Ficus Audrey Vs Fiddle Leaf Fig – The Definitive Guide To Choosing

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Ah, the quest for the perfect statement houseplant. If you’ve spent any time scrolling through home decor inspiration, you’ve undoubtedly been captivated by the lush, tree-like presence of a Ficus. But this is where the path often forks, leading to a common gardener’s dilemma: choosing between the trendy, dramatic Fiddle Leaf Fig and its elegant, understated cousin, the Ficus Audrey.

You’ve probably seen them both and thought, “They look similar, but which one is right for me?” It’s a great question, and I hear it all the time from fellow plant lovers. One has a reputation for being a bit of a diva, while the other is hailed as a more easy-going alternative. Making the wrong choice can lead to a sad, leafless stick in the corner, and we definitely don’t want that!

Don’t worry, I’m here to be your friendly guide. In this post, we’re going to break down the great ficus audrey vs fiddle leaf fig debate, piece by piece. I promise to give you a clear, honest comparison so you can choose with confidence.

We’ll explore their visual differences, dive deep into their specific care needs, compare their “personalities,” and even troubleshoot common problems. By the end, you’ll know exactly which of these green beauties is destined to thrive in your home.

At a Glance: Key Differences Between Ficus Audrey and Fiddle Leaf Fig

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s start with a quick side-by-side comparison. Think of this as the “cheat sheet” to understanding these two popular plants.

  • Leaf Shape & Size: The Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata) boasts huge, violin-shaped leaves that can be a foot long. The Ficus Audrey (Ficus benghalensis) has smaller, elegant, oval-shaped leaves.
  • Leaf Texture: Fiddle Leaf Fig leaves are thick, leathery, and glossy with very prominent veins. Ficus Audrey leaves have a softer, smooth, almost velvety matte finish with less pronounced, pale green veins.
  • Trunk & Stems: The Fiddle Leaf Fig typically has a thicker, darker brown, woody trunk. The Ficus Audrey has a lighter, pale tan or whitish trunk that remains more flexible for longer.
  • Temperament: This is the big one! The Fiddle Leaf Fig is notoriously fussy and sensitive to change. The Ficus Audrey is known for being significantly more forgiving, adaptable, and beginner-friendly.
  • Growth Habit: Both grow into tree-like forms, but the Audrey often has a more branching, graceful structure, while the Fiddle Leaf tends to be more upright and columnar unless pruned to branch.

Let’s Talk Looks: Visual Cues to Tell Them Apart

While they are related, once you know what to look for, telling these two apart is a breeze. It all comes down to the leaves and the overall vibe each plant gives off. This part of our ficus audrey vs fiddle leaf fig guide is all about aesthetics.

The Iconic Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)

The Fiddle Leaf Fig is pure drama. Its massive, lyre-shaped leaves are its claim to fame, making it an architectural focal point in any room. They are a deep, rich green with a waxy sheen that reflects light beautifully.

The prominent veins give each leaf a crinkly, almost quilted texture. This is the plant you choose when you want to make a bold, unapologetic statement. It screams confidence and high-fashion decor.

The Elegant Ficus Audrey (Ficus benghalensis)

The Ficus Audrey, on the other hand, is the picture of subtle elegance. Its beauty is quieter and more refined. The leaves are a softer shade of green with a lovely matte finish that feels almost like velvet to the touch.

Its light-colored trunk and airy, branching habit give it a more natural, woodland feel. Fun fact: The Ficus Audrey is the national tree of India, where it’s known as the Banyan tree and can grow to an enormous size! As a houseplant, it brings a sense of calm, graceful energy to a space.

The Ultimate Ficus Audrey vs Fiddle Leaf Fig Care Guide

This is where the differences truly matter. A plant’s beauty is only enjoyable if you can keep it alive and happy! Let’s break down the care requirements to see which one best fits your home environment and gardening style. Here are the ficus audrey vs fiddle leaf fig best practices for care.

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Lighting Needs: The Make-or-Break Factor

Fiddle Leaf Fig: This plant is a sun-worshipper, but a picky one. It craves hours of very bright, indirect light. An east-facing window is often perfect. Too little light, and it will dramatically drop its lower leaves. Too much direct sun, and its gorgeous leaves will scorch and develop brown, crispy patches.

Ficus Audrey: Here’s where Audrey wins big points for flexibility. While it also loves bright, indirect light, it is far more tolerant of slightly lower light conditions. It can handle a few hours of direct morning sun without complaint and won’t throw a fit if it’s not in the absolute brightest spot in the house. This adaptability makes it a much easier plant to place.

Watering Wisdom: Finding the Right Balance

Fiddle Leaf Fig: Welcome to the number one challenge for Fiddle Leaf owners. This plant is extremely sensitive to both over and under-watering. The key is to water thoroughly until it runs out the drainage hole, then let the top 2-3 inches of soil dry out completely before watering again. Inconsistent watering leads to brown spots (edema) or root rot, its mortal enemy.

Ficus Audrey: Audrey is much more forgiving with its watering schedule. It enjoys the same “drench and dry” method, but it’s less prone to panic if you water a day too early or a day too late. It has a better tolerance for slight inconsistencies, making it a great choice for those who are still honing their watering skills.

Soil and Potting Best Practices

Good news! Both plants have similar needs here. They both require a chunky, airy, and well-draining soil mix. A standard indoor potting mix is often too dense and can hold too much water, leading to root rot.

