What You Need To Know Before You Buy A Ficus Audrey — Plant Care Tips and More

Could the Ficus Audrey be right for you?

The Ficus Audrey has been growing in popularity– it may even be the next Fiddle Leaf Fig! And with its abundant rounded foliage and easy-going nature, it’s no surprise why. Here’s everything to know about this ficus before bringing one into your home or office.

Ficus Trees 101

The Ficus genus comprises 850 plants in the Moraceae family, often colloquially referred to as the mulberry or fig family. Among this family of gorgeous, woody trees, shrubs, vines, and more are commonly loved houseplants such as the Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree (Ficus lyrata), Rubber Tree (Ficus elastica), and the Ficus Audrey (Ficus benghalensis).

These popular plants are a favorite among plant collectors and designers alike for their ability to bring elegant foliage into any indoor or outdoor space. The Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree in particular has emerged in the last decade as a reliably chic go-to in living rooms and offices everywhere, but not without gaining a reputation as a diva. The Ficus Audrey tree is currently exploding in popularity, too -- but this plant is even better-suited for novice plant parents for its more forgiving nature and simpler care requirements compared with other ficus varieties.

In cultivation, many ficus grow up to 10 or 12 feet, but reach towering heights in their native areas across Asia and in the wild. The Ficus Audrey boasts velvety, emerald-colored leaves, with striking lime green veining, creating an attractive and jungle-like canopy or striking accent piece to brighten any corner.

It’s Easier to care for Than The Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree

Ficus Audreys have less finicky light requirements than their fiddle leaf fig cousins -- it can handle minimal direct sun or slight inconsistencies in lighting. Similar to the rubber tree and other ficus such as the genus’ bonsai-like varieties, the Ficus Audrey prefers bright, indirect light.

They’re the same as the Banyan Tree!

The Ficus Audrey, or Ficus benghalensis, is the same species as the banyan tree, the massive trees that create “accessory trunks” with their robust aerial root system. Banyan trees are the world’s largest tree in terms of area coverage. They are also the national tree of India -- it’s not often that you can have a tree with such status growing in your home!

Where to place the Ficus Audrey

Ficus Audrey plants do well with filtered light, and are susceptible to burning if placed in too bright of an area. In most zones of the northern hemisphere, the ideal spot for an indoor Ficus Audrey tree is a few feet from an eastern-facing window. A southern or western-facing space would also work if placed further from the light source.

Most ficus plants are not low-light tolerant. If you’re hoping to utilize the Ficus Audrey or its close cousins as a way to brighten up a dark corner, use an alternative light source, such as a grow light, to keep the plant healthy. Remember, these are tropical plants and need light, warmth, and humidity.

You’ll Need to water it regularly

Ficus Audrey care differs from that of other ficus trees in that they can tolerate being kept a bit more moist between waterings. Unlike Fiddle Leaf Figs which must be entirely dry before watering, the Ficus Audrey’s ideal scenario is being kept evenly moist with short periods of dryness. However, if that dry period is too long, the plant is bound to drop leaves and experience stunted growth.

They love humidity

To keep your Ficus Audrey thriving, provide the plant with some additional humidity with a humidifier, pebble tray, or by grouping the plant with others. Its native habitats are humid, and allowing the plant some moisture in the air helps to avoid browning or crisping leaves.

Fertilizing will help spur new growth

These plants are easygoing in regards to fertilizing, but if you choose to incorporate this additional step into your Ficus Audrey care routine, opt for a natural or organic fertilizer and use it during the growing months.

As always, make sure your plant is in fresh, high-quality, and well-draining soil that contains adequate nutrients. Good substrate additives include coco coir and orchid bark to help aerate the soil to bring the roots oxygen and provide plenty of nutrients.

They can sometimes lose leaves

The most common problem people experience with Ficus Audrey is leaf loss or crisping. While these plants can lose leaves for multiple reasons (underwatering, overwatering, or lighting issues), crisp or brown edges can usually be solved with an increase in humidity.

Ficus Audrey plants are also susceptible to pests such as scale, mealybugs, thrips, and fungus gnats. You’re more likely to experience a pest issue if you’re overwatering the plant, but ficus plants are prone to pest issues across the board. If you spot a pest on another plant in your home, make sure you quarantine it away from your Ficus Audrey and treat your collection proactively with horticultural oil or by removing the infestation by hand.

How is the Ficus Audrey different from other Ficuses?

In terms of care, the Ficus Audrey is less forgiving than the Rubber Plant, but significantly easier than caring for a Fiddle Leaf Fig -- it’s not as prone to disease or quite as finicky. Many experienced plant parents think of the Ficus Audrey as a happy medium between these plants in terms of difficulty, but each of these gorgeous ficus varieties are uniquely rewarding in their own way.

It also offers a different look from common ficus plants. It can be pruned to create a tree-like shape that branches out on top, or can be trained to grow up a single pole, depending on the style of your space. The foliage on Ficus Audrey also stands out from others in the genus. Its leaves are less glossy than those of other ficus varieties, with a more velvet-soft sheen texture.

How to select a healthy Ficus Audrey

Signs of a healthy Ficus Audrey include plump, large, and vibrate green foliage, strong and thick light-colored trunks and branches, and a healthy-looking root ball free of rot or pests. Because of their tropical nature, Ficus Audrey trees grow aerial roots, which can also indicate a growing, healthy plant.

Are Ficus Audreys toxic for pets or humans?

Ficus Audrey are mildly toxic to pets and humans, so it’s best to keep your plant out of the reach of pets and children. If you’re looking for a pet-friendly, treelike plant to bring into your home, consider a nontoxic option like the Braided Money Tree (Pachira aquatica).

Avoid purchasing your Ficus Audrey from a garden center

Plants at big-box stores tend to be overwatered, and Ficus Audrey are especially susceptible to root rot and pests: two perils of overwatering. Unfortunately, some plants at garden centers experience the beginnings of root rot before leaving the store, and it can be difficult to tell before purchasing.

Because Ficus Audrey are sensitive to transport as well, it’s prudent to purchase your new plant from a trusted supplier that offers secure packaging and careful delivery. These plants dislike sudden drops in temperature, drafts, and the cold in general, so it’s best to purchase from a grower or supplier that understands how to minimize the impact of the change in environment on your new plant.