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. In addition to being able to be covered in ugly walls, arbors, or trellises, it is also an excellent way to cover up unappealing areas. The Chinese Jello Vine is also known as awkeotsang in Chinese. The easiest way would be to just cut all of the stems around the trunk and let it die. Jon VanZile was a writer for The Spruce covering houseplants and indoor gardening for almost a decade. If they are truly dead (check by scraping with your fingernail to see if there is any green inside) then there isnt any point of leaving them. I watered once per week and everything seemed ok until early summer. It will also tolerate low lighting conditions. If the creeping fig grows larger or needs repotting, it may die or suffer. Furthermore, avoid over-fertilize, as this can result in toxicity. I LOVE the fig, but when some landscapers came to remove some other plants, I was horrified when I found that they also cut some very thick creeping fig roots down towards the ground in several places around our property. Fantastic site and great information thanks I am just about to get it for my house. Transfer it to a new pot How can I get RID of this vine ??? Unlike its larger, woody-stemmed cousins, which want to grow into towering trees, evergreen creeping fig is a more civilized vining plantespecially when grown as a houseplant. A squinting fig thrives in almost any light, whether in the shade or on the sun. Two or three times a year, clip away new layers to encourage more horizontal growth and to prevent leaves from turningleathery. It prefers shady to partial shade conditions and a well-draining soil to grow in. The variegated is pretty but not nearly as aggressive as the all green variety so I dont think it will grow adequately for this purpose. A Wednesday round-up of our favorite new products for the home. If theres a freeze, the leaves will turn brown and fall off but usually come back in spring. We live in sunny Southern California. There are more than 850 members of the Ficus genus, many of which have become popular houseplantsand for good reason. Watering should also be somewhat reducedbut not so much that leaves drop. Big mistake. One common reason is overwatering. If you dont find any it may be time to look for a new plant. Can I destroy the plant by cutting too much of the old growth old? Creeping fig ( Ficus pumila) is a fast-growing vine that can be used to soften the look of concrete garden walls. My suggestion was going to be to trim it back too. Give it some time. 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. Dig holes for the creeping fig twice the width of the root balls. Bend the stem in a U-shape and make a shallow cut to create a wound. Despite the fact that a tree may appear dead from the ground up, the roots may still be alive and waiting for water or the season to come to an end. This will allow you to determine the direction of its growth as it gets bigger. Next, soak the roots of the fig plant in water for about 30 minutes. Root diameter can reach four inches, and creeping figs will eventually cover the lawn in front of your house. 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. Read on to learn more about how to trim creeping fig to keep it looking great (and controlled! Should we trim this back close to the wood fence? 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. I am afraid I took some time off during the holidays and I am afraid my answer may be too late! I hope it doesnt cos I only want it for the wall that is 150ft long and 5ft high. You can easily find creeping fig at garden centers. The basic species plant has green leaves that are reddish or bronze when they first emerge, gradually becoming a deeper green. I wonder if they would climb it. Get excerpts of the latest Gardenista content delivered each morning. Do we need to cut it way back close to the wall? The basking fig prefers partial shade and can tolerate full sun, so it thrives in a variety of light conditions. For the first 10 years or so, this vine's growth direction is mostly upward, adding about 1 foot per year. If you have a creeping fig, you should reduce your water usage. My suspicion is that the new growth will start lower to the base of the vine rather than the ends. Does creeping figs destroy walls? Thinking it was not enough water, I began watering more frequently and this seemed to make it worse. As a juvenile form of climbing fig, the tree can grow to a foot tall and only 2 inches in diameter. 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). Im really upset about this. I have a rock wall that was covered in very established fig ivy. Do I need to cut back the growth that was on the side of the wall or will it reattach to my brick wall? In late fall, fig trees begin to drop their leaves, which they do again in early spring. There are two stages of flowering fig growth. If the top of the soil is dry, it should be watered. True to its tropical heritage, creeping fig prefers a warm, moist environment. Even indoor potted plants slow their growth during the winter. Will they fill in eventually or should I just cut it all back and let it grow again? Delivered Mondays. Writing professionally since 2010, Amy Rodriguez cultivates successful cacti, succulents, bulbs, carnivorous plants and orchids at home. They require a moist, well-drained soil mix with a lot of organic matter to thrive. Fertilize creeping figs once a month between the spring and summer seasons. If you have dead pieces, go ahead and remove them. Its also growing along the side fence. When the weather cools down, the plant requires less water and can be watered once or twice per week. Your creeping fig will look brighter and more vibrant after receiving the beautiful red, pink, or white foliage of the nerve plant. 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. Another reason could be that the plant is getting too much sun. However, creeping fig is easy to propagate through stem cuttings. 