How to care for creeping fig (Ficus pumila)

Ficus pumila · Climbing fig

Creeping fig (Ficus pumila) — a small-leaved evergreen climber or trailer with densely growing heart-shaped leaves 2–5 cm long, clinging to supports with short roots and reaching 2.5–4 m. Creeping fig needs partial shade. Water it about every 5 days while it grows and about every 12 days in the winter rest.

Checked against sources: November 5, 2026

Watering and repotting creeping fig through the year

It lives indoors all year, so it has no sowing or planting dates: it grows from March to September and rests from October to February (the other way round in the southern hemisphere).

Repot it about every 36 months.

When to plant creeping fig?

Plant or repot creeping fig in spring, as it starts into growth; early to midsummer also works. It is a houseplant, so it has no outdoor planting date and no frost decides it: just avoid autumn and winter, when growth slows and fresh compost stays wet too long. After that, move it to a slightly larger pot about every three years, or sooner once roots circle the pot or grow through the drainage holes.

Watering in the growing and resting halves of the year: Watering and repotting creeping fig through the year.

Sources: RHS: How to repot a plant · Penn State Extension: Repotting houseplants

Quick facts

Type	Houseplant
Latin name	Ficus pumila
Family	Moraceae
Also called	Climbing fig
Light	Partial shade
Frost	does not tolerate frost
Repotting	every 36 months
Grown in	At home

Creeping fig care by growth stage

At home

Stage	Watering	Temperature	Feeding
Growth	every 5 days	—	—
Winter rest	every 12 days	—	—

Growing notes

Light

Bright indirect light or part shade, with protection from afternoon sun.

Soil

Soil-based, peat-free (loam-based) potting mix.

Care

Water regularly during the growing season and reduce watering from autumn to late winter. It does best in high humidity; it is not reliably hardy, and severe cold kills it back. Prune as needed. Propagate by leaf-bud or semi-hardwood cuttings. Watch for scale, aphids, mealybugs, thrips and spider mites. The sap is a skin allergen, so wear gloves when handling.

Pests and diseases of Creeping fig

2 problems are recorded for creeping fig; each has a page with symptoms, treatment and prevention.

Pests

Other plants of the Moraceae family

Creeping fig belongs to Moraceae; 5 other plants of this family have a guide here.

Plant lists it is in

Part of: Houseplants · Houseplants you rarely repot · Thirsty houseplants

Sources

Figures checked against these sources.