The string of frogs is an intriguing and unique houseplant that is explode in popularity aright now . Its dangling stems bear shining , oak - shaped leaves that nearly resemble cunning slight frogs sitting in a row .
While they take care delicate , string of frog works are not too difficult for initiate houseplant owners to care for By understanding their canonical pauperization and follow a few mere forethought tips , you could keep your strand of frog healthy and happy
An Overview of String of Frogs
chain of frogs is one of the many unwashed names used for theFicus pumilacultivar ‘ Quercifolia ’ . As its name suggest , this change has tiny leaves that are clearly shaped like oak tree leave . Other nicknames include oak leaf creeping fig and creeping fig .
Native to East Asia , string of frogs is an evergreen vining plant . Given proper support , the stems can rise several understructure long and cascade attractively . Outdoors , it climbs up trees and spread as a groundcover . The leaves are typically about 0.5 inch long .
One of the keys to achiever with string of frogs is provide the right tutelage and environment to play off its tropical origins Below I ’ll walk through everything you need to know to keep your plant goodly indoors
Light Requirements
String of frogs needs abundant promising , sink in light to prosper verbatim southerly picture from a sunny window is ideal . Avoid unmediated sunlight , which can sear the leaves , but do not allow the plant to ride in low short status either .
If you do n’t have a bright window , consider using a produce light to supplement innate light . Pay close attention to the foliage , as insufficient light will get the leaves to become more elongated in shape .
Ideal Temperature and Humidity
As a tropical plant , string of frogs prefers tender temperatures between 60 ° F to 80 ° F ( 15 ° C to 26 ° C ) . It can tolerate unretentive drops to 50 ° F ( 10 ° light speed ) at Nox . invalidate draughty areas .
Average indoor humidity is fine for a train of frogs . Mist the works once in a while or use a pebble tray to boost wet levels . Just take care not to allow the foliage to stay wet , which encourage fungous disease .
Potting Mix and Drainage
A well - draining potting admixture is critical to stave off overwatering string of frogs . apply a commercial-grade cactus / succulent soil or make your own blend with fixings like perlite , gumption , orchid bark and peat moss . The grime should dry out out part between tearing .
Always choose containers with bottom drain holes . shaping toilet ferment well and help retain moisture . For hydroponic growing , LECA cadaver pebble are a well choice .
Watering Frequency
String of frogs choose slenderly dry conditions than many houseplant . H2O thoroughly when the top inch or two of ground is dry , then allow the pot to run out to the full . This may mean lacrimation as infrequently as every 2 - 3 weeks in the winter when increase slows .
Droopy , wrinkled leaves indicate under - tearing . Overwatering can precede to root hogwash and dropping folio . Adjust your schedule based on cistron like light , temperature and humidity .
Fertilizer Needs
During the bounce through crepuscule combat-ready growing time of year , provender string of frogs monthly with a balanced houseplant fertilizer diluted to half metier . Any all - design plant food will work . Stop fertilise over the winter when light point and temperatures drop .
If you expend plenteous , constitutional potting mixing , you may probably fertilize even less without deficiency . Leach extra salts by watering exhaustively every few month .
Pruning and Training
Prune chain of frogs any time to remove dead or discredited maturation . To control sizing and material body , cut stanch back by up to one third after the raise season ends in late fall .
Place a moss pole , trellis or other reinforcement in the plenty and gently tie base in place . This encourages wax growth . Avoid overcrowd the bow , which can lead to fungal issues .
Repotting and Propagation
Repot string of frogs every 2 - 3 years in the bound , moving it to a container that is 2 inch larger . Trim any circled root and expend impudent potting commixture . you may propagate new works from stem cutting .
Common Problems
Tips for Success
With its cute , frog - shaped foliage , bowed stringed instrument of salientian bid a unambiguously impulsive spirit that fledgeling as well as experient flora parent can enjoy grow . Just be sure to select a warm , lustrous locating and avoid overwatering . countenance the land dry out jolly between waterings . With a small drill , you ’ll master the art of caring for this darling vining works !
String of Frogs, Ficus quercifolia, aka “Mini Ivy” have Tiniest of Tiny Leaves, Dec2021
FAQ
How often should you irrigate a string of frogs ?
How to keep strings of frogs alive ?
