Creeping fig
Also called Climbing fig, Creeping ficus.
| Light | medium light |
|---|---|
| Water | Every 5 days in the growing season, every 10 in winter |
| Pets | Cats toxic, dogs toxic |
Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control, toxic and non-toxic plants, Fig entry.
Toxic to cats and dogs if chewed. The ASPCA entry for Fig is Ficus benjamina, a close relative, listed as toxic to cats, dogs and horses through a proteolytic enzyme and psoralen, causing gastrointestinal and skin irritation. Treat this species the same way. Keep it where an animal that eats houseplants cannot reach it, and speak to a vet if one does. In South Africa telephone the Poison Information Helpline on 0861 555 777; in the US, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435.
A fig that behaves like ivy, with small heart shaped leaves on wiry stems that cling to anything by aerial roots. Outdoors in a mild climate it will cover the side of a house, and indoors it makes a neat trailing plant for a shelf or a bathroom, or a green wall on a frame. Unlike the tree figs it will not tolerate drying out: the leaves crisp within days and do not recover, so it wants steady moisture and humidity rather than a soak and dry rhythm. Be careful where you let it climb, because the aerial roots leave marks on paint and plaster that outlast the plant. Like every fig it is toxic to cats and dogs.
Ailments observed
| Brown crisp edges on the leaves | Compost that dried out, which this fig punishes harder than its relatives. Water more evenly and raise the humidity. The dried leaves do not recover and should be trimmed off. |
|---|---|
| Leaves falling off | A cold draught, or a sudden change of position. Keep it above ten degrees and away from doors. It regrows from the stems once settled. |
Filed underPlants for a bathroom, Plants for humid air
Neighbouring entries
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Bougainvillea
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