Photo: Yoav Daniel Bar-NessCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Audrey Ficus Plant Care
Ficus benghalensis L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's most distinctive visual feature is its large, glossy, heart-shaped leaves. Originating from the Indian subcontinent, Ficus benghalensis is highly desirable to plant collectors for its impressive size and unique aerial roots that grow downwards from its branches, creating a stunning visual impact in any indoor space.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect
65–85°F
50–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Audrey Ficus?
Water Audrey Ficus every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C) and 50–80% humidity. Fertilize it every 4 months during the growing season. The ASPCA lists it as toxic to cats and dogs, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Audrey Ficus Native To?
What Is the Audrey Ficus?
Audrey Ficus (Ficus benghalensis) belongs to the Moraceae family within the Ficus genus. Audrey Ficus is native to the Indian subcontinent. Audrey Ficus is also known as Banyan Tree, Indian Banyan, Great Banyan.
Audrey Ficus displays a climbing, vining growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 5 ft.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Audrey Ficus?
Ficus benghalensis requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Audrey Ficus Need?
Audrey Ficus thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Audrey Ficus in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Audrey Ficus Prefer?
Ficus benghalensis grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. Audrey Ficus prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–85°F
Humidity
50–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Audrey Ficus?
Well-draining mix with perlite and peat. Good drainage is essential for Audrey Ficus to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Audrey Ficus?
Feed Audrey Ficus every 4 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 4 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Propagate a Audrey Ficus?
Audrey Ficus can be propagated through stem cuttings or division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to fig tree plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Audrey Ficus Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic to cats and dogs
Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center plant list, which covers Ficus species (which includes Audrey Ficus). View the ASPCA entry
Toxic to cats and dogs
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Audrey Ficus?
Audrey Ficus is susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Audrey Ficus Need?
Audrey Ficus grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Audrey Ficus is native to the Indian subcontinent. In cooler regions, grow Audrey Ficus as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10a – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Audrey Ficus is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Ficus genus — compare its care with other Ficus species on PlantoScan.
Ficus is part of the Moraceae plant family — browse all Moraceae genera and species.
Audrey Ficus thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Ficus Species
Other Ficus species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Ficus benghalensis L., family Moraceae (first published in Sp. Pl. : 1059 (1753)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record, Wikidata.
- Pet toxicity: The ASPCA lists Ficus species (which includes Audrey Ficus) as toxic to cats and dogs. Source: ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List.
- Photo: Yoav Daniel Bar-Ness, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10a – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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