Creeping Fig care guide
Ficus pumila · Moraceae
Creeping Fig (Ficus pumila) is a terrarium plant. It belongs to the Moraceae family. It is native to Central & southern China to East Asia and Indo-China. It needs medium – bright indirect light or part shade light. Water temperature: 16°C – 28°C. Care difficulty: Very Easy. Growth rate: fast (rapid coverage).
How do you care for Creeping Fig?
| Light | Medium – bright indirect light or part shade |
|---|---|
| CO₂ | High humidity (sources give no figure; roughly 60% – 90%) |
| Temperature | 16°C – 28°C |
| Placement | Climbing background walls, adhering to rock & driftwood |
| Growth | Fast (rapid coverage) |
| Difficulty | Very Easy |
| Family | Moraceae |
How do you trim and propagate Creeping Fig?
Cut back regularly so it does not smother smaller plants; it resprouts readily. Remove any adult (non-climbing, large-leaved) shoots to keep the fine juvenile foliage. Stem pieces root where nodes touch moist surfaces.
What problems affect Creeping Fig?
Not pest-free: prone to scale, mealybugs, aphids, thrips and spider mites (sticky leaves, scale bumps, stippling); crisp brown leaf edges from dry air or dry soil; overruns the vessel and shades other plants.
How do you fix Creeping Fig problems?
Isolate, remove infested shoots and treat; raise humidity and keep the soil evenly moist; prune regularly to keep it in check.
Where does Creeping Fig come from?
Central & southern China to East Asia and Indo-China (China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar)
What should you know before buying Creeping Fig?
Its milky sap can irritate skin — wear gloves when pruning. NC State lists it as problematic for cats, dogs and horses (another source says non-toxic) — keep it away from pets.
Sources
- Ficus pumila L. — Kew, Plants of the World Online
- Ficus pumila — NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- Ficus pumila — Hawaii-Pacific Weed Risk Assessment — Plant Pono
Care details checked against these sources on 2026-09-23.
Which aquascapes and tanks use Creeping Fig?
See Creeping Fig in a living world
- Driftwood Study — terrarium
- Dart Frog Vivarium — terrarium
- Zen Mountain Stream & Buddha Shrine — paludarium
- Raw Crystal Vessel & Buddha Shrine — terrarium
- Gem Peak — terrarium
- Gem Lowland — terrarium
- Crested Gecko Vivarium — terrarium
Last updated · Open the interactive 3D guide · All species care guides