Fast-growing creeping fig from Southeast Asia with small leaves, perfect for terrariums and hanging baskets

Ficus sagittata, often mistakenly called Ficus radicans, is a climbing fig originating from Southeast Asia, where it is very widespread and common. Like other strangler figs, it grows its stems around a host tree and can eventually completely enclose it. However, unlike its more aggressive relatives, it remains more or less harmless to the host tree, as the stems do not become particularly thick and do not crush the tree.

The leaf shape is reminiscent of the classic weeping fig, Ficus benjamina, but F. sagittata is a climbing plant and not an upright tree. It looks very nice as a hanging plant in a basket and is also excellent as a terrarium plant for quickly covering a large part of the back wall with greenery. Very beautiful, easy to care for, and fast-growing, especially in summer.

Botanical description

Figs (genus Ficus) are very varied and found all over the world in tropical and subtropical areas. For terrarium growers, the most interesting species are those that climb as young plants and form small leaves. In nature, all grow into large, woody plants that sit high up in trees and produce typical fig fruits there, but in terrariums (even very large ones) they usually remain in their small-leaved juvenile form, which makes them excellent for back walls.

Most are easy to care for and quickly grow into dense, green mats, although there are slower and more demanding species.

Care

Thrives in partial shade to bright, indirect light. Keep the soil evenly moist and do not let it dry out completely. Appreciates high humidity, which makes it perfect for terrariums. Ideal temperature 18-26 degrees Celsius.

Readily attaches to surfaces with its aerial roots. Can be grown as a hanging plant, terrarium plant, or on a climbing support. Fertilize monthly during the growing season.