Source: Wikimedia Commons
Creeping Fig
BeginnerFicus pumila
A climbing fig with tiny heart-shaped leaves about 2 cm long that clings to walls and rocks with aerial roots. Native to warm parts of Japan as well.
About
Ficus pumila is an evergreen climbing fig in the mulberry family, native to southern East Asia including southern China, southern Korea and Vietnam, and wild in Japan in warm coastal areas from Chiba westward along the Pacific to the Ryukyus. It climbs trees, rocks and walls with clinging roots and is used outdoors to cover walls. The epithet means 'dwarf', and houseplants are juvenile plants with tiny leaves about 2 cm long. Adult, flowering shoots bear much larger, thicker leaves 5-10 cm long and look very different, but these rarely appear on potted plants indoors. Cultivars include variegated 'Variegata' and 'Sunny', small-leaved 'Minima' and lobed 'Quercifolia'. The Taiwanese variety awkeotsang is known for the aiyu jelly made from its fruit. It is widely sold in Japan for mixed plantings and hanging pots.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Size of the Creeping Fig
The Creeping Fig grows to Stems climb 4 m or more; juvenile leaves about 2 cm, adult leaves 5-10 cm.
Basic Info
Origin
Southern East Asia (southern China, southern Korea, Vietnam) and warm parts of Japan from Chiba to the Ryukyus
Lifespan
Evergreen woody climber (long-lived)
Size
Stems climb 4 m or more; juvenile leaves about 2 cm, adult leaves 5-10 cm
Temperature
15〜30℃
Humidity
50〜70%
Watering & Fertilizer
Liquid feed about every two months from spring to autumn
Growing Tips
Light & Placement
Prefers bright shade to part shade; strong light and afternoon sun damage the leaves.
Watering
Water generously from spring to autumn and less in winter without letting it dry out.
Temperature & Overwintering
Hardy to about 1°C but not frost-tolerant. It can be grown outdoors in warm parts of central and southern Japan; bring it indoors in colder regions.
Soil & Repotting
Use a houseplant mix that balances drainage and moisture retention.
Propagation
Easily propagated from stem cuttings or by layering at the nodes.
Pests & Cautions
Watch for scale, aphids, mealybugs and spider mites. Outdoors its clinging roots can damage fragile mortar. Figs exude a milky latex containing ficin and furanocoumarins that can irritate skin, especially in sunlight, and upset the stomachs of dogs and cats. Wear gloves when pruning and keep it away from pets.
Creeping Fig FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Creeping Fig?
Beginner. A variety suitable for beginners. No special equipment or experience is required—you can grow it without problems by setting up a basic cultivation environment.
QHow large does Creeping Fig get?
The mature size of Creeping Fig is Stems climb 4 m or more; juvenile leaves about 2 cm, adult leaves 5-10 cm. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Creeping Fig?
Creeping Fig: watering & fertilizer — Liquid feed about every two months from spring to autumn. Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Creeping Fig?
The price of Creeping Fig varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices. Not a designated invasive alien species in Japan, nor a nationally rare species under the Act on Conservation of Endangered Species.The species is not protected. The formerly registered cultivar 'Tsukiyo no Hikari' (No. 28272) lost protection in 2024 and no current registration was found; check any newly named cultivar when buying.
Sources: Species+ (CITES listing check) / Ministry of the Environment: List of Invasive Alien Species / MAFF Plant Variety Registration Database
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Find listings for this species
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