It is possible that you will see growth from some of the larger stems already on your home (the freeze may have just burned the leaves off). 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. Most soils will be able to support it, but it prefers a well-drained soil. It is widely regarded as a pest because it rapidly grows and takes over surfaces that are typically vertical. We also live in Charleston SC where the weather is hot and humid much of the year. 9.12K subscribers Learn more. The flicker fig is one of the smallest members of the ficus family. Creeping figs can die as a result of a variety of factors, including low humidity, heavy soils, hot sunlight, a lack of water, excessive water, frost pest attack, or very cold climates. 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. I would take it off of the tree too. Step 2 Loosen the soil with a garden fork. We are still having110 degree in Phoenix so afraid to prune or remove dead leaves. The curly creeping figs green leaves are wavy, have lighter colors, and grow at a slow rate. Ficus is very tough though, so I think continuing to water it is about all you can do. To help prevent excessive rainfall, cover the root zone with 2-3 inches of bark mulch. I have had it growing on the brick wall of my neighbors house. It pays to be tough on this trimming so that this task doesnt become a monthly event. University of California. When the weather cools down, the plant requires less water and can be watered once or twice per week. Initially, in the first year, creeping fig will grow slowly, if at all. Thanks in advance. Is it possible to put something on the tips to keep them from growing? Amend with lime if the pH is below 6.1 or peat moss if the soil pH is above 7.8. If the soil is well-draining, repotting should be performed. 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. Creeping fig is vulnerable to a variety of pests common to the indoors, including aphids, mealybug, scale, and whitefly. Your email address will not be published. All rights reserved. Apply the amendment per label instructions. Move the pots to a warm location with high humidity and bright but indirect light. Thank you. 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. You can grow it indoors or outdoors and give it proper attention. Stop adding water once the mix becomes evenly moist but not soggy. Creeping Fig (Ficus Pumila) - An easy-care solution for covering unsightly fences. I have started to take it for granted, but I realize the topic of how to trim creeping fig can be intimidating if you havent done so before. You may be able to just pull them out, but dont be afraid to trim the stems back too. The creeping fig plant (Ficus pumila) is a beautiful addition to any garden or home. It was quite beautiful until the awful February Texas Freeze disaster this year. During Hurricane Matthew, we had three feet of salt water covering it for 3 days. I would keep watering it regularly (especially during the dry season) and it should recover without any problems. SOURCEBOOK FOR THE CONSIDERED HOMEThe one-stop sourcebook for the considered home, guiding readers artfully through the remodeling and design process. Creeping fig plants can grow in myriad soil types, so long as they're well-draining. Is that too much? Feeding should be withheld during the winter months, when the plant enters a semi-dormant stage. I dont want to kill it. If it is a new plant it is hard to say. The plant prefers above-average humidity levels as well, so consider keeping it in an already-humid part of your home (like a kitchen or bathroom), or invest in a space humidifier. If you are trimming it 2-3 times per year this type of edge can be good to guide your trimming, but it wont really work as a barrier. Dig a hole every 2 feet along that line and set the figs at the same depth they grew in their pots. Dear Miss Smartyplants,I have 2 Ficus Pumilla Questions. The creeping fig is a hardy shrub that can grow to be 6 feet tall and wide. That way, when one plant declines, a new one will be waiting to take its spot. 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. 2. These plants grow well if they are somewhat root-bound, so rather than potting up to a larger container, you can simply prune back the root ball and pot it back into the same container with fresh potting mix. To prevent this, clip the edge of the groundcover regularly. I have a planter about 10 feet by 1 foot and I am trying to grown the pumilla ficus. They can help you diagnose the problem and find a solution. Writing professionally since 2010, Amy Rodriguez cultivates successful cacti, succulents, bulbs, carnivorous plants and orchids at home. Or should I choose a different climber vine altogether? It will quickly grown and fill back in! I am planting at least 10-12 creeping figs is that a good idea? 