Ficus pumila
Light: Partial to full shade in Phoenix; gentle morning sun is acceptable. Protect from intense afternoon sun and reflected heat.
Water: Moderate, regular water; not a low-water desert vine. Water deeply when the upper 1–2 inches of soil begin to dry, increasing frequency during extreme summer heat.
Soil: Well-drained soil enriched with compost. Mulch the root zone, keeping mulch away from stems.
Mature size: Can climb 20–40 feet or more and spread 10–20 feet if unpruned; readily maintained smaller with regular trimming.
Bloom: Inconspicuous flowers develop inside fig-like structures on mature growth; rarely noticed in maintained landscape plantings.
Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen; exposed foliage and stems may suffer damage during freezing weather.
Growth rate: Slow during establishment, then moderate to fast with adequate moisture and protection from desert sun.