While there are many beautiful evergreen types, one that is more like a vine is called the Ficus Pumila. Interestingly, this particular plant is related to the fig tree but the two species look very different. This evergreen is also aggressive, known for climbing as tall as three stories. In fact, in places where this evergreen grows, it is common to see many older buildings covered.
As the Ficus Pumila climbs, it attaches to the surface with a natural adhesive. The stems are beautifully covered with leaves about an inch long and shaped like a heart, which are the younger leaves Because the leaves are so dense, they look almost like a green mat spreading out over the targeted surface. As the young leaves age, horizontal brands grow, which produces adult leaves that run in two rows and have a leathery look and feel. The older leaves are also larger, about three inches and are dark.
The Ficus Pumila produces figs, which develop on the mature stems. These figs are light green and most measure three inches long by two and one-half inches wide. Typically, the Ficus Pumila is grown in eastern China, Vietnam, and the southern islands of Japan. Because this evergreen species loves warm climates, it does very well in these regions.
One of the benefits of growing Ficus Pumila is that it is forgiving about soil. Keep in mind, when grown in drier, less nutritional soil, the plant actually tends to be less aggressive, which makes it much easier to handle. You can even find the Ficus Pumila growing along the ocean behind buildings or sand dunes. No matter the location or soil, remember this plant can grow well in full sunlight or shade. Then for water, it is important to water the evergreen when first planted only when dry but as the plant ages, it needs no watering at all, being able to handle even the driest of conditions.
Typically, the Ficus Pumila grows best in zones 8-11 within the United States but if you live in a region with frost, this might not be the plant choice in that it can only handle extremely cold temperatures for a short amount of time. Because the Ficus Pumila is aggressive, you will need to cut it back so it does not take over. Once you cut a portion of the plant off, we recommend you use rooting hormone powder and make sure the plant never has branches that touch the ground in that new roots will form, spreading even more plants.
Taking care of Ficus Pumila at home
Of course, compared to other representatives of the ficus genus, Pumila is very demanding in caring for itself. But this is justified by the aesthetic pleasure that this plant gives.
- Location: Location depends somewhat on whether it is a dark green-leaved variety or variegated. Those with colored leaves need more light so they don’t lose their interesting leaf markings. The varieties with normal green leaves do best with partial shade. Climbing figs especially like to stand on elevated places, facing east or west, preferably not near a heater.
- Lighting: Ficus Pumila loves bright scattered light, but also has a good direct sun. Varieties with a monochrome green color can grow in a small shade or in the middle of the room. But motley crumbs need more light.
Because of the lack of lighting in green varieties will be stretched branches and shimmering leaves, and in motley – reduced brightness of color.
- Temperature: In summer it is desirable to keep the plant in the temperature range from +64.4°F to +77°F. In winter, the minimum mark may become +46.4°F.
- Watering: Ficus Pumila likes moisture, so watering should be plentiful enough. It is very important that the ground always remains moist, but not wet. Drying out the ground can lead to the death of the plant due to the fact that the undeveloped surface root system can not feed on moisture from the bottom of the pot. However, make sure that there is no water stagnation in the tray – this will lead to rotting of the roots.
- Air humidity: if you grow your ficus on a pole or other support, it needs to be sprayed frequently, so that the air roots grow, which it will cling to. If the ficus grows as an ampel plant, this frequent moisturizing will not be necessary, but once a month you can rinse shoots under the shower to wash off dust and refresh.
- Transplant: young Climbing figs are transplanted every spring, and more mature once every 3-4 years. For a transplant, it is better to choose a wide, not a deep pot.
- Feeding: in the period of active growth, the pumilla should be fed once in two weeks with liquid fertilizers.
- Reproduction: the dwarf ficus multiplies with cuttings that can be rooted both in water and immediately in the soil, as well as air taps – for this you need to attach a node of one shoot to the ground in another pot.
- Cutting: Ficus pumilaClimbing figs do not need to be pruned, but can be if necessary. If the plant has grown too large or the shoots are too long, you can always cut them back. Also, cutting off the tips of the shoots encourages branching. This is especially recommended for young plants.
Diseases and pests
A big advantage in the care of Ficus Pumila is that it is practically not subject to pest attacks. In rare cases, due to dried air, a spider mite may appear on the plant. If the ficus of this viper is infected, it is necessary to give him a hot shower (at a temperature of 40 ° C – 45 ° C), and if the leaves are very thick, you can just soak it in a bowl with water of the same temperature. This procedure should be repeated several times until the insect disappears completely. The diseases of this ficus may be associated only with improper care. So, if:
- the leaves began to fall down quickly, it may mean that the soil is overmoistened, the temperature is too low, there is not enough light or there is a draft;
- the leaves turn yellow and fall – this may mean that the roots began to rot, the ground has oxidized and hardened, as well as lack of food;
- the leaves crumpled and started to dry – the earth dried up, too dry air or sunburn.