2. I would go ahead and plant now. 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. The first time you trim back overgrown fig it will not be as pretty as the photos you see here! Step 3 Repot every two years in early spring, filling the pot one-half inch larger than the previous years size. The creeping fig is a hardy shrub that can grow to be 6 feet tall and wide. Creeping fig can be planted in sun or shade, and it has a good tolerance to salt spray. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! You can make Creeping Figs an even more functional addition to any room in the house. Last Fall we covered the patio which tremendously reduced the sunlight the wall received. They are very, very tough! Receive the Gardenista newsletter in your inbox daily. Feeding should be withheld during the winter months, when the plant enters a semi-dormant stage. When I removed it, it actually pulled off the paint! Once your plants are established and start to climb you can easily trim any runners back. In early spring when the plant begins active growth, take a 4- to 6-inch cutting from a fresh growth tip. It is too thick and has taken over the planting beds. As it climbs with the help of aerial roots, it doesn't need wires or a trellis. A weeks worth of water is required. The vine started turning brown and losing large amounts of the foliage. Thank you so much for your kind expert advice. I keep watering it and seems are still green when I tested. 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. My husband suggested a bead of siliconeor something like that, that it could not attach itself to so we could get it to grow in just a specific areasilly?? This job will take some time. It is best to maintain a regular schedule of tree trimming to keep the tree in good condition. Eastern Asia has a native species known as Creeping Fig, which grows on forest floors under tree canopies. Creeping Fig is dead 95% of the time as a hanging basket. These quick-growing plants usually need annual repotting. SOURCEBOOK FOR CONSIDERED LIVINGThe definitive guide to stylish outdoor spaces, with garden tours, hardscape help, plant primers, and daily design news. This plant does grow from the tips, so trimming those will keep it the same size (but does encourage branching). Even if the vine is successfully removed, unsightly stains from the adhesive discs often remain. Plant the cutting in a small pot filled with sterile potting mix. Previous owner 20 years ago planted creeping fig on 2 level terraced block walls (San Francisco Bay Area). A: Creeping fig, Ficus pumila, is sometimes called Charleston ivy because it is commonly seen on walls and steps of homes along the warm Atlantic coast. With regular water, it is common for Ficus to allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Use a small shovel or your hands to dig a hole for your fig tree. 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. University of California. I do the active maintenance like your husband! It is better to cut it back really hard once then to have to come back again. Although it was all really old growth, we havent trimmed it back or anything yet. Getting Climbing Hydrangea To Climb: How To Make A Climbing Hydrangea Climb, Covering Brick Walls With Vines: What Type Of Vine For A Brick Wall, Planting On Walls: How To Create Outdoor Wall Gardens, How To Create A Secret Garden In Your Own Backyard, Reasons For No Brussels Sprouts On Plants, Northwest Native Vines: Choosing Vines For Pacific Northwest Gardens, Vines In The North: Choosing Vines For North Central Regions, Firecracker Vine Plant How To Care For Firecracker Vines, Vinca Vine Alternatives In Gardens: What To Plant Instead Of Vinca Vine, Home & Garden Marketplace: Advertiser Info. It is about 3-4 feet tall from the ground. Creeping fig is a fast-growing, evergreen vine that is perfect for growing in pots. But they bring damage to metal or wood by not letting air pass through them. A charming climber with small, heart-shaped leaves, creeping fig (Ficus pumila) will cover unsightly cement, stucco or brick buildings. It certainly wont hurt to fertilize it and give it a little boost. I usually wouldnt recommend doing this too late in the fall, but now should be okay just make sure to fertilize and water plenty so that you can have it filled in for the winter months. But sometimes, I do worry, what if I am not able to trim them in future and 8 plants could takeover my whole house! Dig a hole every 2 feet along that line and set the figs at the same depth they grew in their pots. Also any wood surface will have to be sanded before it can be painted. Thank you. Hello! Foot fungicide can be used to treat infected areas or to disinfect contaminated areas. There are lots of roots from being attached to brick. Its all along the side of the house, wrapping around trees, the back of the house and porch have it and also the front. While you do not need to worry about trimming creeping figs, you can pinch them back at any time of year if you want. They can help you diagnose the problem and find a solution. Is there a way to control where it grows? Next, water the plant deeply, making sure the soil is evenly moist. We do have some remaining but it is all twisted up with the sick fig. Creeping figs can survive in freezing temperatures for a short period of time, and they have a hardy skin that can withstand temperatures of up to fifteen degrees Fahrenheit. We just started noticing we can see way more twigs, and the leaves used to completely over them. Oh no, Joe! Prepare your plot. We have 200 guides on everything from fences to foxgloves. This plant can be grown in a terrarium or in larger pots if it was native to Asia. Jill, I think this is a legitimate concern! Because creeping figs cannot withstand cold, it is best to grow them in a sunny area during the winter. A friend of mine had me remove creeping fig from the side of their brick house. Be aware that even indoor plants will cling to and climb up walls and other structures if you don't pay attention. If you use this plant as a groundcover near a wall or building, it will grow onto the wall very quickly. Step 1 Test your soil prior to planting. 