Care Tips For Ficus benghalensis

Ficus Audrey, also known as Ficus benghalensis, is an oval-leafed plant and much-less-finicky alternative, “has a striking silhouette and deep green, white-veined leaves.”

While Audrey loves bright light, they forgive filtered light. They’re also more tolerant of a less consistent watering schedule.

The Ficus Audrey is a woody plant with a distinct trunk and bright green leaves with light green veins.

The ficus Audrey, a cousin to the fiddle-leaf fig (Ficus Lyrata), is just as striking and easier to maintain.

Here are some tips from green thumbs on how to maintain Audrey’s lush appearance in your space.

The Back History

The ficus Audrey can reach up to 100 feet in height in India and Pakistan and be several acres wide.

Its unique growth strategy, which has roots that dominate other root types, allows it to form a forest with just one tree.

It is sacred in India, and temples can be found under its enormous shade.

Although indoor plants won’t be as tall, they can still reach 10 feet in height.

Ficus Audreys range in price from $30 to $300 depending on their stage of growth.

Where To Place It

It is important to know that the ficus Audrey can thrive in humid, warm climates (it is grown in Florida).

This will help you understand the best indoor growing conditions. It is best to place yours in bright, indirect light; near an eastern- or northern-facing window would be great. 

Avoid leaving it under direct sunlight for long periods of time in the afternoon. It is best to keep it away from windows and AC units.

The harmful sap can be released when ficus leaves are cut. 

Same as with other potentially toxic houseplants, you’ll want to closely watch your ficus to make sure that your children and pets don’t bite into it. To be safe, wash your hands after pruning the plant.

Watering

Although the ficus Audrey is less fussy about water than larger houseplants, it doesn’t like being soaked or left to dry out.

It would be best to allow the top 1 to 2 inches of your ficus Audrey’s soil to dry completely between waterings.

You will need to water it once per week, depending on how much sunlight it gets.

How to know when it’s time for watering? Put your finger in the top 2 inches of soil. If it is damp, it is best not to water it.

If it is dry, it is a sign that it’s time to water it. Continue to pour water until the water starts to collect in the tray of your plant. This will ensure that it is properly hydrated.

Feeding 

If your ficus Audrey is brand new, you can fertilize it once a month during the spring and summer months.

You can stop fertilizing come the first fall chill since that’s when the plant starts to go into its dormancy phase.

Make sure you dilute the fertilizer according to the instructions on your package so that it doesn’t become too strong for your plant.

Additional tips

These are some other top tips to keep your ficus Audrey happy, healthy, and active:

• Because their leaves are naturally fuzzy, they can collect dust which can block the sun. Failla suggests gently wiping down your ficus with a damp cloth to dust it.
• To mimic humid conditions, spray your ficus leaves with a spray bottle after dusting.
• As early as you notice dead leaves or branches, cut them back. Don’t worry; regular pruning won’t kill your plant. It will help your plant grow stronger.