About Ficus Audrey
A striking indoor tree with large, velvety, deep-green leaves and a pale, smooth trunk that develops a beautiful, almost white bark. Often called the 'new Fiddle Leaf Fig' for its similar statement-making presence but notably easier care. Its upright, tree-like form and lush canopy make it one of the most popular modern houseplants for Filipino plant enthusiasts looking for a low-fuss indoor tree. Ficus Audrey belongs to the Moraceae family and originates from Indian subcontinent (India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka); the national tree of India. Widely cultivated as an indoor ornamental..
Ficus Audrey has surged in popularity among Filipino plant parents as the easier alternative to the often-finicky Fiddle Leaf Fig. Its forgiving nature and trendy aesthetic have made it a staple in plant shops across BGC, Makati, and Quezon City. Prices range from PHP 500 for small plants to PHP 3,000+ for tall floor specimens. It performs beautifully in Manila's climate — the warmth and humidity are natural advantages. A popular choice for condo living rooms, Scandinavian-inspired Filipino interiors, and Instagram-worthy plant corners.
Also known as: Banyan Fig, Bengal Fig.
Popular Varieties
- Ficus benghalensis 'Audrey' (standard — velvety green leaves, pale trunk)
- Ficus benghalensis 'Krishnae' (cup-shaped, folded leaves — rare collector's form)
- Ficus benghalensis (wild form — massive banyan tree with aerial roots)
- Ficus benghalensis 'Variegata' (cream and green variegated leaves — extremely rare)
How to Plant Ficus Audrey in the Philippines
Ficus Audrey can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering. The recommended method is stem cuttings in water or air layering for larger specimens.
Propagation Steps
- Step 1: Take a 15-20 cm cutting from a healthy branch with 3-4 leaves.
- Step 2: Allow the milky sap to stop flowing by rinsing the cut end under water.
- Step 3: Place the cutting in a jar of clean water, ensuring the node is submerged.
- Step 4: Keep in bright indirect light — change water weekly. Roots emerge in 3-5 weeks.
- Step 5: Transplant to a pot with well-draining potting mix once roots are 5-8 cm long.
Care Guide
Sunlight
Bright indirect light to some direct morning sun; more tolerant of varying light than Fiddle Leaf Fig. Position your ficus audrey where it receives the right amount of light for healthy growth in Philippine conditions.
Water
Water when the top 3-5 cm of soil is dry, typically once a week. Adjust based on pot size and season. Less tolerant of overwatering than underwatering. Adjust frequency during the Philippine rainy season when humidity is higher and soil stays moist longer.
Temperature & Humidity
Ideal temperature range: 22-32°C (comfortable in Manila's warmth year-round). Moderate to high — Manila's humidity is ideal. Tolerates average indoor humidity better than most Ficus species. The warm, humid Philippine climate is well-suited for growing ficus audrey outdoors or indoors.
Fertilizer
Balanced liquid fertilizer (10-10-10) monthly during the growing season (wet season). No fertilizer needed during cooler dry months.
Pruning
Prune in early rainy season to shape and control size. Wipe milky sap from cuts. Can be trained into a standard tree form with a single trunk.
Toxicity & Safety
Mildly toxic — milky sap can cause skin irritation and gastrointestinal upset if ingested. Keep away from pets and small children.
Common Problems & Solutions
Dropping lower leaves
Cause: Adjustment stress, overwatering, or insufficient light
Solution: Allow the plant to acclimate for 2-3 weeks after moving. Check for soggy soil and improve drainage.
Dusty, dull leaves
Cause: Dust accumulation blocking light absorption
Solution: Wipe leaves regularly with a damp cloth. The velvety surface collects dust — clean monthly for best appearance and health.
Yellowing leaves
Cause: Overwatering or poor drainage
Solution: Let soil dry out more between waterings. Ensure pot has drainage holes and soil is not compacted.
Mealybugs or scale
Cause: Poor air circulation in indoor settings
Solution: Wipe off pests with rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab. Spray with neem oil solution every 7-10 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you care for Ficus Audrey in the Philippines?
Ficus Audrey needs bright indirect light to some direct morning sun; more tolerant of varying light than fiddle leaf fig. Water when the top 3-5 cm of soil is dry, typically once a week. adjust based on pot size and season. less tolerant of overwatering than underwatering.. Feed with balanced liquid fertilizer (10-10-10) monthly during the growing season (wet season). no fertilizer needed during cooler dry months.. The Philippine climate with temperatures of 22-32°C (comfortable in Manila's warmth year-round) works well for this plant.
How do you propagate Ficus Audrey?
The recommended method is stem cuttings in water or air layering for larger specimens. Take a 15-20 cm cutting from a healthy branch with 3-4 leaves. Allow the milky sap to stop flowing by rinsing the cut end under water.
Is Ficus Audrey toxic to pets or children?
Mildly toxic — milky sap can cause skin irritation and gastrointestinal upset if ingested. Keep away from pets and small children.
Can Ficus Audrey grow in containers in the Philippines?
Yes, Ficus Audrey grows well in containers and is suitable for balcony and indoor gardening in Metro Manila condos and apartments. Use a pot with drainage holes and appropriate potting mix.
What are common problems when growing Ficus Audrey?
Common issues include: Dropping lower leaves (caused by adjustment stress, overwatering, or insufficient light — allow the plant to acclimate for 2-3 weeks after moving. check for soggy soil and improve drainage); Dusty, dull leaves (caused by dust accumulation blocking light absorption — wipe leaves regularly with a damp cloth. the velvety surface collects dust — clean monthly for best appearance and health); Yellowing leaves (caused by overwatering or poor drainage — let soil dry out more between waterings. ensure pot has drainage holes and soil is not compacted).
Growing ficus audrey in Manila? Tag us @urbangoesgreen on TikTok and show us your garden!