How to Grow and Care for a Ficus Audrey – The Lesser-Known (And Lower-Maintenance) Alternative to a Fiddle Leaf Fig

If you're a houseplant enthusiast, you'll likely be familiar with the fiddle leaf fig, but you might not know quite as much about a different type of ficus plant: the ficus audrey.

While the ficus audrey is closely related to the fiddle leaf fig, it has a few fundamental differences. Unlike the huge, glossy leaves of the fiddle leaf fig, for example, the ficus audrey boasts smaller leaves with a more vibrant hue and a slightly velvety texture. Fiddle leaf figs can be notoriously tricky – but if you happen to be apprehensive about how to care for a fiddle leaf fig, the ficus audrey is known to be a more forgiving indoor plant.

Below, our resident houseplant expert explains how to grow and care for an ficus audrey, giving you all the knowledge you need to help this often-overlooked plant thrive. (You can pick one up from Amazon if you haven't got your hands on a ficus audrey just yet.)

Place Your Plant in Bright, Indirect Light

'Ficus audrey plants do best in bright light – ideally 6 to 8 hours,' comments Tenielle Jordison, Gardens Content Editor at Homes & Gardens. 'They're thought to be less troublesome than a fiddle leaf fig, so they're a great option for novice houseplant owners.' Ficus plants are hugely popular right now; the genus was, in fact, awarded the title of houseplant of the year for 2026 by the National Garden Bureau.

While the ficus audrey is a lesser-known – and lower-maintenance – alternative to species like the fiddle leaf fig, you'll still need to think carefully about where to place your plant.

'It should be kept out of direct sun, as it has sensitive leaves that may experience leaf scorch and discoloration,' says Tenielle. 'I recommend an east or west-facing window.'

Humidity is another important factor; the ficus audrey thrives in moderate humidity, usually between 30 and 60%.

Tenielle Jordison

Tenielle is a Gardens Content Editor at Homes & Gardens with over six years of journalistic experience, including previously having the role of Gardens News Writer. She holds qualifications in BA Journalism, Media and English Literature and MA Magazine Journalism. Before coming to Homes & Gardens, Tenielle was in the editorial department at the Royal Horticultural Society and worked on The Garden magazine. As our in-house houseplant expert, Tenielle writes on a range of solutions to houseplant problems, as well as other 'how to' guides, inspiring garden projects, and the latest gardening news.

Choose the Right Soil Type

If you've ever tried to master the art of watering a fiddle leaf fig, you'll know that ficus plants can be fickle – and when it comes to moisture levels, they require well-draining soil and a consistent watering schedule.

'Just like the fiddle leaf fig, the ficus audrey doesn’t like soggy conditions,' warns Tenielle. 'It's best to check soil regularly; when the top 2-3 inches of your plant’s soil has dried out, you can water again.' A soil moisture meter, like this one from Walmart, will help you keep things in check.

'Although it is considered more drought-tolerant than a fiddle leaf fig, the ficus audrey shouldn’t be left to sit in dry soil for too long,' says Tenielle. 'It may experience leaf drop, which can be caused either by the leaves drying out or the roots being overwatered. So, careful watering is crucial.'

Make Sure to Fertilize in Spring

It can be tricky to know how to fertilize your houseplants, but like many low-maintenance indoor plants, the ficus audrey doesn't need to be fertilized all year round. You will, however, need to feed it in the springtime.

'From spring to fall, a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer can boost your ficus audrey’s growth,' explains Tenielle. 'For reference, the ficus audrey is a more compact alternative to the fiddle leaf fig, so it won't end up quite as tall – but you'll still want to ensure it can thrive, and fertilizer is vital.'

You can use a specially-formulated ficus fertilizer, or go for an all-purpose option like the Miracle Gro indoor liquid plant food (available at Amazon). Whatever you choose, Tenielle recommends 'diluting it in water and applying every 3-4 weeks.'

'Just make sure to pause on fertilizing once fall arrives to avoid root burn and oversaturation', she adds.

Clean the Leaves Regularly

Once you've fed your plant and settled on the right levels of light, moisture and humidity, regular maintenance is vital – and this means remembering to clean the leaves.

'The ficus audrey has long, oval-shaped foliage that can collect dust and block pores,' explains Tenielle. 'With a soft microfiber cloth, you can gently wipe them to remove the dust. This will make it easier for your ficus audrey to perform essential plant processes, like photosynthesis.'

You can invest in a pair of microfiber dusting gloves, like these ones from Amazon, or simply use microfiber cleaning cloths, which you can find at Walmart. You'll also find another handsome ficus audrey at Lively Root.

What to Shop

Want to add yet another ficus to your collection? Try the weeping fig plant; it's one of the best low-maintenance indoor trees.

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