Creeping fig is a delightful little houseplant. It’s also one of the smallest members of the ficus family. . Unlike much of its family, which grows as upright trees and shrubs, this little plant is a groundcover or vine, depending on how you grow it. It grows best in a spot with medium to bright light -- enough light that it casts a shadow much of the day. Both natural and artificial light are fine. Creeping fig doesn’t mind the light source, as long as it gets enough.

Water creeping fig as the top inch or so of the potting mix dries to the touch. As a houseplant, it doesn’t tolerate drying out as well as other figs (including fiddle leaf fig). When it gets too dry, creeping fig will drop its leaves prematurely.

Hailing from warm, tropical climates, creeping fig appreciates average to above-average relative humidity levels. If the air is too dry, its leaves can go brown and crispy around the edges.

Avoid growing creeping fig in drafty areas, too. If it’s exposed to airflow that’s considerably warmer or cooler than the ambient air, the leaves could go yellow or brown and drop off. This includes drafts that may come in from exterior doors or windows, as well as the air from heating or cooling vents.

You typically don’t need to worry about pruning creeping fig, but you can prune or pinch it back at any time of the year without worrying about harming your plant.

Fertilize for faster growth. You can use a water-soluble fertilizer in spring and summer (don’t exceed recommendation instructions on the product packaging) or by using a time-release granular fertilizer once a year in spring. This type of product slowly releases nutrients to the plant every day for months. Use a fertilizer formulated for use on indoor plants.

Creeping fig is somewhat tolerant of being rootbound, but it grows best when it’s repotted as the roots fill the pot.