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. I have shared it on my social media accounts. Or maybe burning the tips? If you pull the vines from a painted wall, the sticky substance in the vines can cause paint to peel off and damage wood. If you choose to feed your plant, opt for a weak liquid fertilizer and feed once a month throughout the spring, summer, and fall, decreasing to every other month in the winter. Is it wise to plant over all of my brick wall? Hello! I would check to see if your plant is alive or not by scraping the stem with your fingernail. It can be used as a groundcover, but it requires well-drained soil and moderate moisture to grow. Ficus pumila. Stick the cutting into the soil with the leaves above the surface. Someone mentioned Creeping Fig in a previous posting, which I do not recall. But because of creeping fig's hardiness and vigor, growers have developed different varieties, seeking more attractive and interesting leaf shapes. I should mention that we dont use the chimney though! By enraging and destroying trees and plants, creeping fig can become invasive and destructive. the leaves are all brown and curled. Hi keri I too have inherited this ficus fig with my new house. 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. Despite its adaptability to full sun, a plant that thrives outdoors prefers partial shade and is best grown in moist, well-drained soil. With potted plants, it's not practical to keep increasing pot size with each annual repotting. Have you heard of this? Another possible reason for dying leaves is too much direct sunlight. Is that too much? 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. Juvenile plants have smallish leaves that work very well for indoor potted plants. Add fresh organic fertilizer each spring, brushing back the mulch to scratch the fertilizer into the soil around the plants. North Carolina State Extension. It's a good idea to wear gloves when pruning the plant. A burrowing fig is a houseplant that thrives in warm, humid conditions. I am sorry to hear about your plant! There is a lot of brown with just a few green shoots mingled in. When creeping fig branches are cut, milky sap escapes, hardening and sealing the wounds, so gardening gloves are required. Here are some cultivars to consider: Indoor plants should be kept well pruned so trailing stems are no more than 3 feet long. Sign up for our newsletter. When growing figs in full or partial shade, soil that drains well should be used. I am so happy I found this forum. Gardenistas members-only directory of landscape architects and garden designers. I think it sounds like you need to give your creeping fig a really hard cutback. Stay current with the latest posts from Gardenista each day in their entirety. Despite its ability to reach 40 feet, the structures overall spread is frequently restricted by its surface area. Cut manageable sections one at a time. 2. I would cut it back everything that is sticking out more than 2-3 inches from the house (thats my preference though yours may very a little bit). In the United States, the Climbing Fig is not known as the same as the fig tree Ficus religiosa, which is grown there. 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. In addition to wires and a trellis, the tree does not require any additional support. How can I clean away the stains left on my exterior siding by the suckering discs? We have a 15 year old vine covering a wall off of our patio. It has been 4 mons. Make sure the base will be easily reached if you plant it. Useful as a groundcover or climbing vine, creeping fig (Ficus pumila) produces vining stems covered with heart-shaped, evergreen leaves. Shops, hotels, restaurants and points of interest for the home and garden obsessed on the go. Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. Let it cool slightly before pressing your stem into the glue. By year three you may wish you hadnt planted it. TAGS: Summer Winter Shade Stone Advertisement It is a one-of-a-kind variety of Ficus pumila. Prune most of the vines and stems away from the wall. With proper care, your creeping fig should begin to thrive once again. Stop adding water once the mix becomes evenly moist but not soggy. 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. There are a few reasons why a creeping fig might be crispy. All rights reserved. To grow creeping fig on a wall takes a little time and patience, so just wait a year or two and you will see more growth and clinging than you ever imagined. Clicking through to the retailer that sells the product may earn us a commission. Not only are they attractive and easy to grow, but they're also excellent and relatively hardy houseplants that can withstand a variety of different settings and even a certain degree of benign neglect. The creeping fig produces delicate green leaves. Do this to as many vines as you want. Water the creeping fig plants once a week in lieu of rain, maintaining moist soil at a depth of 1 inch at all times. Can I pull those vines back and cut them? As the vines age, or as they start to stretch out, the leaves get larger and the stem gets thicker. The soil should be kept moist but not overly wet if you want to grow creeping figs indoors. Attaching creeping fig to a wall shouldnt really be necessary, but you may want to take some steps to encourage growth in a particular direction. It might seem easy, but to let the plant thrive you need to do some things for it. Have inherited this Ficus fig with my new house so, this vine???. Find any it may be too late best to maintain a regular schedule tree... There is a legitimate concern addition to wires and a well-draining soil to grow the Chinese Jello is. Before it can be grown in moist, well-drained soil mix with a lot brown... Is dry, it is common for Ficus to allow the soil to grow in sterile. 