Ficus Audrey

Looking for a houseplant that makes a statement without the stress? The ficus audrey is your answer. This elegant and easy-care tree is quickly becoming a favorite for its good looks and forgiving nature.

With its velvety, deep green leaves and strong, sculptural trunk, it brings a touch of the tropics indoors. Unlike its more finicky cousin the Fiddle Leaf Fig, the Audrey is known for being adaptable. It tolerates a range of conditions and is less likely to drop its leaves at the first sign of change.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know. We’ll cover how to choose a healthy plant, the right light and water, and how to help it thrive for years to come.

Often called simply “Audrey,” this plant’s botanical name is Ficus benghalensis. It’s the younger sibling of the massive Banyan tree. While it won’t take over your living room, it does have a graceful, upright growth habit that commands attention.

The leaves are the star. They are a lush, matte green with light-colored veins. The back of each leaf has a soft, fuzzy texture that’s lovely to touch. New growth emerges in a beautiful bronze color, adding to its visual interest.

Why Choose an Audrey?

Less Dramatic: It’s famously more resilient than the Fiddle Leaf Fig.
Air Purifying: Like many ficuses, it helps clean indoor air.
Fast Grower: With good care, you’ll see noticeable growth each season.
Architectural Shape: It naturally forms a beautiful tree-like shape.

Finding the Perfect Spot: Light is Key

Getting the light right is the most important thing you can do. The Audrey loves bright, indirect light. Think of the light near a south or west-facing window, but with a sheer curtain to diffuse the harsh rays.

Direct afternoon sun can scorch those beautiful leaves, causing brown, crispy patches. On the other hand, too little light will cause it to grow very slowly, become leggy, and its leaves may lose their deep color.

If you only have lower light, consider supplementing with a grow light. A simple LED bulb placed a few feet above the plant for 6-8 hours a day can make a huge difference.

Signs of Light Problems

Leaves fading or yellowing: Often needs more light.
Leggy growth with large spaces between leaves: Definitely needs more light.
Brown, dry spots on leaves: Usually means too much direct sun.

Watering Your Ficus Audrey Correctly

Overwatering is the number one cause of problems. The Audrey likes to dry out a bit between drinks. Here’s a simple method to follow:

Stick your finger about 2 inches into the soil.
If the soil feels dry at that depth, it’s time to water.
Water thoroughly until you see water flow freely out the drainage holes.
Empty the saucer or cache pot after 15 minutes so the roots aren’t sitting in water.

In the spring and summer, you might water every 1-2 weeks. In the fall and winter, it could be every 3-4 weeks. Always check the soil first; don’t water on a strict schedule.

Watering Troubleshooting

Drooping leaves: Can be a sign of both overwatering and underwatering. Check the soil!
Yellow leaves that fall off: Typically a sign of overwatering and soggy roots.
Crispy leaf edges: Could be underwatering, but also check for low humidity.

The Right Soil and Potting Setup

A well-draining potting mix is non-negotiable. A standard indoor potting mix is a good start, but you can improve it. Many gardeners like to add perlite or orchid bark to increase drainage and aeration.

Always choose a pot with drainage holes. This is critical for preventing root rot. When repotting, only go up one pot size (about 2 inches wider in diameter). Repotting is best done in the spring or early summer.

You’ll know it’s time to repot when you see roots growing out of the drainage holes, or when the plant dries out extremely quickly after watering.

Creating a Comfortable Environment: Humidity & Temperature

As a tropical plant, the Audrey appreciates moderate to high humidity. Average home humidity is often fine, but if your air is very dry, consider these tips:

Group it with other plants to create a humid microclimate.
Place it on a pebble tray filled with water (keep the pot above the water line).
Use a room humidifier nearby, especially in winter.

Misting is not very effective for raising long-term humidity and can sometimes promote fungal issues on the leaves. Aim for temperatures between 65-85°F (18-29°C). Keep it away from cold drafts, air conditioning vents, and heating sources.

