Common Name: Ficus Audrey, Audrey Ficus, Banyan Fig Audrey, Strangler Fig Audrey, Indain Bayan Fig Audrey
Botanical Name: ficus benghalensis ‘Audrey’
The beautiful Ficus Audrey is a winner on many fronts. For starters, it is easier to care for than its famously fickle relative, the Fiddle Leaf Fig. Plus, it will tolerate lower light conditions and has a less demanding watering schedule! And most importantly, its beauty is undeniable, whether you let it grow wild into a lovely and wandering organic silhouette or keep it well-heeled in a more formal tree shape. This indoor plant will thrive in medium to bright indirect light. It loves high humidity and keeps it away from your home's draftier areas during the winter.
Light
For your Ficus Audrey, make sure to find a spot that receives a lot of bright indirect light. This plant requires indirect sunlight for at least 6 hours daily. Also, make sure to routinely rotate you plant so that each side gets consistent sunlight. This will keep your plant upright and prevent it from leaning or developing new growth just on one side.
Water
Let the soil dry out between watering a Ficus Audrey but try to keep the soil consistently damp if the plant is actively growing. During the colder months, you can cut back on the water and let the top few inches of the soil completely dry out before watering. Watering every 7-10 days will be sufficient. It is recommended that you are keeping an eye on the leaves as a guide to determine if the plant needs water or not. Yellowing usually indicates too much or not enough water, so if you see leaves start to turn yellow, then check the soil to identify the issue.
Soil
All Ficus (especially Ficus Audrey) love loose, nutrient-rich potting soil. Use a soil medium that can retain moisture but also allows for draining excess water to avoid root rot. Most pre-mixed soils will suffice. Make sure that there is plenty of organic matter, like coco-coir, peat moss, or shredded leaves, and avoid soils that contain moisture retaining crystals. The pH level that your soil should range between is 6.0 to 7.0.
Remember, if your soil drains too quickly, we recommend re-potting your Marble Ficus into a compost-rich soil mixture, with less drainage materials.
Temperature
You can bring your Ficus Audrey outside during the warmer months. However, if you do this, make sure to bring it back inside prior to the temperatures turning chilly. Never allow it in too intense sunlight, as this can burn the leaves. Expect some leaf loss when you move your plant to a different location This is a plant that comes from tropical climates, so all Ficus houseplants like to be in the warm weather and prefer temperatures to be above 60°F. void placing your plant near any vents, drafty windows, or exterior doors, particularly during the colder months.
Humidity
Ficus Audrey plants need some extra dampness in the air to thrive. Your plant will not do well in an environment with average or low humidity. The range of humidity should be around 50% to 60%. Keeping up with this range is important, as it replicates the plants tropical and natural environment.
Fertilizer
Your Ficus Audrey will definitely benefit from being fertilized, especially if the plant is actively growing. Typically, plants push out new growth in the spring and summer, but plants that exclusively live indoors may grow on their own schedule. If you notice new growth then consider using a diluted complete liquid fertilizer, a slow-release fertilizer, or a fish/seaweed emulsion. Continuing to fertilize your Ficus Audrey year-round (if actively growing!) can keep it looking its best, but do not fertilize during the colder months when the plant is not growing. During the growing season, you should strive to fertilize your plant every 4 to 6 weeks.
Growth Rate
Marble Ficus are known to be grow at a faster rate. If the plant is grown indoors as a potted plant, it can reach a mature height of around 3 to 6 feet. Of course, its environment and how well it’s taken care of play a role in how tall your plant will get. We suggest you prune back the stems if you are looking to keep the plant appearing smaller. Always observe your plant to make sure that there are not any adjustments that need to be made to help the plants growth.
Pet Friend or Foe
Ficus Audrey is toxic to pets! Foe!
Pro Tips
- You should occasionally rotate your Ficus Audrey to ensure even growth on all sides!
- Repot your plant when it becomes root bound or outgrows its current container. You should usually repot your plant in the springtime.
- Avoid this plant from being exposed to the direct sunlight!
- Prune your plant regularly to shape the plant and get rid of any dead leaves. This will help with the plants health and appearance!