Plantin' of the Green, Featuring Ficus

When that certain March week rolls around when many think of the “wearin’ of the green”, my thoughts go to “the plantin’ of the green.” I have already got my shamrocks. I have one variety that looks as though the contents of the proverbial pot of gold have been used to decorate its foliage. So with Oxalis debilis Aureo-Reticulata checked off my list, my sights get set upon greening up with some easy-care Ficus pumila plants.

With only about a month left before my gardening focus is on outdoor plantings, I have to ensure my indoor space is healthy, green, and pleasing. This is where Ficus pumila comes in.

Were I to live in a warmer climate, I would grow Ficus pumila indoors and out. When free to mat and climb outdoors, it can spread to a couple of feet or more, serving as groundcover or as a foliage ‘screen’ that can camouflage a fence, a wall, or other garden structures. Ficus pumila is the Creeping Fig, a tender evergreen vine that can cover a good deal of territory quite readily, given its climbing capabilities. Aerial roots become little sticking points that allow this plant to cover everything from wood to metal to concrete. Let me say it outright: This is a leprechaun-approved plant, as it creates such great hiding spaces.

But alas, my garden plants must endure chillier temps than Ficus pumila can withstand. For me, Ficus pumila becomes an indoor plant, perfect for hanging baskets and high-up containers. No need for the ‘luck o’ the Irish’ with this one: Ornamental, Creeping Fig grows with ease.

Both the full green and the variegated version of the Creeping Fig plant have leaves that are just large enough to look great as they spill from a container. Invariably, these plants begin to climb, even indoors. Set them on a shelf that you hate to dust or near a wall that needs a bit of freshening up to its paint. Ficus pumila will ‘cover’ for you until you are ready to get back to work. But one thing to note is that while Ficus pumila expands to fill a larger outdoor space, it will not overtake your real estate indoors. Inside the home, it is slower growing and can be kept to a manageable size. (There is even a Tiny Oak Leaf variety that will stay extremely small and is intended only for miniature applications.)

I like to mix the solid-leaved plants with the variegated variety to come up with a nice mix of foliage for a container display. No matter how these are paired, they do a lot to clean the air and give a fresh feel to my home, which I know needs spring cleaning. Now, I will get to that spring cleaning shortly, but for now… out comes the potting mix, out comes a container… I realize I probably should get all my potting work done before I get down to the clean-up. (Note to others: This is a good excuse to put off cleaning and tidying efforts.)

Ficus pumila does not offer me tiny edible figs or gorgeous blooms. But its nicely shaped leaves and its growing habit are really all I need to be happy with this plant. Now to be happy with me, and its indoor location, Ficus pumila should be kept quite moist, allowing for some drying of the top of the potting mix before additional watering is done. And it should receive bright indirect light plus some periods of respite in the indoor shade in order to look its best. With just this minimal care, look its best, it will. It is a lovely plant.

Ready to plant some green? Ready to ensure your indoor space will look as good as your outdoor space, come spring? Maybe you will want to join me in planting some Ficus pumila.