Ficus audrey (or Ficus benghalensis) is not a particularly fussy plant, nor one that needs a lot of special attention as it grows and spreads. However, if you have a new addition to your jungle then you will want to know how to care for a ficus audrey, to ensure that you are doing the best that you possibly can in order to keep your plant healthy and thriving.
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How To Care For A Ficus Audrey
Some types of ficus are considered quite high maintenance, but your ficus audrey should be a fairly easygoing house guest!
- Your ficus plant will like to be grown in soil that is consistently moist, all the way through to the roots.
- You should only allow the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out between waterings – any drier than this and you will start to notice leaves dropping off!
- Keep your ficus in a sunny position – an easterly facing window is ideal, so that it gets plenty of direct light.
- It is advised to plant your ficus in a pot that has drainage holes – sitting around in constantly wet soil can cause the roots to rot.
- Make sure that you rotate the plant regularly, to allow all of it to receive enough light to allow it to photosynthesize. Dusting the leaves regularly will help to keep the plant healthy and allow it to receive enough light and nutrients.
- Keep a good eye out for pests as you wipe off the leaves too – your ficus isn’t too susceptible to infestations, but it is always good to keep on top of it.
- Give it a boost of nutrients by adding some organic all purpose fertilizer, around once a month should be plenty for its needs.
- Repot it only if it is bursting out of its container – you should only have to do this every couple of years or so.
How Often Do You Water A Ficus Audrey?
Ficus audrey doesn’t have tremendously tricky watering needs, unlike many houseplants, but it still has its likes and dislikes.
As a general rule, it should be watered around once a week in the summer, and every other week in the colder months.
However, keeping an eye on your individual plant is what is best – some environments may be warmer or more humid than others!
Ficus audrey likes to be kept moist, but it won’t handle being left to sit in soggy soil which can rot its roots.
Try to let the top 2 inches of soil dry out in between waterings, for the best results for your ficus.
When you do water your ficus audrey, make sure you do it well – keep going until you see water collecting in the container under the pot.
Watering this way means that your plant has had all the drink it needs, and that it won’t be left to sit around in water.
How Much Light Does A Ficus Audrey Need?
These plants are native to warm, sunny climates, and as such they need a lot of natural light in order to thrive.
As a general rule, your ficus audrey should get 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Any less than this will produce a sickly, stunted plant.
Ficus audrey do not tolerate low light conditions, so it will need a good burst of daily sunlight; as much as it can get.
This being said, you do not want to place your ficus in a spot where it will get scorched and burnt, and they will be just as happy in indirect light.
This video shows you the best conditions for a ficus audrey, from light to water and everything in between!
Where Do You Put Audrey Ficus?
This lovely plant is generally grown as an indoor tree, unless you live in its native India where it can reach 100 feet tall!
Growing your ficus audrey indoors in a pot will be a much better bet for those who don’t actually want to live in a jungle.
Place it somewhere away from drafts, heater and AC units. Ficus audrey likes a stable temperature, and won’t be happy with too much fluctuation of heat.
A spot in an easterly facing window is ideal for your ficus; this way it will receive plenty of natural light to help it grow strong.
You can place it in a south facing window too, but you should keep it back from the glass itself, so the leaves don’t get scorched.
If there is a spot in your house that is more humid than others, this is a great spot for your ficus audrey. Their natural conditions are warm and humid, so mimic these as much as you can!
How Long Do Ficus Audrey Live?
This tree is an investment, not a cheap little houseplant that you expect to die in a few months.
In the wild, these trees can grow and spread to tremendous distances, and they can live for a considerably long time.
They won’t generally last as long in a pot in your house – but they can still have a good long lifespan.
With the right care and attention, your ficus audrey can last a long time (this is assuming no disasters befall it!)
If it is grown and maintained in its favorite conditions, ficus audrey can last between 10 and 20 years in your home.
Some ficus audrey can go on even longer; you can prune it well and repot it occasionally, as well as keeping it in its favorite conditions and keep it going for decades!
It is a good idea, bearing in mind this longevity, to ensure that your ficus audrey can still fit out of doorways, in case you ever move house and want to take your beloved tree with you.
Taking care of a ficus audrey shouldn’t be too challenging, especially if you have one that is already well established.
Just follow a few simple ground rules, and you will be doing the best that you can for this lovely plant, and helping it to survive and thrive for as long as possible! You can also check out my guide on propagating ficus audrey.
Ficus Audrey Key Facts
| Name | Ficus Audrey |
| Scientific Name | Ficus Benghalensis |
| Family | Moraceae |
| Light Requirements | Lots of bright, indirect light |
| Soil Requirements | Loose, well draining soil. pH 6.5-7 |
| Temperature Requirements | Between 21 and 28 degrees C, no colder than 16 degrees C |
| Water Requirements | Water once a week in summer, every 2-3 weeks in cooler months. Soil must be kept consistently and evenly moist |
| Fertilizer Requirements | All purpose fertiliser given monthly |
| Bloom Time | No visible flowers |
| Pests | Scale bugs, spider mites, thrips |
| Size | Up to 10 feet tall, 3-4 feet wide |
Does Ficus Audrey flower?
This plant does flower, but they are very small and not very exciting! This tree is generally grown for its size, ease of looking after, and its attractive foliage, and they won’t usually flower when grown in domestic homes as the conditions aren’t right.