make sure your plant is kept at its ideal temperature. Thank you for your expertise. Once it has good soil contact it will start growing roots to secure itself to the soil. Im trying to grow a creeping fig vine on an aluminum pergola. Providing a dedicated wall or fence for vine growth allows the plant to have as much space as it needs for a magnificent spread. Any pot material will do, though lightweight plastic is a good choice for hanging plants. It is also important to provide this vine with support so that it can grow up and around whatever structure you have placed it in. Creeping fig (Ficus pumila) is a popular houseplant known for its easy-care nature and ability to thrive in a wide range of conditions. Allow the plant to drain and then place it in a bright, indirect light. The plant's wandering stems and small leaves create an interesting lacy pattern as the vine grows across the wall. It can also be used as a groundcover. You will need to be vigilant with your pruning to keep this vine in check. But sometimes, I do worry, what if I am not able to trim them in future and 8 plants could takeover my whole house! Furthermore, increasing humidity to 40% or higher can help to keep plants from drying out, as creeping fig is sensitive to dry air. Any idea how long this might take? Free shipping for many products! Remove the creeping fig plants from their nursery containers. I have had it growing on the brick wall of my neighbors house. Dead leaves can be simply brushed off by hand. If it is trimmed regularly you wont see the thick branches too much. See our obsessively curated catalog of favorite products sourced by the Gardenista editors. Furthermore, in shady areas where grass will not grow, it will provide a more exotic alternative to lawns. No worries, we will email you reset instructions! Throat, and fall have shared it on its side requires less water and can be scorched by winter. This point i think you would have better success with Asiatic jasmine instead the lack of enough light can stunted..., no, there is live tissue curated catalog of favorite products sourced by the Gardenista.! Preference for full sun, it is a freeze, the plants to one area that you is. Watered once or twice per week of about a quarter inch irritation of vine... Plant to have as much space as it needs for a Ficus pumila is... The money-chinese money plant!!!!!!!!!! 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The humidity levels are low, the plants off several times a year do... Twice-A-Week notices of our latest tips and inspiration to improve your home organization and storage strategies to... Thrives best when repotected that thrives outdoors prefers partial shade, soil that well! Out creeping fig may damage foundations and the tendrils can lift roof tiles it certainly wont hurt to fertilize and... Shade, soil that drains well should be used to soften the look concrete! Back to the wall and tons of dead- looking stems sticking out far the! Aerial roots fresh or cooked figs with soil or peat moss if the plant away building! To problems, such as dying leaves has a new plant that you think reasonable! Do i have to put a barrier around the plants to suppress weeds, and will set... Holes at the bottom varieties of creeping fig only when necessary to keep its roots in,. Twice per week time and patience for creeping fig will eat more figs if they are exposed to bright.. Think you would have better success with Asiatic jasmine instead on plants can grow in soil... This mean it might have a chance of regrowth at the bottom of time... Now 2 months later and it is tolerant of rootbound roots, it... Vines off the brick wall of my neighbors house you cut it with peat moss somehow!