Ficus Audrey Care Instructions

Scientific name: Ficus benghalensis
Synonyms: Ficus Audrey, Bengal Fig, Strangler Fig, Banyan tree, Banyan Fig

Ficus Benghalensis is the fun natured cousin of the much loved Fiddle Leaf Fig, who certainly can be a bit more of a Drama Queen, whilst Ficus Audrey is the more quiet, pretty family member, with easier care requirements . Making the Ficus Audrey a must for beginners looking for a statement plant.

The Ficus Audrey, much like the Ficus Lyrata, has beautifully veined foliage, but is slightly smaller with a little fuzzy, and sports a smooth grey stem, which adds to its minimalist appeal. In addition to its striking appearance, its easy care requirements make ownership a breeze

These Figs are native to India and Pakistan, where they grow on other trees to support themselves, hence the name Strangler fig. The plants' tolerance of varying light levels and watering requirements contributes to their low maintenance nature. Unlike the Fiddle Leaf Fig, which often requires very bright light to thrive, the Ficus Audrey is less finicky about irregular watering and more adept to filtered light. Despite this, they do prefer some humidity, and this can be achieved by placing your plant with other houseplants, or by placing them on pebble trays, which will create a humid localized environment around the Plant. When it comes to watering, Ficus Audrey is less fussy than many of its counterparts. It does, however, appreciate even moisture throughout. It is best to water after the top 5 - 10cm of the potting soil has dried.

An attractive indoor tree, the Ficus Audrey is perfect for filtered light positions, and looks good if you are looking for something minimalistic. Almost any bright room would benefit from this tree's elegance. Additionally. this delightful plant makes an attractive tabletop display when young, where one can appreciate the foliage up close.

Note: Please be aware that the plant is not pet friendly and is harmful if eaten, so keep out of reach of children.

Ficus Audrey Common Symptoms

Sudden loss of leaves: There are a few potential causes for leaf drop with Ficus plants, the most common is overwatering! They can also go into shock if moved from one environment to another (especially if the room conditions are different). Don’t panic - they will adjust over time. The other potential cause is over fertilizing, so make sure to read the dilution instructions carefully.
Yellowing leaves: A natural part of the life cycle of this plant, older leaves at the base of the plant will yellow and drop.
Brown edges on foliage: A number of issues can manifest themselves in this way but the most common cause is dry air; if your Ficus Audrey is near a heat source, air conditioner or draught. Inconsistent watering is another potential problem.
New leaves are small: If your plant is producing continuously small leaves, it’s likely it’s not be getting enough light/humidity so move it to somewhere brighter. It can also signal the plant needs repotting.
Spots/patches on leaves: There are potentially a few reasons here; if the spots are brown and soft the likely cause is over-watering. Lighter coloured patches can signal shock from cold water; tepid (room temperature) water is always best. Click for more on Identifying Over Vs Under Watering.
Scorched foliage/ dry shrivelled leaves: Your plant is getting too much direct light, or the compost has been allowed to dry out; move to somewhere more shaded and water regularly.
Pests: Incorrect care and lack of humidity are the main reasons pests may appear on your Ficus, red spider mite and scale are ones to be particularly aware of in warm, dry conditions. Keeping the humidity up is the main deterrent, but if pests are present, this houseplant can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Repeat weekly and keep plant in isolation until completely pest-free. Click for more on identifying Common Houseplant Pests.

How To Deal with Leaf Loss in Ficus Audrey

If your gorgeous Ficus Audrey is experiencing leaf drop, especially from the bottom of the plant with bare stems starting to appear, this is often a normal response to a change in environment. A transition, like taking a plant from a greenhouse environment to a home with entirely different lighting and climate conditions, can set off such a reaction. It’s normal for Ficus to take some time—up to three months—to adjust to these new surroundings.

Ensure Consistent Watering: Ficus Audrey is particularly sensitive to both overwatering and underwatering, which can lead to bottom leaf drop and bare stems if left unchecked. Keep the soil evenly moist, but avoid waterlogging. Check the soil regularly, and water only when the top 6–10 cm feels dry; this could range from every 7 to 10 days. For large plants, the soil may take longer to dry out; keep this in mind when checking soil moisture. Consistent moisture helps prevent stress and leaf loss, especially at the base. Make sure there’s no standing water in the tray after watering, as waterlogging can exacerbate leaf drop. If you struggle to gauge the soil moisture, consider a Moisture meter.
Maintain Stable Temperatures: Ficus in general dislikes sudden temperature changes, which can shock the plant and accelerate leaf drop. Avoid placing your plant near cold drafts, heating equipment, or air conditioning. Aim for a steady temperature between 15 and 24 °C to minimise stress. If you have a tiled space, temperature fluctuations can be more pronounced; over time, as the environment stabilises, your plant’s condition should improve. Patience is key here.
Gradually Adjust Light Exposure: Ficus Audrey thrive in bright, indirect light. Rapid changes in lighting, like moving the plant from low light to direct sunlight, can shock the plant, leading to leaf drop and spindly growth. Gradually introduce your plant to brighter light over several days. Ideally, place it in a location where it can receive soft, direct morning sunlight for a maximum of 3 hours to support recovery. Position it at least 30 cm away from a window to avoid scorching, as glass can intensify sunlight, acting as a magnifying glass.
Increase Humidity: Ficus can suffer from low humidity in dry indoor environments, which can result in leaf drop. Boost humidity by misting the leaves regularly, using a pebble tray (a shallow tray with pebbles and a small amount of water), or placing a humidifier nearby to maintain a comfortable humidity level for the plant. Humidity can play a big role in keeping the leaves intact, especially on the lower parts of the plant.
Avoid Frequent Relocation: Ficus Audreys are sensitive to being moved, which can result in shock and further leaf drop, particularly affecting the lower leaves first. Once your Ficus tree is in a suitable location, avoid relocating it unless absolutely necessary. If you must move it, do so gradually over several days to allow the plant time to adapt.
Feed Lightly with a Seaweed Fertiliser: During the growing season (spring and summer), fertilise your Ficus sparingly with a seaweed-based fertiliser, such as Kelpak. Seaweed fertilisers contain natural growth hormones that aid plants in stress recovery and encourage new growth. If the plant has dropped many leaves, prune lightly to help it focus energy on recovery, encouraging new leaves to form along the stems and fill in the bare areas.