How to Care for Climbing Figs

Climbing fig ivy can transform a bare wall.

The climbing, or creeping, fig is a vigorous plant that can grow up the side of a building by attaching its roots to the structure. It produces inedible figs when mature. It is prized for its ability to cover unsightly walls, buildings or areas where grass does not grow well with lush, green foliage.

Things You'll Need

• Potting soil
• Fertilizer
• Pruning shears

Instructions

1. Choose a location that receives partial sun with well-drained soil. This plant is drought-tolerant and is an excellent choice for areas you want to cover with green quickly. The climbing fig grows well in USDA zones 7 through 11 and may die back in a heavy frost. Floridata states that climbing ivy can survive in poor soil and may be easier to manage in these conditions.

2. Pot a vine for indoor display with a good potting soil and preferably a structure nearby to climb, such as a small trellis. Don’t allow your vine to climb an indoor wall, as the roots will cause damage to painted surfaces and drywall. Climbing figs create a nice display on outdoor porches or arching garden trellises as well.

3. Plant cuttings directly into moist soil or purchase rooted plants at a local nursery. Cuttings will drop roots wherever they come in contact with soil.

4. Prune a climbing fig that is planted next to a structure regularly. Vines that are growing horizontally should be cut, as these will stick out from the surface and produce small fruit and less attractive adult foliage.

5. Remove fig ivy roots from brick or other structures by first removing as much of the vine as possible, and then allowing the roots to dry out for a few days. Roots will be easier to remove once they are dry.

6. Fertilize plants using a 5-10-15 mixture cultivated directly into the soil. Do not allow commercial fertilizers to make contact with the plant. Composted manure is a good alternative source of nutrients.

Tips & Warnings

• Climbing figs can be planted in an environment where they are not allowed to climb, but rather to weep or spill over a container. This method of planting does not promote damage to structures.

• The climbing fig can damage wood structures and dislodge roof tiles if left to grow unchecked. If the plant does not have a structure to climb, it will quickly cover large flat areas.

• If you have a population of raccoons in the area, do not plant climbing vines against a house or other structure, as the vines act as a natural ladder that gives access to roof vents and attics.

• According to the University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension, this plant may cause skin irritation after contact.

References

• Burke’s Backyard: Creeping Fig Hedge
• Floridata: Ficus Pumila
• University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension: Toxicity of Common Houseplants