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Emm's Plant House

ficus pumila

ficus pumila

£12.00 GBP
£12.00 GBP
Sale Sold out
Taxes included.

Ficus pumila, commonly known as the Creeping Fig, is a vigorous vining plant with small, heart-shaped leaves that form a lush green carpet over walls, trellises, or terrarium landscapes. Native to East Asia, this charming species is a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor displays due to its fast growth and ability to cling to most surfaces.

  • Full Botanical Name: Ficus pumila
  • Common Names: Creeping Fig, Climbing Fig, Fig Ivy
  • Country and/or Region of Origin: East Asia — particularly China, Japan, and Vietnam
  • Growing Conditions in Native Habitat: Found growing along trees and rocky surfaces in tropical forests with high humidity and filtered sunlight

Care Guide

  • Care Guide:
  • Light: Bright, indirect light for compact growth; tolerates low light but will grow more slowly
  • Ideal Room: Bathroom, kitchen, or any humid space with good light
  • Feeding: Feed every 4–6 weeks with a diluted balanced fertilizer during spring and summer
  • Humidity: Prefers moderate to high humidity (60–80%)
  • Ideal Temperature: 18–26°C (65–79°F); avoid cold drafts or temperatures below 10°C (50°F)
  • Watering: Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged; allow the top layer to dry slightly between waterings
  • Pet/Child Safe: Toxic — Contains a milky latex sap that can irritate the skin and eyes upon contact and may cause oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting if ingested by cats, dogs, or humans. Reptiles and amphibians can also experience irritation if exposed. Always handle with care and keep out of reach of pets and children.
  • Soil Type: Rich, well-draining potting mix with peat, bark, and perlite
  • Propagation: Stem cuttings in water or moist soil; roots readily in warm, humid conditions
  • Eventual Height and Spread: Can climb or trail up to 2–3 m indoors; smaller in terrariums
  • Growth Rate: Fast under stable humidity and light
  • Pests and Treatment: Mealybugs, aphids, and spider mites—wipe with neem oil or insecticidal soap
  • Repotting: Every 1–2 years to refresh soil and encourage healthy growth
  • Pruning: Trim regularly to control size and maintain bushy growth
  • Air Purification: Good; helps improve indoor air quality
  • Folklore: In Asian cultures, creeping figs represent perseverance, determination, and connection, as their vines cling and climb continuously toward the light
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