Ficus pumila Arina -Creeping fig

The Ficus pumila 'Arina' or Dwarf Arina Fig is a creeping Fig cultivar well-suited for indoor cultivation. Charming, it develops small heart-shaped leaves that overlap beautifully, initially chartreuse green to lime green, turning dark green at ripeness. They densely cover its long stems. Its growth habit makes it a highly versatile indoor plant: it can be grown as a hanging plant, running (in a terrarium or as ground cover for another plant) or climbing. Provide it with good humidity conditions, bright but indirect light.

The Ficus pumila 'Arina', from the Moraceae family, is an ornamental cultivar derived from the creeping species Ficus pumila. In its natural habitat, this plant creeps, trails, and climbs across the forest floor and tree bark. It is native to East Asia, including China, Japan, and Vietnam. On young plants, the leaves measure between 2 and 3 cm, while they grow larger on mature, well-established specimens. Arranged alternately, they feature a thin, ovate, slightly undulate lamina, offering a paper-like texture. The foliage is so dense that it entirely covers the available space. Indoors, this species does not flower, but in a greenhouse, it may produce small, inconspicuous flowers in the leaf axils, though these hold little aesthetic value. With no theoretical limit in its natural habitat, it can cover a considerable area indoors under good conditions, reaching 30 cm to 1 m in length or width.

Native to the tropical forests of Asia, Ficus pumila grows naturally under dense canopies where it enjoys dappled light and constant humidity. Indoors, it prefers moderate temperatures (between 15 and 25°C) and regular but not excessive watering. Note that this plant is toxic to pets and humans if ingested and may cause skin irritation. Though not very hardy (with limited resistance to 3°C), this fig can be grown outdoors in summer in very mild climates.

The Ficus pumila 'Arina' is particularly appealing as terrarium ground cover or atop the soil of a larger plant with similar cultivation needs. It also makes a lovely hanging or climbing plant on a lightweight support. However, ensure good humidity conditions (around 70-80%) if not in a terrarium, using a humidifier or placing it in a bathroom, for example. It tolerates moderate light better than dry air but thrives in bright, indirect light—such as near a north-facing window. Choose a rich, well-draining potting mix.