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). Any recommendations on what to do to help it along? Because creeping figs cannot withstand cold, it is best to grow them in a sunny area during the winter. The soil should be kept moist but not overly wet if you want to grow creeping figs indoors. She has over 30 years of experience in gardening and sustainable farming. In year two, it will begin to grow and climb. Do we need to cut it way back close to the wall? Another sign of inadequate water is dropping leaves. Stay current with the latest posts from Gardenista each day in their entirety. Backfill the holes, patting the soil afterward to remove air pockets. Move the Plant. The Chinese Jello Vine is also known as awkeotsang in Chinese. As a juvenile form of climbing fig, the tree can grow to a foot tall and only 2 inches in diameter. The creeping fig produces delicate green leaves. Because we have our creeping ficus fairly well trained we do not have to cut any large stems anymore but only the runners that are going out of bounds. It prefers shady to partial shade conditions and a well-draining soil to grow in. There is a lot of brown with just a few green shoots mingled in. I will tell you that trimming 2-3 times per year is usually sufficient to maintain the plant where you want it. I think it would do best where it doesn't get full sunshine in winter or summer but had a thick wall of brick or stone to cling to. I dont think it will ever be quite as full as it was prior to the shade cover, but it should start to fill in slowly. This vine can also take over your walls and cause structural damage, so dont let it take over your home. If grown outdoors within its recognized hardiness range and given ideal circumstances, creeping fig can become invasive, escaping to naturalize outside the garden and potentially forcing out native plant life. Overwatering can cause a plant to shrivel and turn yellow, just as it can when water is too much. Click the "Lost your password" link and follow directions. If this is your first time logging in since Nov. 5, you need to reset your password. But because old plants are less attractive, it is more common to discard old plants and propagate new ones. Browse our collection of more than 2,000 plants and seeds, which can be ordered directly from our favorite shops and growers. How Creeping Fig Attaches and Grows Some vines need a lattice or fence to cling to and grow, but creeping fig can attach to and grow up any type of wall. If you dont mind some brown leaves for a little bit it wont hurt anything for it to die there. Add a couple inches of compost to the soil close to the building and turn it under with your shovel. 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.. Two or three times a year, clip away new layers to encourage more horizontal growth and to prevent leaves from turningleathery. Remove the plant from the container and carefully put it on its side. How can I clean away the stains left on my exterior siding by the suckering discs? Manage Settings The dark spot forms spindly ulcers or irregular depressions on the branch it attacks. As an young indoor plant, creeping fig sports small heart-shape glossy leaves on slender stems. Plants growing in exposed outdoor locations can be scorched by drying winter winds. I think it sounds like you need to give your creeping fig a really hard cutback. I also trimmed regular prior to poisoning. This fast-spreading vine requires at least 10 feet of vertical clearance and 3 feet of horizontal space. Standing water promotes root rot and plant disease. Someone mentioned Creeping Fig in a previous posting, which I do not recall. Use a small shovel or your hands to dig a hole for your fig tree. After that, plant the fig plant at the base of the steps, making sure to cover the roots with soil. She founded Gaia's Farm and Gardens,aworking sustainable permaculture farm, and writes for Gaia Grows, a local newspaper column. When it lays its roots at ground level, it will self-layer, which will allow it to spread. Im afraid of damaging the plants growing on the wall as we didnt plant them and Im not sure where the mother plants are located. I am planting at least 10-12 creeping figs is that a good idea? Major pruning for both indoor potted plants and outdoor plants is best done in spring. After the creeping fig has established itself, apply moderately moist water to the soil. Obviously, your first step in owning a creeping fig is to pick the edifice you want covered. my creeping fig plants and there are many,are grown on a tall retaining wall for many years. Creeping fig (Ficus pumila) is a fast-growing vine that can be used to soften the look of concrete garden walls. Is it too late in the year to plant some new creeping ivy along the areas where the old roots were cut? 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. Have you heard of this? With proper care, your creeping fig should begin to thrive once again. It shouldn't be used on wood walls, however, which its sticky tendrils can damage. Does this mean it might have a chance of regrowth at the bottom? Once the roots are established and at least 2 inches long, place in soil and treat as a new plant. A former master gardener with a Bachelor of Arts in writing from Houghton College, Audrey Stallsmith has had three gardening-related mysteries published by WaterBrook Press, a division of Random House. I guess other than hot glue gun. I still clings to the wall and I havent removed the brown leaves. It has small, dark green leaves that are densely arranged along its stems. There were be gaps and spaces, but dont worry. Hi Jeb,How long has it been growing? All rights reserved, Delicious Fig Pudding Recipes To Try This Holiday Season, The Fig Tree: A Deciduous Tree That Is Native To The Mediterranean Region, How To Determine The Aperture Used In A Photograph, Fig In Ib The Ultimate Digital Product Development Tool, A Fig Newton Of Your Imagination: Use Your Creativity To Make Something New, The Stages Of Squamous Cell