Joovie

This leafy looking specimen is a healthy little Creeping Fig. I have actually doctored the photo a bit and layered the two different looking leaves on top of each other. Creeping figs are one of a number of species of plants that are capable of having both juvenile and adult foliage at any stage of its life. The large flat deep green leaves are that of the adult foliage, capable of flowering and baring fruit. The smaller, heart-shaped slightly bumpy leaves are juvenile foliage that is used to grow and establish where the plant will grow. Creeping fig is a climbing plant and quite a vigorous one at that. So it uses the juvenile foliage to grow upon a surface such as a wall or tree trunk, when the plant has sufficiently anchored itself and grown the thicker, woodier stems it begins to grow the more adult leaves which are stronger in order to support flowers and fruit. If you are like me and prefer the much nicer looking juvenile foliage, simply prune off the adult leaves so the plant is forced to send out its juvenile runners again.

A word of caution with Creeping figs. They can be a very vigorous climber. We regularly have to prune the runners off the windows at work where it grows. If you dont have a way to keep this plant contained, or have the time to control it then please dont grow it. Its like Ivy, it will grow, smother, and take over.