I recommend creating your own mix for either plant. A great recipe is:

  • 2 parts high-quality indoor potting soil
  • 1 part perlite or pumice (for aeration)
  • 1 part orchid bark (for chunkiness and drainage)

No matter which plant you choose, a pot with ample drainage holes is absolutely non-negotiable!

Temperament and “Personality”: Which Ficus Fits Your Lifestyle?

Beyond light and water, these plants have distinct personalities. Understanding them is key to a happy, long-term relationship. This is where we truly get into how to ficus audrey vs fiddle leaf fig successfully.

The Fiddle Leaf Fig: The High-Maintenance Diva

Let’s be honest: the Fiddle Leaf Fig has earned its reputation. It is the definition of a fussy plant. It hates being moved, detests drafts (hot or cold), and will drop its leaves if you so much as look at it the wrong way. It demands a stable environment and a consistent routine.

This plant is for the dedicated, attentive plant parent who enjoys a challenge and has the perfect bright spot to offer. The reward for your efforts is a truly spectacular specimen, but it requires work to get there.

The Ficus Audrey: The Laid-Back Cousin

If the Fiddle Leaf is a diva, the Ficus Audrey is its chill, down-to-earth cousin. It is far more resilient and adaptable. It doesn’t mind being moved occasionally and is much less likely to drop leaves in response to minor environmental changes.

This makes it an excellent choice for beginners or anyone who loves the Ficus look but doesn’t have the time or energy for high-maintenance plant care. It provides that beautiful tree-like aesthetic without the constant anxiety. This is one of the biggest benefits of ficus audrey vs fiddle leaf fig for new gardeners.

Common Problems with Ficus Audrey vs Fiddle Leaf Fig (And How to Solve Them)

Even the happiest plants can face issues. Here’s a look at some common problems and how they differ between the two.

Issue #1: Dropping Leaves

  • Fiddle Leaf Fig: The most common complaint! It can be caused by almost anything: under-watering, over-watering, too little light, a cold draft, or being moved from the nursery to your home. The key is to diagnose the environmental stressor and correct it.
  • Ficus Audrey: Much less common. If an Audrey is dropping leaves, it’s usually a sign of a more severe problem, like extreme under-watering or a significant pest infestation.

Issue #2: Brown Spots on Leaves

  • Fiddle Leaf Fig: Small, reddish-brown spots are typically edema from inconsistent watering. Large, dark brown, mushy spots, especially near the bottom of the plant, are a terrifying sign of root rot. Crispy brown edges mean it’s too dry or sunburnt.
  • Ficus Audrey: Less prone to edema. Brown spots are more likely to be from direct sun scorch or, in rare cases, a fungal leaf spot disease if the leaves stay wet for too long.
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Issue #3: Pests to Watch For

Both plants can be susceptible to common houseplant pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and scale. The best defense is a good offense! Inspect your plants regularly, especially the undersides of leaves. Wiping the leaves down with a damp cloth every few weeks not only keeps them looking great but also helps you spot pests early.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Ficus Care

Being a “Greeny Gardener” is about more than just having green plants; it’s about caring for them in a way that’s kind to our planet. Here are a few sustainable ficus audrey vs fiddle leaf fig tips:

  • Choose Peat-Free Soil: Look for potting mixes that use sustainable alternatives to peat moss, like coco coir.
  • Water Wisely: Always check the soil moisture before watering to avoid waste. Bottom watering can also be a more efficient method.
  • Natural Pest Control: Reach for eco-friendly options like neem oil or insecticidal soap before considering harsh chemical pesticides.
  • Propagate and Share: Both Ficus Audrey and Fiddle Leaf Figs can be propagated from stem cuttings. It’s a wonderful way to create new plants for free and share them with friends!

Frequently Asked Questions About Ficus Audrey vs Fiddle Leaf Fig

Which is easier to care for, Ficus Audrey or Fiddle Leaf Fig?

Hands down, the Ficus Audrey is significantly easier to care for. Its tolerance for a wider range of light conditions and its forgiving nature with watering make it the ideal choice for beginners or anyone who wants a less demanding plant.

Can Ficus Audrey and Fiddle Leaf Fig live outside?

Both can live outdoors year-round in very warm, humid climates (typically USDA Zones 10-12). For most people, however, they are grown exclusively as indoor houseplants as they are not frost-tolerant.

How fast do they grow?

In ideal conditions (lots of bright light, proper watering, and regular feeding during the growing season), both can be impressively fast growers, putting on a foot or more of height in a year. The Fiddle Leaf’s growth can be stunted if its strict care requirements aren’t met.

Are Ficus Audrey and Fiddle Leaf Fig toxic to pets?

Yes, unfortunately, both plants are toxic to cats and dogs. The milky white sap in their stems and leaves contains compounds that can cause oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting if ingested. It’s best to keep them out of reach of curious pets and children.

So, Which Ficus Will You Choose?

At the end of the day, the ficus audrey vs fiddle leaf fig decision comes down to you: your home, your experience, and your personality.

If you are an experienced plant parent who loves a challenge, has a perfect bright spot, and is ready to dote on a dramatic showstopper, the Fiddle Leaf Fig will reward your efforts with its stunning architectural beauty.

If you are a beginner, have slightly less-than-perfect lighting, or simply want a beautiful, tree-like plant without the stress and anxiety, the Ficus Audrey is your perfect match. It offers a similar aesthetic with a much more resilient and forgiving nature.

No matter which you choose, you’re bringing a piece of living art into your home. Both are incredible plants that, with the right care, will bring you joy for years to come. Trust your instincts, assess your space honestly, and get ready to welcome your new leafy friend. Happy planting!

Rimon Chowdhury
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