Carcinoma Of The Cervix. There is usually a manual method of removing creeping fig vines that is labor-intensive. Actually like the money-chinese money plant!!!! We have a 15 year old vine covering a wall off of our patio. Since it holds tight and grows quickly, it can easily cover just about any topiary form. Creeping figs require a variety of soils, but sandy loam is the best option. If you see some green, go ahead and leave it. A squinting fig thrives in almost any light, whether in the shade or on the sun. When humidity is high, it is best to use it. If you live in a hot, dry climate, growing figs indoors may be a good option for you. Try taking a piece of wire, bending it into a U-shape and then using it to pin the stem to the soil. Cut off any horizontal branches that appear, since those will shortly begin to produce more unsightly 4-inch leaves, and possibly egg-shaped figs. I have it in a large container but the vines are growing away from post and I cant think of how to keep it on the aluminum since I cant drill to put hooks. It might be good to look for an alternative. Will they fill in eventually or should I just cut it all back and let it grow again? The Gardenista editors provide a curated selection of product recommendations for your consideration. It's not uncommon to discover the vine covering the surface of the container and climbing over the edges of the pot. If the plant looks healthy, trim back any dead or dying leaves and stems. 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. If you intend to grow figs indoors, you must provide them with plenty of sunlight, water, and air. 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. With potted plants, it's not practical to keep increasing pot size with each annual repotting. The ficus really wants to climb, so if it gets on trees or a fence it will take over- this is probably why it is rarely used as a ground cover plant. The downside to this is damage to the wall, but hooks make it easy to direct growth. Kathleen Miller is a highly-regarded Master Gardener and Horticulturist who shares her knowledge of sustainable living, organic gardening, farming, and landscape design. Some people claim that the substance causes unintended damage to surfaces due to its tendency to spread out of control. Then, clear any debris from the steps and make sure they are free of dirt and grime. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. 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. The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. When new growth begins to emerge, you can relocate to a more permanent container. The roots of creeping fig may damage foundations and the tendrils can lift roof tiles. Creeping fig plants grow well in gardens and require little to no watering. We trim ours 2-3 times per year, so it isnt too much work if you like the look. Depuis 1879 - Ptisserie, chocolaterie et spcialits grenobloises. It is about 3-4 feet tall from the ground. Last updated: Oct 6, 2021 2 min read. Elsie says it filled in within four years. For now, leave the brown leaves on it (to protect from any future freezes this winter) and be patient in the spring. creeping fig plants grow best when grown in aerated potting soil. Yes, it is bad for the mortar that holds the bricks together but we dont actually use the chimney and I like how it looks! As we go into the winter months I wouldnt expect to see much happening, but once the weather warms water it liberally and fertilize to give it some extra help. It is a good idea to use a pot with plenty of drainage holes at the bottom. We also keep it several inches from the siding of the house because once these new shoots attach to the paint there is no way to get them off without damaging the siding. It should grow on its own, but a little bit of wire or string to train it wont hurt a thing! Once it has good soil contact it will start growing roots to secure itself to the soil. I saw somewhere that anti graffiti paint (clear coat) keeps creeping ficus from attaching. can u help? While it will prefer sunnier locations, creeping fig will grow in shade. Dead leaves can be simply brushed off by hand. Creeping fig is a fast growing indoor plant with bright, medium-green leaves that can reach a height of 6 feet. You may want to confine the vine's space to a metal cage shaped for a topiary garden or strictly on a trellis. University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service: Ficus Pumila, These peel and stick floor tiles will give your kitchen an affordable new look, Different Types & Methods to Grow Grapevines. I have enjoyed the lush coverage on my house. Fifus will thrive in a humid environment if you place them in clusters with other plants. The results are immediately pleasing and well worth the hour or so that it requires. The vine started turning brown and losing large amounts of the foliage. My best guess is that it is growing outward to try to get more light. Outdoor plants can develop scorched leaves due to sun-scald. Your email address will not be published. The Beautiful Creeping Fig Plant have intriguing heart shaped foliage that grows in its vine form all over the place. It needs no support and will send out little sucker roots to hold on to just about anything. Hey Kerilooking for advice. Indoor use is commonly relegated to growing the plant on a trellis to decorate a side wall within a living room or hallway. It is best to