What is Ficus repens or Ficus pumila?
Ficus repens, also known as Ficus pumila, climbing fig tree, in love with the wall o creeping ficus, is a perennial plant belonging to the Moraceae family, native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, especially China and Japan. It is appreciated for its climbing and creeping habit, as well as its ability to adapt to both interiors and exteriors, becoming a very versatile option for decoration and landscaping.
Characterized by small heart-shaped leaves or slightly oval, which form a dense green cover, the Ficus repens has adventitious roots which allow it to easily adhere to walls, fences, rocks and other rough surfaces, providing a natural and elegant aesthetic in gardens, terraces or interior spaces.
Its growth is generally slow at start, but once established, it can cover large areas, reaching up to Meters 6 It thrives in optimal conditions when grown as a climber. It is also used as a hanging plant, as a ground cover plant, or even in baskets and interior arrangements.
It should be noted that the Ficus repens is a plant perennial, ensuring dense, green foliage year-round, and is able to withstand both cold and warm temperatures, adapting to different environments.
Main characteristics of Ficus repens
- Scientific name: Ficus repens (synonym: Ficus pumila)
- Family: moraceae
- Origin: East Asia (China, Japan) and some regions of Australia
- Type: Perennial, climbing and trailing plant
- Sheets: Small (1,5 to 3 cm), smooth-edged, heart-shaped or oval, bright green; some varieties have creamy white or yellow edges
- Stems: Thin, flexible, with adventitious roots at the nodes to adhere to walls and floors
- Flowers and fruits: It produces small, inconspicuous flowers; the orange-purple fig-shaped fruits are usually not eaten due to their unpleasant taste.
- Level: Up to 6 meters as a climber
- Increase: Moderately quick to establish
- Usage: Ornamental plant, ground cover, carpet, hanging baskets, vertical gardens and terrariums
Varieties and types of Ficus repens
Ficus repens has different cultivars and varieties that provide aesthetic diversity and functional:
- Ficus pumila 'Variegata': Leaves with white or cream edges, highly appreciated for interior decoration due to their luminous appearance.
- Ficus pumila 'Quercifolia': Small leaves, similar to those of a miniature oak, providing a distinctive and elegant touch.
- Ficus pumila Green Sunny: Dark green leaves with a contrast of light tones.
- Ficus pumila White Sunny: Leaf with white margins, ideal for adding brightness to shady areas.
- Ficus pumila Creeping Fig: Classic variety with standard green leaves, widely used in gardens and walls.
These varieties can be combined with each other or used individually, providing an interesting visual effect in both indoor and outdoor compositions.
Ornamental and decorative uses of Ficus repens
The Ficus repens is a preferred choice for landscapers and gardening enthusiasts due to its versatility and ease of adaptation. The most common uses include:
- Vertical gardens and facades: Thanks to its ability to adhere to and cover walls, the ficus repens provides a natural, fresh, and elegant green blanket.
- Floor covering: Suitable as a ground cover in semi-shaded areas, it protects and beautifies the garden, also helping to maintain moisture and prevent erosion.
- Interior design: It can be grown in hanging pots, planters, or baskets in living rooms, kitchens, or bathrooms, providing texture and color.
- Terrariums and paludariums: Perfect for humid environments and small plant compositions.
- Fences and fences: Its dense growth allows unsightly structures to be hidden with a homogeneous green carpet.
The possibility of using it both indoors and outdoors makes Ficus repens an essential plant for landscaping projects and plant decoration.
How to plant Ficus repens
Success in planting a Ficus repens lies in following a few simple guidelines from the start:
- Location: Choose a semi-shaded area, avoiding prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, especially during the hottest hours. Indoors, place it near windows with bright light, but not in direct sunlight.
- Substratum: Use a well-drained mix rich in organic matter, such as a universal substrate base with peat and some perlite or sand.
- Distance: If you are going to plant it in the garden or alongside other species, if possible, leave between 1,5 and 2 meters of separation for optimal development as a ground cover.
- Depth: Plant at the same depth as it came in the nursery, ensuring that the roots are well covered and firm.
- Supports: In its early years, you can support the plant with stakes, trellises, or plastic mesh to facilitate its attachment to walls or fences.
Remember that this species can be grown out of season, as it doesn't require a specific planting period. Once rooted, it will gradually begin to cover the chosen area.
