Information on the Creeping Fig Zone

Growing Zones

• Creeping fig is a warm season plant that is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 8 to 11, as cited by the Floridata website. The plant is tolerant of freezing temperatures but for very short durations of time. Once established, creeping fig is also drought tolerant and is able to survive without regular watering. Younger plants require water only when the soil is dry.

Growth Habit

• The vine has a fast growth rate and rapidly climbs on structures with the aid of the strong adhesive on its leaves and stems. When grown on the ground, the plant creates a mat-like surface and is well suited as a groundcover. The mature stems start to grow woody branches from the sides. The different cultivars of creeping fig differ by foliage color and size. Minima has very small sized leaves and variegata has white variegation on the leaves.

Growth Requirements

• Creeping fig adapts well to areas of sun or partial shade. Planting in areas with full sun exposure causes the foliage to start yellowing. The plant thrives in a variety of soil types, growing best in moderately fertile, dry soil. Creeping fig propagates easily with cuttings dipped in a rooting hormone. The stems also form roots where they touch the ground. You may easily separate these rooted stems from the mother plants to propagate new plants.

Maintenance

• When growing as a groundcover, pruning the vine regularly is important in order to keep its aggressive growth in check. Prune along the edges to retain the vine within selected sites. In case there are trees nearby, keep the vine from climbing upwards as it can quickly turn into a problem by growing upwards and out of pruning reach, recommends Marie Harrison in "Groundcovers for the South." Over time, unpruned creeping fig turns into sprawling, shrub-like plants. If creeping fig climbs up on buildings it can easily dislodge roof tiles and damage wooden structures with its woody, aggressive, mature growth.