Ficus Audrey: Overview

Ficus Audrey (Ficus benghalensis) is a beautiful indoor tree with large, velvety green leaves and a soft, matte finish, making it a popular choice for modern interiors. Belonging to the Moraceae family and the Ficus genus, this rubber plant is native to India and is known for its impressive size when grown outdoors in tropical climates. Indoors, Ficus Audrey typically grows to 6-10 feet with proper care, though it can reach towering heights in the wild. It thrives in USDA hardiness zones 9-10 but can be grown indoors in various environments.

This relatively easy-care plant prefers bright, indirect light. Once established, it is drought tolerant. While it enjoys warmth, it’s not sun-loving, as direct, harsh sunlight exposure can harm its foliage. Ficus Audrey can live for many years with the right care, making it a great long-term addition to your indoor plant collection. 

The Ficus Audrey Tree is often associated with prosperity and peace. As a cousin of the famous banyan tree, it symbolizes resilience, stability, and growth, making it a meaningful addition to your home. Like other Ficus plants, Ficus Audrey is toxic to pets if ingested, so keep it out of reach of cats and dogs. 

For other stunning ficus varieties, consider Lively Root’s Ficus Tineke (Ficus robusta ‘Tineke’). It’s known for its creamy white and green variegation. It is a striking alternative to Ficus Audrey.   

Bunyan Tree: Benefits

• It has strong air-purifying properties, thus improving indoor air quality
• Symbolizes resilience, stability, and peace, adding meaningful value to your space
• Its lush, large leaves provide aesthetic appeal both indoors and outdoors
• It makes a great statement plant with its impressive size and bold presence
• Known for traditional medicinal uses in its native regions

Ficus Benghalensis: Common Names

• Banyan Tree
• Indian Fig Tree
• Strangler Fig
• Bengal Fig
• Banian
• Indian Rubber Tree
• Indian Banyan
• Ficus Banyan

Audrey Ficus: Care Guide

Ficus Benghalensis Audrey is a relatively easy-care plant, making it a great option for both beginners and experienced plant owners. With the right environment and care, it can thrive indoors for many years and grow into a beautiful statement plant.

Watering & Humidity

Ficus Audrey Plant prefers moderate watering. Allow the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry out between waterings to prevent overwatering, which can cause root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter. It thrives in moderate humidity, but misting the leaves occasionally can benefit the plant, especially in drier indoor environments.

Light & Temperature

This rubber plant does best in bright, indirect light. It can tolerate some direct sunlight but avoid harsh, prolonged exposure, as it can scorch the leaves. The ideal temperature range is 70-80°F. Avoid placing it near cold drafts or air conditioners, as Ficus Audrey is sensitive to sudden temperature drops.

Soil & Repotting

Use a well-draining potting mix that retains some moisture without becoming waterlogged. A mix designed for indoor plants with a balance of organic material works well. Repot your Ficus Audrey every 2-3 years or when it becomes root-bound, using a slightly larger pot to allow for growth.

Feeding, Pruning & Cleaning

Feed your Audrey Ficus with a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring and summer). Prune to maintain its shape or prevent leggy growth, trimming just above a leaf node. Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and maintain their lush appearance, promoting better photosynthesis.

Propagation & Common Issues

Ficus Audrey can be propagated like other rubber plants through stem cuttings in water or soil. Common issues include yellowing leaves from overwatering or pests like spider mites and mealybugs. To prevent infestations, regularly check the plant and keep it clean. If necessary, treat pest problems with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Ficus Audree Tree: Placement, Companion & Alternative Plants

Ficus Audrey is a versatile plant that can enhance indoor and outdoor spaces. Its impressive size and elegant foliage make it a statement plant, perfect for various environments with adequate light and space.

Best Locations & Uses

• It is toxic to pets, so it's best suited for households without cats or dogs.
• Its relatively easy-care requirements make it perfect for beginners.
• With its potential to grow tall indoors, Ficus Audrey is perfect for living rooms, offices, or open spaces.
• It is suitable for outdoor placement in warm climates (USDA zones 10-12), where it can grow into a larger tree.
• It works well in rooms with bright, indirect light, like near windows or in sunrooms.

Companion Plants

Pair Ficus Audrey with these stunning plants to create a beautiful, diverse indoor garden.

• Philodendron White Princess (Philodendron erubescens 'White Princess'): With its striking white and green variegated leaves, this Philodendron White Princess adds a touch of elegance and complements the bold greenery of Ficus Audrey.
• Aphelandra Zebra Plant (Aphelandra squarrosa): Known for its unique striped leaves, the Zebra Plant provides a striking contrast in texture and color and thrives in similar indoor conditions.
• Coconut Palm (Cocos nucifera): This tropical Coconut Palm brings a sense of exotic flair and pairs well with Ficus Audrey’s broad leaves, enhancing the overall aesthetic of a warm, well-lit space.

Alternative Plants

If you're looking for pet-friendly alternatives to Ficus Audrey, consider these beautiful options.

• Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum): A low-maintenance, air-purifying plant with arching leaves, the Spider Plant is safe for pets and perfect for hanging baskets or shelves.
• Neanthe Bella Palm (Chamaedorea elegans): Neanthe Bella Palm is a compact, pet-friendly palm that adds a tropical touch to indoor spaces and thrives in low-light conditions.
• Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens): Areca Palm is a non-toxic, elegant palm that works well in larger spaces, providing a lush, green backdrop with soft, feathery fronds.

Green up Your Space With The Ficus Audrey From Lively Root 

Green up your space with a Ficus Audrey from Lively Root and bring home a stunning, easy-care statement plant today!