Ficus Audrey: 17 Care Tips To Grow The Banyan Tree At Home

Meta description: The Ficus Audrey is a beautiful plant that looks very similar to its fiddle-leaf cousin. See these amazing care tips on how to rise the Ficus benghalensis in your home.

If you’re over the fiddle leaf fig craze of 2021 but still love its look and feel, then we definitely suggest you check out ficus Audrey – a beautiful relative of the fiddle leaf that has dark green oblong leaves and a light tan trunk.

In this article, we’ll review everything you need to know about caring for this interesting ficus, including propagation and lighting tips.

What Is Ficus Audrey?

The Ficus benghalensis, commonly called Ficus Audrey, the strangler fig, the banyan tree, and the Bengal fig, is known as the national tree of India. When grown outdoors in its native environment, it’s known to have a large canopy that can provide plenty of shade. As an indoor plant, its attractive bright leaves make it a statement plant that can light up any room. It usually prefers some direct light and does not tolerate low-light conditions well. 

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What Is The Difference Between Ficus Audrey and Ficus religiosa?

The Ficus Audrey and the Ficus religiosa are often confused with one another. A distinguishing feature of the Ficus Audrey is that it has aerial roots. 

Is Ficus Audrey A Rubber Tree?

Ficus species, including Ficus Audrey, are sometimes called rubber trees or rubber plants. Their leaves somewhat look rubbery, and the milky sap of ficus plants was used to make rubber at one point. That said, most people are referring to close cousins of the Audrey – the Ficus Elastica. 

Where Can I Buy A Ficus Audrey?

Ficus Audrey’s are increasingly popular in the houseplant world. Because of this, they can be found in most nurseries and garden centers. We suggest you check out Etsy for Audrey options if you want to purchase online. You can often get a reasonable price with so much competition in this marketplace.

How Fast Does Ficus Audrey Grow?

The Ficus Audrey is a decently fast grower during the summer and spring. The best way to boost growth is by increasing the amount of direct light the plant receives. That said, be sure not to quickly transition it from some direct sunlight to a full day of direct light, as it doesn’t handle quick changes well. If you see its leaves burning, it may be a sign that your ficus is getting too much light.

Is Ficus Audrey Easier to Grow Than Fiddle Leaf Fig?

The Ficus Audrey, while a cousin of the Fiddle Leaf, is considered much easier to grow. This tropical plant can better handle inconsistencies in light and is all-around more forgiving about watering – or a lack thereof, and it’s an all-around more tolerant plant.

Because of the popularity of the Fiddle Leaf, many growers have raised the Ficus Audrey to look similar in shape to its cousin. Depending on how it’s pruned, it can just as quickly look more like a traditional tree shape with a leaf canopy on top. 

Soil Needs For Ficus Audrey

Plant your ficus Audrey in bright, well-aerated soil that drains quickly. Cactus soil combined with additional perlite might work nicely.

To bring your soil into this ideal zone, use gravel or orchid bark with a tiny bit of vermiculite. You can also purchase soils specifically for Ficus plants.

How To Propagate Ficus Audrey

Stem cuttings are an excellent approach to cultivating Ficus Audrey. Follow these methods to cultivate your own Ficus Audrey at home.

Step 1: Prepare a small container with moistened, well-draining soil for planting the cutting. Look at our suggestions above on potting soil for more specific recommendations. 

Step 2: Choose a stem that’s healthy with at least 2-3 leaves. Success rates can vary, so I recommend propagating a couple of cuttings. Best case scenario, all of your cuttings succeed, and you can give them to loved ones as presents.

Step 3: Using clean scissors or pruners, carefully clip the stem and put the end into rooting hormone or rooting powder.

Step 4: Insert this end into the potting mix, firm it down, and sprinkle the soil with a spray bottle of water.

Step 5: Place the cutting in a warm location with bright, indirect light.

Maintain a moist but not damp soil.

Step 6: After 3-4 weeks, the roots should have taken hold. You should wait a little longer before repotting your clipping.

When the cutting is established, you can move it to a larger pot.

Another option for propagating Ficus Audrey is with cuttings in water. Here’s a good video on how to do that. If you go this route, be sure to give your cuttings clean water to improve the propagation rate.

Similar Plants To Ficus Audrey

If you want to find something similar to Ficus Audrey, take a look at these similar Ficus Plants.

Ficus Lyrata Compacta – the Ficus Lyrata Compacta is well-known for its lyre-shaped, dark green leaves. This attractive plant is most commonly known as a miniature Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree.

Ficus Lyrata Bambino – Smaller than both the Ficus Lyrata and the Ficus Lyrata Compacta, the Bambino is considered the dwarf version of this popular ficus. It looks great in a window and only grows to around 3-4 feet. 

Conclusion

The Ficus Audrey is a beautiful plant that looks similar – but is easier to care for – than the Fiddle Leaf Fig. Grow yours today using the tips in this guide.

Have you grown the Ficus Audrey and want to show us the results? Send your pictures to [email protected], and we may feature them on our blog! These fiddle-leaf fig cousins are sure to brighten up any room.