This plant from eastern Asia is a complete contrast to the taller treelike figs in that it is a low-growing, small leaved trailer or climber; hence its common name, creeping fig. It has small, slightly puckered, green leaves and many aerial roots; these will root easily into a moist surface such as a moss pole, but it is equally attractive as a trailing plant or as ground cover.
Varieties include the small, slender, slow-growing F.p. ‘Minima’ and the vigorous F.p. ‘Variegata’ whose leaves are marbled with white or cream.
Size: Height to 2 ft. (60 cm) — named varieties are smaller.
For cultivation see F. benjamina.
Propagation: Take tip cuttings, to 4 in. (10 cm) long, in spring or summer. Roots easily, even in water. Pot several rooted cuttings together to give an instant bushy effect.