Live to Plant

Why Your Creeping Fig Plant Is Growing Sideways

Updated: August 24, 2022

Are you frustrated with your creeping fig plant growing sideways instead of upward? This common problem can occur for a variety of reasons, but there are several solutions you can try to encourage your plant to grow upward and thrive.

Reasons Your Creeping Fig Plant Is Growing Sideways

Lack of Support

One of the primary reasons creeping fig plants grow sideways is due to a lack of support. These plants naturally grow upwards, but they need something to climb on. If your plant doesn’t have a trellis or other support structure, it will start to sprawl outwards instead.

Insufficient Light

Creeping fig plants require bright, indirect light to grow properly. If your plant isn’t getting enough light, it may start to grow sideways as it tries to reach for more sunlight. Make sure your plant is in a location that gets plenty of natural light throughout the day.

Improper Watering

Overwatering or underwatering can both cause creeping fig plants to grow sideways. If the soil is too dry or too wet, it can stunt the plant’s growth and cause it to spread outwards instead of growing upward. Make sure you’re watering your plant regularly and checking the soil moisture level to ensure proper hydration.

Solutions for Encouraging Upward Growth

If your creeping fig plant is growing sideways, there are several solutions you can try to encourage upward growth:

Provide Support

The most important thing you can do is provide your plant with a support structure. A trellis or other climbing structure will give your plant something to cling onto, encouraging it to grow upward.

Prune Regularly

Regular pruning is essential for keeping your creeping fig plant healthy and encouraging upward growth. Trim back any branches or shoots that are growing sideways or in the wrong direction. This will redirect the plant’s energy towards upward growth and help it stay on track.

Adjust Lighting

If your plant isn’t getting enough light, try moving it to a brighter location. Consider adding artificial lighting if necessary to make sure your plant gets the light it needs to thrive.

Adjust Watering

Make sure you’re watering your creeping fig plant properly. Check the soil moisture level regularly and adjust your watering schedule as needed. Don’t let the soil get too dry or too wet, as this can stunt growth and cause the plant to grow sideways.

FAQ

Can I train my creeping fig plant to grow upward without a support structure?

It’s possible, but it will be more difficult. You can try carefully tying the branches to a nearby wall or other surface, but this may not be as effective as using a trellis or other climbing structure.

Can I use fertilizer to encourage upward growth?

Yes, fertilizer can help encourage healthy growth and upward direction. Make sure you’re using a fertilizer designed for creeping fig plants and following the instructions carefully.

How often should I prune my creeping fig plant?

Pruning frequency will depend on the size and growth rate of your plant. As a general rule, plan to prune your creeping fig plant every 6-12 months to encourage healthy growth and upward direction.