Ficus repens care
Light and temperature
Prefers bright indirect light, but it can tolerate partial shade. Direct sunlight, especially in warm climates, can cause leaf burn. Outdoors, it's best to place it on north- or east-facing walls, avoiding intense afternoon sun exposure.
As for temperature, the ideal range is between 15 ° C and 25 ° CIt can withstand both high summer temperatures (even over 40°C if adequate humidity is maintained) and light frosts, and can withstand temperatures as high as -5°C outdoors if well-established and protected. However, Ficus repens does not tolerate prolonged, severe frosts.
Irrigation and humidity
Maintain the substrate slightly damp at all times, avoiding waterlogging. In summer, watering may be necessary two to three times a week, while in winter, spacing out waterings (once a week or less, depending on the environment) will suffice.
La environmental humidity is key, especially indoors or in dry climates. Regularly mist the leaves with lime-free water to keep them fresh and prevent mite attacks. It's also helpful to use humidifiers or place pots on trays of stones and water to increase the humidity around the plant.
Soil type and fertilization
Prefer fertile soils, rich in organic matter and with good drainage. You can prepare a mixture of universal substrate, peat, and perlite, thus facilitating healthy root development.
During spring and summer, fertilize every two to three weeks with liquid fertilizer for green plants. In fall and winter, suspend fertilization to respect the plant's natural dormancy.
Pruning and growth control
a correct one regular pruning It helps maintain the desired shape and density. Remove dead branches and wilted leaves and control growth to prevent the plant from invading unwanted areas. Pinch or cut the ends of the stems to encourage branching and create a dense and attractive canopy, especially on walls and vertical surfaces.
The best time to prune is early spring, but you can remove dry or damaged leaves at any time.
Multiplication and reproduction
The Ficus repens It multiplies easily by cuttingsTo do this, cut 8-10 cm segments with a couple of nodes, remove the lower leaves, and place them in a moist, light substrate (peat, perlite, or a light all-purpose mix). Keep the soil moist—you can use a covered container or glass jar—and they'll develop roots within a few weeks.
Reproduction by layering is also possible, especially if you have the plant rooted in the ground or in a large pot: simply attach a long stem to the substrate so that it develops roots and, once rooted, separate it from the mother plant.
Common problems, pests and diseases
- Mealybugs: They appear as cottony patches. Remove them manually and treat with diluted alcohol or natural insecticides.
- Mites (red spider): They appear in low humidity conditions. Increase water spraying and, if necessary, use acaricides.
- Aphids: They attack tender shoots. You can eliminate them with potassium soap or organic insecticides.
- Root rot: Caused by excess water and poor drainage. Make sure the substrate drains well and reduce watering.
- Leaf spots: Fungus caused by excess moisture on the leaves. Avoid wetting the leaves when watering and apply fungicide if necessary.
- Powdery mildew: White powder on the leaves. It can be treated with specific fungicides and by improving ventilation.
One of the main problems of climbing plants such as Ficus repens on walls is the detachment of the tapestry If growth is excessive and not controlled by regular pruning, keeping the foliage dense and compact reduces this risk.
Extra tips and tricks for Ficus repens
- Variety mix: Combine different types on the same wall or pot to create contrasts of color and texture.
- Interior decoration: Use it in tall or hanging pots, combining it with other vertical or hanging species for eye-catching compositions.
- Bathrooms and kitchens: Being a moisture-loving plant, Ficus repens is ideal for humid rooms in the home.
- Terrariums and paludariums: Its adaptability makes it the perfect choice for closed ecosystems and miniature tropical decorations.
- Growth control: If you don't want the plant to climb, prune it regularly and train it to act as a ground cover or carpet.
Frequently asked questions about Ficus repens
- Does Ficus repens bloom? Its flowers are tiny and unadorned, barely noticeable. The main attraction is its leaves and its dense, green appearance.
- Can it be grown in all kinds of climates? It thrives in temperate, humid climates. In regions with cold winters, it's best grown in a pot or protected indoors.
- Does it require a lot of maintenance? Its maintenance is low, with periodic pruning, spraying and adequate irrigation being sufficient.
- Is it suitable for beginners? Yes, as long as you pay attention to watering and humidity, it is a very grateful and resilient plant.
The strength, versatility and attractiveness of the Ficus repens make it the ideal plant to transform spaces, both outdoors and indoors, providing freshness and natural beauty in a simple and lasting way. Its ease of adaptation and low maintenance, along with the ability to cover walls, floors and vertical spaces, make this species stand out among gardening and living decoration.