Looking for a vine for your home? Well, who doesn’t love the soft look it creates.
Whether you’re a professional gardener or an amateur one, it’s important to know about your vine first. You could also be neither and just want to add an extra touch of beauty to your home.
No, matter who you are, you could be confused before choosing your vine.. For that reason, we’re here to help you clear out your confusion.
So, between creeping fig vs star jasmine, which one you should go for?
Choosing between Creeping Fig and Star Jasmine depends on your choice. Both the vines have distinct characteristics. Their distinctions depend on various factors. Such as Sunlight requirement, thrivable temperature, mature size, pest problems, and toxicity. These distinct factors make them unique.
We’ve covered these factors more elaborately throughout this article. So, stick with us till the end to find what you are looking for.
Let’s dive in.
Quick Comparison Between Creeping Fig vs Star Jasmine
Creeping fig (Ficus pumila) is a fast-growing vine.
There are a few creeping fig benefits. It could be used to lighten the appearance of garden fences or walls. Its little leaves form an appealing lacy pattern. Creeping figs as groundcovers are a good option too.
Star Jasmine(Trachelospermum jasminoides) is a renowned flower vine. It has a strong aroma. This Star Jasmine fragrance attracts bees. The scent is comparable to that of a jasmine bush. Though this belongs to a different plant family.
There are quite a few factors that set both vines apart. Let’s have a look.
| Factors | Creeping Fig | Star Jasmine |
| Sunlight Requirement | Diffused Sunlight | Full sun or part shade |
| Mature Size | 3–6 ft. wide, 10–15 ft. tall | 3–6 ft. wide, 3–6 ft. tall. |
| Thrivable Temperature | Warm | Cold and Warm. |
| Pest Problems | More | Less |
| Toxicity | Yes | No |
Taking a glance at this will help you get an idea.
Creeping Fig vs Star Jasmine: Head-to-head Comparison
Now, let’s move on to a more detailed head-to-head comparison.
But before that, it’s better to consider few facts.. Both the vines can be grown both indoors and outdoors.
Sunlight Requirement
The sunlight requirement for the vines is very different from one another.
Star jasmine may grow in direct sunlight or partial shade. But for the best blooming results, pick a location with enough sunlight. If the vine receives at least 8 hours of daylight every day, it will yield its most blossoms.
On the other hand, creeping figs love a sunny area but not direct sunlight. This scorches and burns the leaves. Normally, your plant should receive 6 to 8 hours of diffused sunlight every day.
However, they can also live for a short period in low-light settings. Although they will grow slowly. And may lose part of their leaves.
Winner: It depends on your preference.
Mature Size
Compared to the Creeping fig, the Star Jasmine has a much shorter mature size.
The length of a matured creeping fig can measure up to 10-15ft in length. And it can grow up to 3-6ft in width. That’s quite huge.
This massive growth can sometimes be difficult to maintain. Sometimes you’ll need long ladders to reach that height and trim the vine.
Here we’ve listed some of the best available ladders in the market. This will help you in your creeping fig maintenance.
These will help you make the work easier.
On the other hand, star jasmine is quite short in length. They grow in length up to 3-6 ft in length and in width 3-6 ft.
This makes the maintenance of this vine much simpler.
See there is one aspect that you can argue is. That is, you can always chop down big creeping figs to a shorter length. In that way, you have the option of keeping a longer vine with the fig. Which you don’t have with the star jasmine.
But overall, because of its length, it’ll be difficult for you to maintain the creeping fig.
Winner: Star Jasmine
Thrivable Temperature
Thrivable temperatures of both plants are quite similar. But the star jasmine can thrive in a much lower temperature.
Creeping fig requires a warm, damp habitat, as befits its tropical origins. Indoor temperatures must be maintained within 65-85℉. And shouldn’t fall under 55℉.
Besides Because the plant needs higher-than-average humidity. Place the plant in an existing humid area.
Star jasmine is a fairly cold-resistant plant. That can withstand temperatures in the range of 10℉. But temperatures between 60-75℉ are ideal for growing and blooming.
Furthermore, star jasmine prefers humid environments. It grows best in a fairly damp atmosphere.
Winner: Star Jasmine
Pests Problems
Compared to the creeping fig the star jasmine has much fewer pest issues.
Well, the creeping fig itself also has fewer pest problems. The most common pests creeping figs are prone to are Aphids, mealybug, scale, and whitefly.
The star jasmine attracts fewer pests or diseases. It’s vulnerable to scale insects. This drips honeydew nectar on the vines. That could contribute to the growth of sooty mold.
Other than that, the star jasmine doesn’t face many pest problems.
Winner: Star Jasmine
Toxicity
When it comes to toxicity the creeping fig is considered toxic to an extent. But the star jasmine is not toxic.
The creeping fig has moderately low toxicity. But it can cause some skin problems when the milky sap comes in contact with the skin. Touching the milky sap can cause phytophotodermatitis. It’s serious skin inflammation.
Creepy figs could also be harmful to your pets. The sap from the fig leaves may be quite harmful to dogs. Both on the skin and when swallowed. This could cause fig poisoning. This causes drooling, diarrhea, and vomiting in your dog.
Winner: Star Jasmine
Final Verdict
Both the vines have their specific features. It all depends on what you prefer.
Creeping fig is a good vine to use on fences or walls as well as a groundcover. And It doesn’t require direct sunlight. Other than that it requires warm temperatures to thrive.
Besides, creeping figs can grow into huge plants very quickly. This could be a bad or good thing depending on your choice.
But do remember that creeping figs have a few pest problems. And very importantly it could be toxic to your skin or to your pets.
On the other hand, star jasmines are great for houseplants. But it can also be used for outdoor purposes.
Star Jasmine requires direct sunlight or part shade to thrive. It doesn’t grow up to be a huge vine. Hence its maintenance is easier.
Besides, they can thrive in colder weather up to a certain point.
Another fact that’s important is that it causes fewer pest problems. And mostly it’s non-toxic to animals or humans.
FAQs
Does creeping fig damage walls?
Yes, creeping figs can damage walls. It’s very tough to get off walls. It’s tough, clinging to aerial roots, and will stick to the wall’s surfaces. Which will end up growing into every crevice and crack.
Does creeping fig turn brown?
Yes, a few areas of creeping fig turn brown. It’s because of light and warmth. Creeping figs dry out in locations with increased light and warmth.
Is it possible to grow star jasmine without a trellis?
Yes, it’s possible to star jasmine without a trellis. Without a trellis, star jasmine can be used as a ground cover.
Endnote
By now you should be clear on creeping fig vs star jasmine?
A bonus tip for you is to water both vines about once a week for the best growth outcome.
That’ll be all from us. We appreciate you sticking around till the end. Catch you later.
- What to Plant With Indian Hawthorn? – 9 Exclusive Plant Ideas - May 28, 2023
- 3 Reasons For Hawthorn Leaves Turning Black – [Remedy Guide] - May 24, 2023
- 5 Causes Why Brunnera Jack Frost Leaves Turning Brown? - May 23, 2023
