Ficus benghalensis 'Audrey'

Ficus Audrey Care & Identification Guide

Ficus benghalensis 'Audrey', the gorgeous sacred Banyan tree cultivar, is rapidly becoming the modern darling of interior decorators. Showcasing striking matte, velvet-textured emerald leaves with bright cream-white veins offset by a smooth, ghostly-pale white bark, it offers a softer, more sophisticated minimalist aesthetic than the Fiddle Leaf Fig.

Sunlight Bright Indirect Light

Watering Moderate (Let top 2" dry)

Soil Mix Aerated Well-draining Mix

Temperature 18°C - 27°C

Toxicity Toxic to Cats & Dogs

Botanical macro photography of Ficus Audrey (Ficus benghalensis 'Audrey') - Plant AI care database

How to Identify Ficus Audrey

Ficus Audrey (Ficus benghalensis 'Audrey') is a remarkable ornamental species widely appreciated for its unique aesthetic and structural foliage. Recognizing its definitive visual traits is key to distinguishing it from other similar plants.

✔
Key Visual Features: Matte, velvety oval leaves with glowing pale cream-white veins growing on a stunning, smooth light-gray or white bark trunk.
✔
Color Variations: Matte emerald-green leaves with highly defined silver-cream veins; new leaves display a soft velvety texture.
✔
Common Confusions: Confused with Rubber Plant (which has thick glossy leathery leaves, whereas Audrey has matte, velvety leaves with cream veins).

💡 Plant AI Tip: Not sure? Take a photo with Plant AI to identify your houseplants instantly.

Complete Care & Cultivation Guide

Follow our detailed scientific care guide to keep your Ficus Audrey thriving and gorgeous all year round.

Water when the top 2 inches of potting mix feel dry. More tolerant of slight underwatering than the Fiddle Leaf Fig, but sensitive to soggy soil.

Prune in spring to stimulate bushier growth. Wear gloves as the sap is a sticky, irritating white latex.

Apply half-strength liquid foliage fertilizer once every 4 weeks in spring and summer. Skip winter fertilization.

Requires bright, consistent indirect sunlight. Can tolerate some morning direct sun, which enhances leaf vein contrast.

Light, fast-draining soil mix: 2 parts organic potting soil, 1 part perlite, and 1 part orchid bark.

Propagated via stem cuttings or air layering in spring. Air layering is highly successful on semi-woody branches.

Stable warm room temperatures (18°C-27°C). Keep away from cold drafty doorways and heating vents.

Repot every 2 years in spring in a pot with drainage. Do not over-pot as it prefers snug, stable containers.

Prone to scale, spider mites, and mealybugs. Clean leaves regularly and treat with horticultural oil or neem oil.

Susceptible to root rot if soil remains soggy, leading to lower leaf dropping and black spots.

Wipe the matte leaves monthly with a soft damp cloth to keep veins glowing. Provide a stable environment with consistent humidity.

Common Diseases & Treatment

Root Rot

Symptoms: Lower leaves develop dark brown or black spots, turn yellow, and drop off.

Action: Reduce watering immediately, check roots, cut mushy ends, and repot in fresh aerated soil mix.

Leaf Spotting (Fungal)

Symptoms: Small brown spots with yellow halos expand on the matte velvety leaves.

Action: Trim severely affected leaves, avoid getting foliage wet, and apply an organic copper fungicide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ficus Audrey easier to care for than a Fiddle Leaf Fig?

Yes! Ficus Audrey is generally considered much more robust, less finicky, and less prone to dropping leaves in response to minor stress.

Why are the leaves of my Ficus Audrey dropping?

Sudden leaf drop is typically triggered by cold drafts, insufficient light, or overwatering. Ensure it gets plenty of bright indirect light.

How large does Ficus Audrey grow indoors?

Indoors, Ficus Audrey can easily grow up to 6-10 feet tall, serving as a stunning, structural tall focal plant.

Is Ficus Audrey toxic to dogs?

Yes, like all Ficus trees, its milky sap is toxic to dogs and cats, causing severe oral irritation and gastrointestinal distress if chewed.