Ficus sarmentosa var. thunbergii
String of Frogs, Oak Leaf Creeping Fig, Miniature Oak Leaf Fig, Creeping Oak-leaf Fig
A slow-growing climbing vine from Japan, Korea, and coastal China, producing tiny oak-shaped lobed leaves that press flat against whatever surface they climb — a growth behaviour called shingling, where leaves overlap like roof tiles to maximise contact with bark or moss beneath. In a closed terrarium it does best, where the steady high humidity and indirect warmth mirror its native temperate forest understorey. It grows significantly slower than its relative the common creeping fig, which makes it easier to manage in confined spaces. Attach a cutting to damp sphagnum on a background and it will root into place within a few weeks.

Photo by Samuele Papeschi·CC BY 4.0
Care
Prefers high humidity, indirect light, with 10–30 °C, and reaches 30 cm at maturity.
Light
Humidity
Temperature
Soil
Moisture
Soil pH
Propagation
Native range
Native to China and Eastern Asia.
Appearance
Growth habit
Leaf shape
Leaf texture
Frequently asked
Can String of Frogs grow in a closed terrarium?
Yes. String of Frogs prefers high (60–80%) humidity, which is what a closed terrarium provides, and tolerates indirect-light-loving conditions.
Does String of Frogs need drainage?
String of Frogs prefers a moist substrate. Drainage is helpful but not critical; consistent moisture matters more.
What humidity does String of Frogs need?
String of Frogs does best in high (60–80%) humidity.
Is String of Frogs pet-safe?
String of Frogs is mildly toxic if ingested — keep out of reach of pets and children.
How tall does String of Frogs grow?
String of Frogs typically reaches 5–30 cm at maturity.
How do you propagate String of Frogs?
String of Frogs can be propagated by stem cuttings.
References
- 1
Kew POWO — Ficus thunbergii Maxim. (synonym record)
https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:853831-1 - 2
Kew POWO — Ficus sarmentosa var. thunbergii (accepted name)
https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:77250776-1 - 3
World Flora Online — Ficus sarmentosa var. thunbergii
https://www.worldfloraonline.org/taxon/wfo-0000690210 - 4
eFloras — Flora of China, Ficus sarmentosa var. thunbergii
http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=242322462 - 5
Frog and Frond — Ficus thunbergii (formerly Ficus pumila var. quercifolia)
https://frogandfrond.com/product/ficus-thunbergii-formerly-known-as-ficus-pumila-var-quercifolia/ - 6
Glass Box Tropicals — Ficus pumila var. quercifolia care
https://glassboxtropicals.com/ficus-pumila-var-quercifolia/ - 7
Jungle Jewel Exotics — Ficus thunbergii
https://junglejewelexotics.com/plants/ficus-thunbergii-miniature-oakleaf-fig/ - 8
Greg App — Ficus sarmentosa var. thunbergii care
https://greg.app/plant-care/ficus-sarmentosa-var-thunbergii - 9
ASPCA — Weeping Fig (Ficus genus toxicity)
https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/weeping-fig