Consulta Plantas

Care of the indoor plant Ficus pumila or Climbing fig

The genus Ficus, family Moraceae, includes 900 species of trees, shrubs, and climbing plants. Some species are: Ficus pumila, Ficus lyrata, Ficus ingens, Ficus deltoidea, Ficus carica, Ficus binnendijkii, Ficus elastica, Ficus salicaria, Ficus benjamina, Ficus radicans, Ficus retusa, Ficus cyathistipula, Ficus rubiginosa.

Common names: Climbing fig, Creeping fig. This species is native to East Asia.

They are evergreen plants of creeping or climbing habit that reach 4 meters (13.12 feet) in length. They have small, heart-shaped leaves of deep green or variegated color. They are relatively slow growing plants.

They are used as a houseplant in hanging pots; In regions with a Mediterranean climate they are used to cover walls, pergolas and fences. They resist occasional low intensity frosts.

Ficus pumila needs a light exposure but no direct sun indoors and a semi-shade exposure in the garden.

The soil can be a well-drained garden substrate with coarse sand.

Water regularly (with water without lime) so that the soil is always moist but without ever flooding. It's convenient to spray the leaves from time to time in summer. In winter reduce watering.

Prune lightly every 2 years and especially at the time of transplantation.

Fertilize every 15 days with mineral fertilizer during spring and summer.

They are quite resistant plants to the usual diseases and pests.

They propagate quite easily by cuttings or by layering in summer.

Images of the indoor plant Ficus pumila or Climbing fig