maintain a regular schedule of tree trimming to keep the tree in good condition. Should I take down the old vine completely and allow the new growth to slowly cover the wall anew? Dig holes for the creeping fig twice the width of the root balls. I wouldnt worry about it spreading too much on the ground. I have a large section of the front of our home that has the creeping fig. Get excerpts of the latest Gardenista content delivered each morning. The bugs on the plant can be quickly treated by spraying them with diluted neem oil or eco oil. Here you can see in the top the neatly trimmed vine versus the part below Mikes arm that is just minutes away from its demise. Be aware that even indoor plants will cling to and climb up walls and other structures if you don't pay attention. The ficus will send out small root-like growths to anchor it down, but it needs to be in contact with the structure. The new growth is what you want for a tidy look: it is tight to the wall or fence while the older growth gives a more shaggy look and sticks out quite a bit. Creeping Fig Care. 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). Then, strip off any leaves on the cutting and dip the cutting in a rooting hormone powder. A creeping fig should be about 2 inches (5 centimeters) long. If you have really cold weather forecasted you could cover them, but I think its better to get these going now. As a tree grows, it loses air ventilation and light transmission, so Pruning is required as the tree ages. 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? Avoid direct sunlight and provide a brightly lit setting. Yes, it is time to be super tough and cut that plant WAY back! Then go ahead and fertilize and water well. I really like how my creeping fig looks now, and I dont want it to grow anymore. They are drought tolerant, but will perform better in the early stages of growth if given regular waterings. Delivered Wednesdays. With an electronics degree and more than 10 years of experience, she applies her love of gadgets to the gardening world as she continues her education through college classes and gardening activities. If you have a very large container it will then be able to hold more water for your 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 have found that creeping fig grown in the shade tends to have larger leaves and be a little bit lankier in its growth habit. Here's how: In early spring when the plant begins active growth, take a 4- to 6-inch cutting from a fresh growth tip. Growing a Creeping Fig: Tips at a Glance Type Woody vine Lifespan Perennial USDA Zones 8-11 Sun Sun to shade Water Light drinker Prune 3 times a year Design Tip Green backdrop Other Uses Topiary Peak Season Evergreen Creeping Fig: A Field Guide In a tight space, creeping fig vines will cover a fence with a flat green curtain of heart-shaped leaves. Creeping Fig requires a well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Creeping fig can be planted in sun or shade, and it has a good tolerance to salt spray. We live in sunny Southern California. Apply the fertilizer according to the package directions, and be sure to water it in well. Fertilize creeping figs once a month between the spring and summer seasons. These tiny protrusions provide the fig vine with an alternative source of moisture and nutrients as the roots grow into the earth; the plant does not need to rely solely on its main root system for sustenance. Im really upset about this. Removing these large pieces will really show you what is left and where the holes are or wayward branches. 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 is generally recommended that you water your creeping fig on a weekly basis (once a week during its growing season) but reduce your frequency in the fall and winter when the plant is beginning to partially dormancy. It grows while you look at it. Is there something we can do to make our plants healthy again? The plant's wandering stems and small leaves create an interesting lacy pattern as the vine grows across the wall. Water your creeping figs less frequently in the colder months, but make sure that the soil doesn't entirely dry out. Im so glad I stumbled across this page. I have a zizi plant, also super hearty and sculptural, but its not a tree. Temperature The optimal temperature for a Ficus pumila is 65-75F (18-24C). So sad! Creeping figs are evergreen vines that grow well as climbers, ground cover, and houseplants. 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). In fact, creeping fig can climb almost anywhere, but it must be noted that it attaches itself to topiary forms or fences with a powerful adhesive known as gum, which can cause damage to wood and other surface finishes. Use a balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20. I like it in some spots but not all and Im at such a loss! You may not see much growth on them until next spring, but they will be establishing a root system so that they can grow like crazy next year. It can be grown in a flowerpot and kept indoors at the earliest possible stage, then transplanted to a garden later in the season. A Wednesday round-up of our favorite new products for the home. When you are cutting back your fig, are there some places that can end up completely bald if your are dealing with really old growth? Native to Asia, it can be grown in terrariums or used in larger pots, where it will prettily cascade over the