Creeping Fig: A Guide to Growing and Training on Walls
Introduction
Creeping fig is a vigorous vine that can quickly cover vertical surfaces, including walls. While it can be a beautiful addition to your garden, it’s important to understand how to properly grow and train it to prevent it from becoming a nuisance.
How Creeping Fig Attaches and Grows
Unlike other vines that need support structures like trellises or fences, creeping fig has a unique ability to attach to and climb any type of wall. It does this by secreting a sticky substance from its aerial roots, which allows it to cling to surfaces.
Potential Problems with Creeping Fig
While creeping fig can be a beautiful and easy-to-grow plant, it can also cause problems if not properly managed. Its aggressive growth can damage structures if the roots get into cracks in walls. Additionally, it can become a pest plant, covering other plants and blocking sunlight.
How to Prevent Problems with Creeping Fig
To prevent problems with creeping fig, it’s important to take steps to manage its growth. Here are some tips:
- Trim regularly: Regularly trimming creeping fig will help to control its size and prevent it from becoming overgrown.
- Grow in a container: Growing creeping fig in a container is a good way to limit its growth and prevent it from damaging walls.
- Fill in cracks before planting: Before planting creeping fig on a wall, fill in any cracks or holes to prevent the roots from getting into them.
How to Train Creeping Fig to Climb
While creeping fig will naturally climb walls, you can take steps to encourage it to grow in a specific direction. Here are some methods:
- Attach eyehooks: Attaching eyehooks to the wall using masonry shields provides support for the creeping fig to climb.
- Use a trellis or fencing: Attaching a trellis or fencing to the wall gives the creeping fig a structure to climb on.
- Use floral wire or paperclips: You can gently hook the creeping fig to the trellis or fencing using floral wire or paperclips.
Tips for Growing Creeping Fig on Walls
Growing creeping fig on walls requires patience and a little bit of care. Here are some tips:
- Be patient: Creeping fig can be slow to grow in the first year, but once established, it will grow quickly.
- Water regularly: Water creeping fig regularly, especially during hot and dry weather.
- Fertilize occasionally: Fertilizing creeping fig occasionally will help to promote healthy growth.
- Prune as needed: Prune creeping fig as needed to control its size and shape.
Conclusion
Growing creeping fig on walls can be a rewarding experience, but it’s important to understand how to properly care for and train it. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can enjoy the beauty of creeping fig without worrying about it becoming a nuisance.