If you are looking for a beautiful, eye-catching plant for your indoor garden, then Ficus pumila quercifolia will be a great choice.
Ficus pumila quercifolia is a beautiful cultivar of Creeping fig. This low-maintenance trailing vine looks gorgeous in hanging baskets. Learn everything about growing this plant in your home.
USDA Zones: 9-11
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Ficus pumila quercifolia Plant Information
Also known as Miniature Oakleaf fig, Ficus pumila quercifolia is a part of the Moraceae family. This invasive plant comes from East Asia and the tropics. It produces bright green, small, lobed leaves similar to little frogs or oakleaf, hence the common name derived. The leaves of this dwarf evergreen plant grow under 1/2 inch in size on trailing stems and create a low mat of leaves.
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How to Propagate Ficus pumila quercifolia
Instead of growing Ficus pumila quercifolia from seeds, grow this vine from cuttings. Use clean pruning shears and cut a 5-6 inches long stem cutting below the leaf node. Discard all the lower foliage except the few leaves above. Now, fill a 4-6 inches pot with well-draining soil, and plant the cuttings into it.
Keep the container where it gets bright indirect light, and water it generously. The new growth will appear in 30-40 days.
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Ideal Growing Conditions for Ficus pumila quercifolia
Light
Ficus pumila var. quercifolia prefers 4-6 hours of dappled sunlight; do not expose it to direct harsh afternoon sun as it can burn the foliage. However, the plant can handle a bit of gentle morning sunlight for lush growth.
Soil
Use a well-draining soil with a pH of 6.5-7. You can prepare a mix by blending 40 percent garden soil, 40 percent sand, and 20 percent aged manure.
Improve the potting mix by adding a handful of vermiculite or perlite for good drainage.
Water
Water your String of Frogs plants when the topsoil is dry to the touch. It will be great to schedule watering once a week. Avoid overwatering, and your plant will be safe from diseases.
Temperature & Humidity
This vine likes a warm climate for good growth. The ideal temperature ranges between 55-75 F (13-24 C). Do remember that a temperature below 50 F (10 C) can impact the growth. Also, above 75 F (24 C) will wither the foliage.
The String of Frogs plants cannot handle frost, make sure to protect it from cold drafts and move the plant indoors during winter.
It appreciates 60-80 percent humidity; you can improve it by using a humidifier or pebble tray on dry days.
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Ficus pumila quercifolia Care
Fertilizer
If you are growing this plant in nutrient-rich soil, then you don’t need to feed it. Though you can apply balanced liquid fertilizer when the plant is growing actively, dilute it to one-fourth of its strength every 4-6 weeks. Do not feed the plant in winter.
Pruning
Keep the plant in good shape by pruning the stems regularly. Remove dead or damaged leaves whenever you see them.
Pests and Diseases
The Strings of Frogs plant is vulnerable to many pests, such as mealybugs, spider mites, and scales. Treat this problem by using insecticidal soap or swabbing the affected part using a cotton ball soaked in diluted rubbing alcohol.
Do not overwater the plant, and maintain air circulation; these measures will protect the plant from fungal diseases.