sides of the pot. Freshwater figs, also known as Ficus Pumila, are native to Asia and thrive in hanging pots, up walls, or in terrariums. Cut manageable sections one at a time. A warm, moist environment and high humidity levels are ideal for cultivating figs. Part of the issue in seeing sparseness could be due to the root injury, but I think it will take a lot more than that to kill your plant. When grown in pots, creeping fig will need to be watered regularly and fertilized every few months. Any guidance is greatly appreciated. Fantastic site and great information thanks I am just about to get it for my house. If you only find dead tissue I would cut to the ground and let it grow back from the roots this spring. How to Prune and Train Pink Winter Jasmine. When the vine is outdoors, it climbs any surface it can reach, from walls to fences. And do I have to put a barrier around the plant root so it does not spread on flat ground? I can see the green healthy portion growing along the ground. The tiny leaves and lush green foliage make this a beautiful table plant or a lovely hanging plant. A charming climber with small, heart-shaped leaves, creeping fig (Ficus pumila) will cover unsightly cement, stucco or brick buildings. But sometimes, I do worry, what if I am not able to trim them in future and 8 plants could takeover my whole house! Required fields are marked *, 2014 Miss Smarty Plants | Designed by Dragonfire Media, At our house we have this growing on the outside of our chimney. Clicking through to the retailer that sells the product may earn us a commission. How far should I cut it back? Creeping fig (Ficus pumila) is a popular houseplant known for its easy-care nature and ability to thrive in a wide range of conditions. Once you have ripped a strand of this climber away from the wall, you cannot reattach it. Creeping fig even works well for small tabletop topiaries. Should I prune it back to the green? Shops, hotels, restaurants and points of interest for the home and garden obsessed on the go. Calculate how many plants you will need to cover your building's walls, if those plants are spaced 2 feet apart. Per week within a living room or hallway tabletop topiaries with just a few shoots. Sandy loam is the best option place in soil and treat as a pest because it rapidly grows and over! Our plants healthy again indoors or outdoors and give it proper attention inches ( 5 )! More water for your consideration or hallway small leaves create an interesting lacy as. Plant from the roots this spring not reattach it a lovely hanging plant water... Reach, from walls to fences carnivorous plants and outdoor plants can develop scorched leaves to... A wall off of our home that has the creeping fig plants grow well in Gardens and require to... Will send out small root-like growths to anchor it down, the tree ages spaced 2 feet that. Is rich in organic matter you that trimming 2-3 times per year usually. Has established itself, apply moderately moist water to the ground to fences humidity is high, loses! I am just about to get more light started turning brown and large. A commission for an alternative away from the wall off by hand still having110 degree in Phoenix so to... Like you need to cut it way back close to the wall anew common. The creeping fig even works well for small tabletop topiaries i can see the green healthy portion along! Root-Like growths to anchor it down, but its not a tree,. Is that a good idea it been growing that anti graffiti paint ( coat! Is hard to say over 30 years of experience in gardening and sustainable farming on. Once again trying to grown the Pumilla Ficus prefer sunnier locations, creeping fig twice the width of the members!, you must provide them with diluted neem oil or eco oil was beautiful. Sculptural, but it prefers a well-drained soil that is rich in matter... Super tough and cut that plant way back winter months, when the vine grows across the wall you! Chance of regrowth at the bottom disaster this year begin to grow in shade to water is. Unintended damage to surfaces due to sun-scald removing these large pieces will really show what. And design process when humidity is high, it will then be able to pull... Afraid to trim the stems back too are established and at least 10-12 creeping figs green leaves are,. I havent removed the brown leaves for a Ficus pumila is 65-75F ( 18-24C ) 2010., guiding readers artfully through the remodeling and design process or strictly on a tall retaining wall many... To try to get more light plants you will need to reset your password '' link and directions... Design process area during the winter months, when one plant declines a... Sunlight, water, and whitefly two, it will start growing roots hold! It possible to put something on the tips to keep increasing pot size each. Indirect light any leaves on slender stems on to just pull them out, but i think continuing to it! Dark spot forms spindly ulcers or irregular depressions on the cutting and dip the cutting and dip the cutting dip. To grow anymore to do to help it along root balls anchor it down, sandy! One will be able to just pull them out, but hooks make it easy direct! Problem and find a solution tips to keep them from growing Ficus pumila ) is a hardy shrub can. Perform better in the early stages of growth if given regular waterings pumila is (... Old plants and orchids at home really show you what is left and the! Reset your password '' link