Ficus benghalensis 'Audrey' – Ficus Audrey Standard

Ficus benghalensis 'Audrey', presented here in its standard (tree) form, is a majestic and trendy houseplant. Valued for its elegant, tree-like silhouette and distinctive foliage, it brings a sophisticated touch of nature and an impressive focal point to any decor. Less fussy than its popular cousin, the Fiddle Leaf Fig, it is an excellent choice for greening an indoor space.

Characteristics

• Foliage: The leaves are large, oval-shaped, and a beautiful sage green. Their velvety, almost downy texture is unique and soft to the touch. The foliage is evergreen, ensuring a green presence year-round.
• Flowering: Flowering is non-existent or very rare in indoor conditions and has no ornamental value.
• Light: It thrives in an environment with bright, indirect light. It can tolerate a few hours of direct morning or late afternoon sun, but avoid harsh afternoon sun which could burn its leaves. A slightly veiled south or west-facing window is ideal.
• Habit: Its "standard" form gives it an upright, tree-like habit. It consists of a straight, clear trunk topped with a dense, rounded crown of foliage, creating the look of a true indoor tree.
• Growth: Moderate. In a pot indoors, it can reach a height of 1.5 to 3 metres (approximately 5 to 10 feet). Its size is easily controlled by pruning and pot size.
• Humidity: It appreciates high ambient humidity but adapts well to standard household levels. Keep it away from drafts and heating vents. Browning leaf edges can indicate the air is too dry.
• Soil: A rich, well-draining potting soil for houseplants is recommended. A mix of potting soil, perlite, and sand ensures a good balance of moisture retention and aeration.
• Temperature: Normal room temperatures, between 18 and 25 degrees Celsius, are perfect. Avoid exposing it to temperatures below 18 degrees Celsius.
• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but never soggy. Allow the top 5 to 7 cm (2-3 inches) of soil to dry out between waterings. Prolonged under-watering can cause leaf drop, while over-watering can lead to root rot.
• Pests: It is susceptible to sap-sucking insects like mealybugs, scale, and aphids. Good hygiene (dusting the leaves) helps prevent their appearance.

Uses

• Types of Use: Grown exclusively in a container as a houseplant. It is perfect as a "feature" plant in a bright living room, office, or entryway to create a strong visual impact.
• Ornamental Features: Its sculptural, tree-like habit provides a striking vertical element. The contrast between its light-coloured trunk and its velvety, sage-green foliage adds rich texture and a sense of calm and elegance to any room.
• Summer Outdoors: To stimulate its growth, Ficus 'Audrey' can be moved out to a patio from mid-June to late August. It must be gradually acclimatized and placed in a bright location, but sheltered from direct afternoon sun and strong winds.

Care

• Fertilizing: Fertilize once a month from spring to early fall with a balanced liquid fertilizer for houseplants. Stop fertilizing during the winter.
• Pruning: Prune in spring or summer to maintain the crown's shape, control height, and encourage denser branching. The plant secretes a milky, sticky sap when cut; it is advisable to protect surfaces.
• Repotting: Repot every 2 to 3 years, or when the plant becomes root-bound (roots growing through the drainage holes). Choose a pot about 5 cm (2 inches) wider in diameter.