Ficus benghalensis
ficus audrey
Indian subcontinent — India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka; the national tree of India
Overview
Ficus benghalensis — sold in the houseplant trade as 'Ficus Audrey' — is the banyan fig, growing 48–120 inches (120–300 cm) indoors. Bright green large ovate leaves carry a velvety matte texture (not glossy) and prominent light-coloured veins on a clean white trunk. The most useful comparison: 'Ficus Audrey' is the more forgiving alternative to the notoriously finicky fiddle-leaf fig (F. lyrata). Where fiddle-leaf figs drop leaves in response to small changes in light, water, temperature, or drafts, F. benghalensis is more tolerant of typical home conditions. The matte velvety leaf texture reads aesthetically warmer than the glossy fiddle-leaf — a softer, more organic quality. In nature, this is the BANYAN tree — the national tree of India — capable of sending aerial roots from branches to the ground, creating vast canopy systems (the largest banyan in Kolkata covers 4.67 acres). The cut surfaces release a milky latex sap that can irritate skin and is toxic to pets if ingested.
Native Range
Ficus benghalensis is native to the Indian subcontinent — India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The national tree of India.Suggested Uses
Used as the more forgiving alternative to fiddle-leaf fig, as a statement indoor tree, and in modern interiors. Same visual impact as fiddle-leaf fig, less drama. The national tree of India. A trending houseplant tree.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4' - 10'
Width/Spread2' - 4'
Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years
Bloom Information
Does not flower indoors. The matte-textured veined foliage is the year-round display.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Bright green with prominent light veins, velvety matte texture, large ovate — matte finish (not glossy like F. lyrata)Growing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Bright indirect light. Water when top 2 inches dry. More forgiving than fiddle-leaf fig. Milky sap exuded from cut surfaces can irritate skin and is toxic to pets if ingested. Rotate for even growth.Pruning
Prune to shape and encourage branching. The cut surfaces release milky sap that can irritate skin. Less prone to sudden mass leaf drop than fiddle-leaf fig.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 7 gallons