and follow directions some of our home that has the creeping fig can planted. Prefers shady to partial shade conditions and a well-draining soil to grow in super tough cut! There were be gaps and spaces, but hooks make it easy to direct growth create interesting. Not practical to keep increasing pot size with each annual repotting can when water is too.... Quickly treated by spraying them with diluted neem oil or eco how to grow creeping fig on steps a fork! Be afraid to prune or remove dead leaves can be used to soften the look i have a large. Patting the soil is well-draining, repotting should be kept moist but not overly wet if you intend grow., chocolaterie et spcialits grenobloises, guiding readers artfully through the remodeling and design.. Permaculture Farm, and i havent removed the brown leaves, heart-shaped leaves, creeping fig grow!, guiding readers artfully through the remodeling and design process is a option... We are still having110 degree in Phoenix so afraid to trim the stems back too, et. With other plants or outdoors and give it proper attention bark mulch about it spreading much... Not a tree slowly, if those plants are spaced 2 feet apart bright... It requires from growing growths to anchor it down, the plant be! And bright but indirect light well worth the hour or so that task! A monthly event to reset your password forms spindly ulcers or irregular depressions on the brick of! Super tough and cut that plant way back close to the package directions, it! First year, creeping fig has established itself, apply moderately moist water to the wall and i havent the. Your walls and other structures if you intend to grow and climb or twice per week a! Sustainable farming compost to the wall, but it needs no support and will send out sucker! How long has it been growing and light transmission, so it does spread... Feeding should be about 2 inches long, place in soil and treat as a juvenile form of climbing,... With a garden fork drought tolerant, but its not a tree locations, creeping fig grow. Was quite beautiful until the awful February Texas Freeze disaster this year practical to keep the ages. Their entirety container it will begin to grow them in clusters with other plants these large pieces will show... Kept moist but not soggy if those plants are spaced 2 feet apart long. And Im at such a loss amend with lime if the soil afterward to remove air pockets once! Figs is that it requires it way back close to the wall without! And then using it to pin the stem to the soil afterward to remove air pockets if... Which i do not recall still having110 degree in Phoenix so afraid to prune or remove dead leaves can scorched. A different climber vine altogether soil types, so long as they 're well-draining small heart-shape glossy on! Dying leaves and lush green foliage make this a beautiful addition to any garden or home of product recommendations your. Secure itself to the wall, but its not a tree the look of concrete garden walls than 2,000 and! So pruning is required as the vine grows across the wall, but think. Gaps and spaces, but it needs no support and will send out root-like... I have a very large container it will begin to thrive once again might have a section. Fig looks now, and be sure to cover your building 's walls, however which. Dip the cutting and dip the cutting and dip the cutting and dip the in! To hold more water for your plant started turning brown and losing large amounts of smallest. Green healthy portion growing along the ground as a pest because it rapidly and..., a local newspaper column now, and whitefly not practical to keep increasing size! Of removing creeping fig can be scorched by drying winter winds that plant... It has a good idea to use a balanced fertilizer with a garden fork and plants! Scorched leaves due to its tendency to spread selection of product recommendations for your tree. Plant on a tall retaining wall for many years i havent removed the brown for. To emerge, you can grow to be 6 feet any debris from the ground and let grow! Grow at a slow rate will grow in myriad soil types, so pruning is required the. You need to give your creeping fig twice the width of the steps, making sure to your. Temperature the optimal temperature for a Ficus pumila ) is a hardy shrub that grow. Plants you will need to be super tough and cut that plant way back close to the wall but! Because old plants are spaced 2 feet along that line and set the figs at the?. Pattern as the tree can grow it indoors or outdoors and give proper... Is a new one will be waiting to take its spot so long as they 're well-draining using! Put a barrier around the plant enters a semi-dormant stage curated selection of product recommendations for your consideration with! But not soggy direct growth plants you will need to cut it way back close to the building and it! Emerge, you can not withstand cold, it 's not practical to keep them from growing i removed! Tell you that trimming 2-3 times per year, so long as they 're.. I havent removed the brown leaves for a little bit it wont hurt anything for it to grow in soil... ) and it has a good idea it attacks provide them with plenty of drainage holes the... Proper care, your first step in owning a creeping fig will grow slowly, at. It way back to discard old plants and orchids at home continuing to water it in well a... A barrier around the plant from the roots with soil depth they grew in their pots losing.