Ficus Benghalensis Audrey

Ficus Benghalensis houseplants

The Ficus Benghalensis, also called the Indian Fig Tree or Strangler Fig, is an unusual houseplant with exotic origins. This plant comes from the tropical regions of India and Sri Lanka and is known for its large, glossy leaves and lush growth.In its natural habitat, this plant can grow into a huge tree, but indoors it maintains a more manageable, elegant form that fits perfectly into larger rooms or office spaces.

Is Ficus benghalensis poisonous?

Ficus benghalensis is toxic when ingested. The plant's sap can cause stomach upset, vomiting or diarrhea if ingested. So be extra careful if you have pets or small children in the house. Would you like a green houseplant but want absolutely no risk? In this case, take a look at our animal-friendly houseplants.

How do I care for a Ficus Benghalensis?

Ficus Benghalensis is relatively easy to care for. The plant likes a bright spot, but try to avoid direct sunlight in the summer. This can cause the leaves to burn. Keep the soil evenly moist, but beware of excess water. The plant thrives best at room temperatures between 18 and 24°C and likes to be watered regularly. This way you make sure the humidity around the plant stays high.

Watering the Strangler Fig

Ficus Benghalensis likes to stand in slightly moist soil. Water the plant every week but always feel the soil first. Is it still moist? Then it is better to wait with watering. When your plant is repotted, it is important to use a moisture meter or water meter use. A sign of too much water is often the leaves turning yellow and an increased risk of root rot, which can be noticed by a musty smell or wet, muddy soil. If the leaves turn brown and fall out, this may indicate too little water.

Spraying the leaves with a plant sprayer can help remove dust and provide an extra dose of moisture, especially during drier periods or in a heated room. However, it is not necessary to water the plant daily. Make sure the plant is in well-drained potting soil to maintain a healthy root environment.

What is the best location for a Ficus Benghalensis Audrey?

Ficus Benghalensis Audrey thrives best in a bright location with plenty of daylight. Avoid too much direct sunlight as this can burn the leaves and cause brown spots. The Ficus can handle partial shade, but too little light can slow growth and cause leaves to fall out. In addition, avoid cold drafts and sudden temperature changes.

Feeding the Ficus Benghalensis

Giving additional plant nutrition to Ficus Benghalensis is recommended to promote healthy growth. During the growing season, from spring to early fall, you can provide the plant with a balanced liquid houseplant food. In winter, when the plant is in a dormant period, there is no need to fertilize. Stop feeding during the colder months to prevent the plant from taking in too many nutrients it cannot use. By feeding regularly and at the right time, you will support the healthy growth and appearance of your Ficus Benghalensis.

Pruning and cuttings of Ficus benghalensis

Pruning Ficus is conducive to maintaining the shape and health of the plant. Pruning is usually necessary to keep Ficus compact and attractive and to remove dead or damaged leaves. It is best to do this in spring, when the plant is actively growing. Using sharp, clean pruning shears, cut away branches and leaves that are too large, damaged or unwanted. Be sure to clean the plant's "cuts" to prevent infection.

Taking cuttings from Ficus Benghalensis can be done to propagate new plants. Cut off healthy, young branches about 10-15 cm long, with at least one or two leaves. Remove the lower leaves and plant the cuttings in a pot with well-drained potting soil. Keep them in a warm, bright spot with indirect sunlight and keep the soil slightly moist. After a few weeks, the cuttings should develop roots and be ready to be transplanted into a larger pot.

Repotting the Strangler Fig

You can repot the Ficus Benghalensis when it grows out of its current pot. If you have a new pot out, make sure it is always about 20% larger than the old pot. The plant will grow bigger if you give it enough room. It is best to repot Ficus in the spring, because any damaged roots will recover faster during this period. Then repot the plant preferably every 2 years for optimal growth.

Fighting diseases and pests

Ficus Benghalensis, like other houseplants, can suffer from pests such as mealybugs and root rot. Mealybugs appear as white, sticky "wolls" on the leaves and stems. Remove them with a cotton swab soaked in alcohol and treat the plant with an insecticide specifically for mealybugs.

Root rot is caused by overwatering and leads to brown, soft roots. Make sure you don't overwater and that the potting soil is well-drained. If you discover root rot, repot the plant in fresh potting soil and remove the affected roots.

Check your plant regularly and take quick action on problems to maintain the health of your Ficus Benghalensis.

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