About Creeping Fig

Origin and Family

• Creeping fig is thought to be native to east Asian countries, although its exact origin is unclear. Some plant experts identify its origin countries as eastern China, Vietnam and parts of Japan. Others say it first grew in Malaysia and was then transported to China. Creeping fig is in the Moraceae, or mulberry, family. While creeping fig is more commonly used, it's sometimes know as creeping rubber plant.

Appearance

• Creeping fig looks like most other vines, with leaves jutting off from a wooden stem. The stem is more fragile when young, but gets tougher and woodier as the plant ages. When immature, the leaves are heart-shaped. Mature leaves are 2- to 4-inch oblong, dark green leaves that alternate on the vine. They also are described as more "leathery" than immature leaves by the University of Arizona Pima County Cooperative Extension.

Growth Pattern

• Creeping fig is a fast climber, and will climb and grow onto any surface to which it attaches, reaching three or four stories high. It especially experiences rapid growth when immature, quickly providing a lush covering over the surface of a wall, tree or other area. A creeping fig that has reached the top of a surface--for example, the top of a fence--will begin to branch out horizontally. Creeping fig grows so fast and thick that places like Walt Disney World use it to create "instant" topiaries by creating a mold and letting the creeping fig grow over it, according to the plant website Floridata.

Growing Conditions

• The vine does best in warm climates, but with only partial sun. Full-sun exposure can cause yellowed leaves, while a partially sunny growing spot leads to more lush, green growth. The vine is low-maintenance and drought resistant.

Fruit

• The creeping fig is related to the fig fruit tree. Not all creeping fig vines produce fruit, but when they do, they grow fig-like fruit. The fruit, which is not edible, is light green and grows to the size of a small plum.

Warning

• Creeping fig is not picky about its home, and will grow on glass as soon as it will grow on cement, brick or stucco. The growth can quickly get out of control, so prune the vine if you want to contain it. Additionally, avoid allowing creeping fig to grow on wood surfaces, such as sheds or fences. The aerial roots secrete a sticky substance that acts like glue, and the roots can penetrate and weaken wood. The substance also makes it very difficult to remove the creeping fig from surfaces; aggressive pruning will save you the headache of trying to detach the vine from undesirable locations.