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3.9 out of 5 (28 experiences)


About Bellus
Did you know that all plants in the Ficus genus produce figs? In fact, the word Ficus quite literally means figs! Even cooler, all figs are pollinated by tiny wasps that use the fruits as a safe place to raise their young. š Ficus plants also contain latex which emerges as a milky sap when twigs are broken. This latex makes them toxic, so be sure to keep a close eye out if you have children or pets!
Taxonomy
Ficus pumila
Ficus
Moraceae
Rosales
Also known as
Creeping Fig, Creeping Fig, Climbing Fig, Ficus ripens, Curly Fig, Ice Caps and String of Frogs

How to care for Bellus

How often to water your Bellus

every 9
Bellus needs 0.5 cups of water every 9 when it doesnāt get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.
Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Water 0.5 cups every
9

Check the growing potential in your area
A plant's growing potential is determined from its location, the time of year, and current local weather.

Select a city to check sunlight intensity

Finding light for Creeping Fig in your home

a window
Bellus love being close to bright, sunny windows š.
Place it less than 1ft from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.
Bellus does not tolerate low-light š«.
Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Bellus in your home š”.

How to fertilize Bellus

Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.
By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil itās likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.
To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Bellus after it doubles in size or once a yearāwhichever comes first.

Bellus is generally easy to care for, though some plant parents report facing challenges with growing it. Check out the reviews down below to read more about their experiences!
Water Needs
Bellus prefers for the soil to dry out between waterings and should be watered regularly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Sunlight Needs
Bellus requires abundant, bright and direct light. Place it less than one foot from a window to ensure it receives enough light to survive šŖ. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home š”.
Toxicity
Bellus is not safe to consume. If you, a family member, or a pet has ingested any amount of plant material contact Poison Control, US (800) 222-1222, or your veterinarian. If you have children, cats, or dogs in the home, we suggest keeping this plant out of reach.
Humidity
Bellus doesnāt require additional humidity. Plants absorb most water through their root system rather than their leaves, so the best way to provide humidity for your plants is through watering the soil.
Soil
Bellus does best in well-draining soil. A good soil will contain lots of organic matter such as coco coir as well as perlite or vermiculite to help with drainage. Adding a handful of perlite to regular store-bought potting soil should do the trick!
Fertilizer
Bellus should be repotted after it doubles in size or once a year, whichever comes first. Fresh potting soil has all the nutrients your plant needs, so as long as itās refreshed yearly, you shouldnāt need to use fertilizer. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not fertilizer!
Dormancy
Itās common for Bellus to go dormant in the wintertime and you may notice their growth slow down. Waterings should be spaced out more during this time.
Native Region
Bellus is native to worldwide Tropics.
Flowers
Yes, you may see your Bellus bloom with the right amount of sunlight and water.
Growth Pattern
Bellus is a naturally climbing plant and can be trained to climb indoors if you provide a moss pole or trellis. The newest growth will emerge from the end of the stems.
Growing Outdoors
USDA Hardiness Zone
Bellus can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 8a-11b. Find your local hardiness zone here.
Propagation
Bellus can be propagated by the stem method. To propagate:
- Make a cut just above the node. The node is the break in the stem where the leaf emerges.
- To get the cutting to root, you can either:
- Place the cutting in water until roots emerge and are ~2ā long and then transplant into well-draining soil, or
- Place the cutting directly into well-draining soil and water when dry.
Yellow Leaves
Yellow leaves arenāt always a reason to panic, and can be a normal part of a plantās life cycle. Unless brand new leaves are turning yellow or all the leaves change color at once, itās likely just your plant shedding old leaves.
Overwatering and root rot are the most likely cause of problems in Bellus, since they are sensitive to wet soil. The leaves may also appear to be curling or drooping. Less often, yellow leaves are caused by underwatering, nutrient deficiencies, or pests.
Replace soggy soil with fresh, dry soil and download Greg to make sure your plant never gets overwatered again!
Care Summary for Bellus
Bellus
Greg recommends:

0.5 cups every 9 days

< 1ft from a window

Repot after 2x growth
Based on the 4ā pot your plant is in, and that it doesnāt get direct sunlight.

What other plant parents say









The leaves are naturally quite dry so itās difficult to tell whether youāre watering it too much or not enough. This guy can survive a fair while without watering though, and perks up quickly! Some fronds brown really easily but if you keep an eye on it, itās a beautiful trailing plant which I love to drape on my bookshelf! š



