Ficus Benghalensis Audrey care

The Ficus Benghalensis Audrey is a beautiful, tree-shaped houseplant with large, round leaves and a striking light vein pattern. The Ficus Benghalensis originally comes from India, where in the wild it grows into an enormous banyan tree. As a houseplant, Audrey thankfully stays perfectly manageable, as long as you follow a few care tips.

Best location for the Ficus Benghalensis Audrey

The Ficus Benghalensis 'Audrey' does best in a spot with plenty of (indirect) light, for example a few metres from an east- or west-facing window. Harsh, direct midday sunlight can scorch the large leaves, while a spot that's too dark results in a thinner, less full growth. Turn the plant a quarter turn now and then so it catches an even amount of light on all sides.

Watering your Ficus Audrey

Water your Ficus Benghalensis Audrey about once or twice a week, as soon as the top layer of soil feels dry. This houseplant doesn't like wet feet: always let excess water drain away properly to prevent root rot. A moisture meter can help you with this. In winter, when the plant grows less, you can water a little less often.

Humidity and temperature

The Ficus Benghalensis Audrey originally comes from a tropical climate and therefore likes average to high humidity. Mist the leaves now and then with a plant mister, especially in winter when central heating makes the air extra dry. The ideal room temperature for this Ficus is between 18-24°C; don't place the plant right next to the radiator or a draughty door.

Soil and pot for the Audrey

For a healthy Ficus Benghalensis Audrey, well-draining potting soil is important. Mix the potting soil with vulcastrat or clay pebbles for extra drainage and airiness in the soil. Choose a pot with drainage holes that's just a bit bigger than the root ball, so the roots don't sit in water.

Feeding your Ficus Audrey

During the growing season, from March to September, you can feed your Ficus Benghalensis Audrey monthly with liquid houseplant fertiliser. In autumn and winter the plant barely grows, so skip feeding during that period to avoid over-fertilising.

Pruning the Ficus Benghalensis Audrey

Pruning this stately houseplant is mainly about keeping the shape compact and full. Cut back long, bare stems just above a leaf or bud, preferably in spring when the plant is actively growing. Wear gardening gloves while doing so: the Ficus's milky sap can irritate the skin.

Propagating your Ficus Audrey

The easiest way to propagate is with a cutting. Snip off a healthy stem with a few leaves, let the sap dry off briefly, and place the cutting in water or moist potting soil. New roots form after a few weeks, and you can then pot up the young Ficus Benghalensis Audrey.

Common problems with the Ficus Benghalensis Audrey

Leaf drop: this often happens after a move, due to a draught, or a sudden temperature change. Give the plant a few weeks to settle into a fixed, draught-free spot.

Brown leaf tips: usually caused by air that's too dry, too little water, or salt build-up from over-fertilising.

Yellow leaves: often point to overwatering or too little light. Check the soil and adjust your watering routine.

With the right care, your Ficus Benghalensis Audrey will grow into a stately, fresh green statement piece at home. Curious which plant suits you best? Explore our range of more than 500 fresh-from-the-grower plants and order today, delivered to your door tomorrow.