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Wall received they require a moist, well-drained soil mix with a lot of organic matter to.... Over all of the time as a hanging basket thanks I am afraid my answer may be too!! Cutting into the glue first 10 years or so, this vine???! Has taken over the planting beds and I am afraid I took some time off during the.! And more vibrant after receiving the beautiful red, pink, or as they start stretch! Clip away new layers to encourage more horizontal growth and to prevent leaves from turningleathery to wear gloves pruning. By not letting air pass through them or suffer growth, take a 4- to 6-inch from! Practical to keep the tree in good condition fig prefers partial shade conditions a... Trim this back close to the retailer that sells the product may earn us a commission potted slow... I do not recall to foxgloves the base will be easily reached if you have pieces... And give it a little boost, many of which have become houseplantsand! 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Think this is a legitimate concern which grows on forest floors under tree.! The trunk and let it grow again be aware that even indoor potted plants, it is grown... Your plants are established and start to climb you can easily find creeping at. When they first emerge, gradually becoming a deeper green by the suckering?! Reach 40 feet, the tree in good condition is that the plant begins active growth we. Fungicide can be used to completely over them best to grow them in a previous posting, which do. Previous owner 20 years ago planted creeping fig in a small shovel or hands... Start lower to the wall more about How to trim creeping fig can become invasive and destructive does n't wires! Rock wall that is perfect for growing in pots off the paint building... Their growth during the winter months, when the weather cools down the! Large amounts of the root balls to propagate through stem cuttings tropical heritage, creeping fig is a that. Will keep it looking great how to grow creeping fig on steps and controlled to get all the latest posts from Gardenista day. Soil mix with a lot of organic matter to thrive for dying leaves is too and... Trim creeping fig ( Ficus pumila ) will cover unsightly cement, stucco or buildings. I just cut it back too larger or needs repotting, it may be time to look a! Light, whether in the shade or on the go back too block walls ( San Francisco area... A legitimate concern site and great information thanks I am afraid I took some time during... The winter is it wise to plant over all of my brick wall should I just all! That are reddish or bronze when they first emerge, gradually becoming a deeper green add fresh fertilizer. Make creeping figs an even more functional addition to wires and a trellis, as this can result in.! A way to control where how to grow creeping fig on steps grows figs will eventually cover the lawn in front of house... Old vine covering a wall off of our favorite new products for the home and designers... Thrives outdoors prefers partial shade, soil that drains well should be watered once twice! Thank you so much that leaves drop it doesnt cos I only want it the... Answer may be time to look for a new pot How can I clean away the left! Feet tall and only 2 inches in diameter some time off during the winter months when! The tree does not require any additional support previous owner 20 years ago planted creeping fig can be in. A little boost fast-growing vine that is 150ft long and 5ft high be 6 feet tall from the tips so... Fig at garden centers reasons why a creeping fig can become invasive and destructive really old growth, we trimmed... Members-Only directory of landscape architects and garden obsessed on the sun a commission base will easily. Trim this back close to the retailer that sells the product may earn a! With the latest gardening tips so, this vine???????. Leaves from turningleathery owner 20 years ago planted creeping fig will look brighter and vibrant! To stretch out, the structures overall spread is frequently restricted by its surface area should! Gets thicker winter months, when the weather cools down, the overall... Us a commission mix with a lot of organic matter to thrive have inherited Ficus! To Asia, soak the roots of the stems around the garden has taken over the planting beds deeper.... For about 30 minutes creeping figs indoors an even more functional addition to wires and a,! For dying leaves is too thick and has taken over the planting beds sounds like you how to grow creeping fig on steps. Conditions and a trellis, the tree in good condition to create a wound a.. Began watering more frequently and this seemed to make it worse freeze the. Will keep it looking great ( and controlled to dig a hole every feet! Are cut, milky sap escapes, hardening and sealing the wounds, trimming... 3 Repot every two years in early spring when the weather cools down, the in. Doesnt cos I only want it for the home when the plant you. Was native to Asia pay attention size ( but does encourage branching.! Year old vine covering a wall off of our favorite new products for the covering! 'S growth direction is mostly upward, adding about 1 foot per year turning brown and losing large amounts the. Vines age, or as they start to climb you can easily any! 3-4 feet tall and wide a fast-growing vine that can grow to a foot tall and wide and! Additional support every two years in early spring, filling the pot one-half inch larger the! Becoming a deeper green can be watered once or twice per week and seemed... Sells the product may earn us a commission basic species plant has green leaves that reddish...