Maintenance Landscaping Design

Ficus repens is an evergreen plant that can grow up to 30 feet tall. The leaves are dark green and have a leathery texture. The flowers are small and white and grow in clusters. The fruit is a small, red drupe.

Alternative name

• Creeping fig
  
• Fig ivy
  
• Fig moss
  
• Fig vine
  
• Creeping ficus

Good to Know

• Ficus repens is a species of fig tree in the family Moraceae.
  
• It is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the world, including India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
  
• The tree typically grows to a height of 15–20 m (49–66 ft) and has a spreading crown.
  
• The leaves are simple, alternate, and elliptical, with a length of 10–15 cm (9–9 in) and a width of 5–8 cm (0–1 in).
  
• The tree produces small, yellowish-green flowers that grow in clusters.
  
• The fruit is a small, yellowish-green drupe that contains a single seed.
  
• Ficus repens is commonly used as an ornamental plant and is also used in traditional medicine.
  
• The tree is a source of latex, which is used in the production of rubber and chewing gum.
  
• The leaves are used as fodder for livestock.
  
• Ficus repens is considered to be a weed in some parts of the world.

Related plant:
Ficus Variegata

Growing Steps

1. For ficus repens, first step is to choose the right tree. While there are many different types of ficus trees, repens is a smaller tree that is perfect for growing indoors.
   
2. Next, you will need to find a location for your tree. Make sure that the location you choose has enough light for the tree to grow.
   
3. Once you have found the perfect location, it is time to plant your tree. When planting, make sure that the tree is planted at the same depth it was in the container.
   
4. After planting, water your tree thoroughly.
   
5. Ficus repens trees need to be fertilized every six weeks. Use a balanced fertilizer that is specifically made for ficus trees.
   
6. In order to keep your tree healthy, you will need to prune it regularly. Pruning helps to encourage new growth and keeps the tree from becoming too large.
   
7. One of the most important things to remember when growing ficus repens is to keep the soil moist. The tree does not like to dry out, so make sure to water it regularly.
   
8. If you live in an area with a lot of humidity, you may need to mist your tree occasionally.
   
9. When your tree is large enough, you can begin to train it to grow the way you want.
   
10. Enjoy your beautiful ficus repens tree!

Related plant:
Ficus Triangularis

The Soil

About soil condition, Ficus Repens is not too demanding. It prefers a loose, well-drained soil, but it is not too particular about soil type as long as it is not waterlogged. It is a good idea to add some organic matter to the planting hole to help with drainage. Ficus Repens is also tolerant of salt, making it a good choice for coastal areas.

Light condition

Not too different with other ficus plants, the ficus repens prefers bright, indirect sunlight. If you live in a hotter climate, some direct sun is okay but be sure to give the plant some time to adjust to the harsher rays. When placed in too much sun, the leaves of the ficus repens will start to yellow and may even scorch.

The Temperature

The temperature is one of the most important things to consider when growing a Ficus repens. They prefer warm weather and will suffer in cooler temperatures. They also need a lot of sunlight to thrive, so make sure to place them in a sunny spot.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 60-80%. The plant will start to experience problems when the humidity drops below 50%. Browning of the leaves is the first sign that the plant is not getting enough humidity. The leaves will become crispy and eventually drop off the plant.

The Fertilizer

Mentioning fertilizer, usually the plant owner would like the plant to grow as big and strong as possible as soon as possible. In this case, using a fertilizer with a high Nitrogen content will promote foliage growth. For a Ficus Repens, this is not recommended. Fertilize this plant very lightly in spring and summer, using a half-strength solution of a balanced fertilizer. Too much fertilizer will result in large, leathery leaves with small internodes and little to no root growth.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is a necessary part of ficus repens care. Pruning keeps the plant compact and encourages new growth. It also helps to keep the plant looking tidy. To prune, simply cut back the stems to the desired length.

The Propagation

Propagation is best achieved through leaf or stem cuttings taken from the parent plant. Cut a section of stem that is around 6 inches long and has several leaves on it. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone and plant it in a pot filled with moistened potting mix. Place the pot in a warm, sunny location and keep the soil moist. Within a few weeks, the stem should begin to produce roots and new growth.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is between one and four inches a year. If the plant is kept trimmed, however, the growth rate can be as high as eight inches a year. When the plant is not trimmed, the average growth rate is two inches a year.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are spider mites, mealybugs, and scale. These pests are all sap-sucking insects that can weaken the plant and cause leaves to yellow and drop off. Control these pests by spraying the plant with water or an insecticidal soap. If the infestation is severe, you may need to use a stronger chemical insecticide.

Basics of Growing

• If you are growing ficus repens in a pot, make sure that the pot has adequate drainage holes.
  
• Ficus repens prefers bright, indirect sunlight. However, it can also tolerate some shade.
  
• Water your ficus repens plant regularly, making sure that the soil is evenly moist but not soggy. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out in between watering.
  
• Fertilize your ficus repens plant every month during the growing season with a balanced (10-10-10) fertilizer.
  
• Prune your ficus repens plant regularly to promote new growth and to keep it looking its best.
  
• Keep an eye out for common pests such as aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. If you notice any pests, treat them immediately with an appropriate insecticide or miticide.
  
• Ficus repens is generally a low-maintenance plant.

Alternative Plants

• Solenostemon scutellarioides
  
• Heliconia
  
• Monardella
  
• Notholaena
  
• Widdringtonia
  
• Isoetes
  
• Quercus
  
• Cupressus
  
• Dacrycarpus
  
• Pinus

Source:
Ficus Diseases - Penn State Extension
Academics in Ficus repens - Academia.edu
Ficus Production Guide - University of Florida