Feeding for Lush Growth

During the growing season (spring and summer), feed your Audrey once a month with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. Dilute it to half the strength recommended on the bottle. This provides nutrients without risking fertilizer burn.

In the fall and winter, when growth slows down, stop fertilizing. The plant is resting and doesn’t need the extra food. Always water the soil lightly before applying fertilizer to a dry root system.

Pruning and Shaping Your Plant

Pruning helps maintain a nice shape and encourages bushier growth. The best time to prune is in the spring. Use clean, sharp pruning shears.

Identify a node (the bump on the stem where a leaf attaches).
Make your cut just above a node.
New growth will emerge from this point, leading to a fuller plant.

You can also remove any dead, damaged, or yellowing leaves at any time. Don’t be afraid to prune; it’s good for the plant. You can even propagate the cuttings you take.

Common Problems and Simple Solutions

Even easy-care plants can have issues. Here’s how to handle common ones.

Leaf Drop

Some leaf drop is normal, especially when you first bring the plant home or move it. It’s adjusting to its new environment. Ensure it has stable light, temperature, and proper watering, and it should settle.

Pests

Keep an eye out for mealybugs (look like tiny cotton balls) or spider mites (fine webbing). Wipe leaves regularly with a damp cloth to deter them. For an infestation, isolate the plant and treat it with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Brown Leaf Edges

This is often due to low humidity or inconsistent watering. Check your watering habits first, then consider boosting the humidity around the plant. Sometimes, a build-up of salts from fertilizer can cause this; try flushing the soil with water every few months.

Propagating Your Ficus Audrey

Want to make more plants? Propagation is straightforward with stem cuttings.

Take a 4-6 inch stem cutting with at least 2-3 leaves.
Let the cut end dry and callous over for a few hours.
Place the cutting in a glass of water or directly into moist potting mix.
If using water, change it weekly. Roots should appear in 3-6 weeks.
Once roots are a few inches long, pot it up in soil.

Styling Your Home with an Audrey

This plant’s elegant form works with many decor styles. Place it in a simple, neutral pot to let the foliage shine. It’s a perfect floor plant next to a sofa or armchair, or as a stunning focal point in an empty corner.

Because it grows upward, it’s excellent for adding height to a room without taking up much floor space. Pair it with lower, bushier plants to create a layered, jungle-like effect in your home.

Long-Term Care and Enjoyment

As your Audrey matures, its trunk will become thicker and more woody. You can gently wipe the leaves with a soft, damp cloth every few weeks to keep them dust-free and photosynthesizing efficiently. Rotate the pot a quarter turn every time you water to ensure even growth.

With consistent care, your ficus audrey can be a long-lasting companion. It’s a plant that rewards a little attention with a lot of beauty, making any space feel more alive and serene. Remember, observation is your best tool; your plant will tell you what it needs.

FAQ Section

Is the Ficus Audrey easy to care for?
Yes, it is considered an easy-care houseplant, especially compared to other ficus varieties. It’s adaptable and less prone to dropping leaves.

How much light does a Ficus Audrey need?
It thrives in bright, indirect light. Avoid harsh direct sun, which can scorch the leaves, but don’t put it in a dark corner either.

Why are my Audrey’s leaves turning yellow?
Yellow leaves are most commonly a sign of overwatering. Check that the soil is drying out between waterings and that the pot has good drainage.

How fast does a Ficus Audrey grow?
In ideal conditions with good light, it can grow quite quickly during the warm growing season, adding several inches and many new leaves.

Is the Ficus Audrey pet friendly?
No. Like other ficus plants, the Audrey is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. It’s best to keep it out of reach of curious pets.

Can I put my Ficus Audrey outside in summer?
You can, but do it gradually. Acclimate it to brighter light over a week or two. Place it in a shaded or dappled light spot, as outdoor sun is much stronger. Bring it back inside before nighttime temperatures drop below 60°F.