Live to Plant

What’s Causing my Ficus Audrey Plant to Die?

Updated: April 28, 2022

The Ficus Audrey plant, also known as the Ficus benghalensis, is a popular indoor plant due to its beautiful foliage and ease of care. However, despite being a low maintenance plant, it can be frustrating when your Ficus Audrey plant starts to show signs of dying. If you’re worried about your plant’s health, fret not! In this article, we’ll discuss the most common reasons why your Ficus Audrey plant may be dying and how you can revive it.

Lack of Light

One of the most common reasons why a Ficus Audrey plant dies is due to lack of light. This plant requires bright, indirect light to thrive. Without enough light, the leaves will start to yellow and fall off. If you notice that your plant isn’t getting enough light, try moving it closer to a window or invest in grow lights.

Overwatering

Another common reason for a Ficus Audrey plant’s death is overwatering. These plants are susceptible to root rot if they sit in water for too long. Signs of overwatering include yellowing leaves, wilting, and a mushy stem. To avoid overwatering, make sure the pot has proper drainage and only water when the top inch of soil feels dry.

Underwatering

On the other hand, underwatering can also cause a Ficus Audrey plant to die. If the soil is too dry for too long, it can cause the leaves to wilt and fall off. To prevent underwatering, make sure you’re watering your plant regularly and that the soil is moist but not waterlogged.

Pests

Pests such as mealybugs and spider mites can also cause damage to your Ficus Audrey plant. These insects feed on the sap of the plant and can cause leaves to turn yellow and fall off. To get rid of pests, wipe the leaves with a damp cloth and use insecticidal soap.

Low Humidity

Ficus Audrey plants thrive in high humidity environments, so if the air in your home is too dry, it can cause the leaves to turn brown and fall off. To increase humidity, you can mist your plant regularly or invest in a humidifier.

Root Bound

Another reason why your Ficus Audrey plant may be dying is that it has become root-bound. This means that the roots have grown too large for the pot they’re in, and the plant can no longer absorb nutrients properly. To fix this issue, repot your plant into a larger pot with fresh soil.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are several reasons why your Ficus Audrey plant may be dying, including lack of light, overwatering, underwatering, pests, low humidity, and being root-bound. By identifying the problem and taking proper care of your plant, you can revive it and enjoy its beautiful foliage for years to come.

FAQ

How often should I water my Ficus Audrey plant?

Water your Ficus Audrey plant when the top inch of soil feels dry. This will likely be once a week or every 10 days.

Can I keep my Ficus Audrey plant outside?

Ficus Audrey plants prefer indoor environments with bright, indirect light. If you want to move your plant outside, make sure it’s in a shaded area where it won’t receive direct sunlight.

Should I prune my Ficus Audrey plant?

Pruning your Ficus Audrey plant can help promote new growth and keep it looking full and healthy. You can prune any dead or yellowing leaves or trim back any overgrown branches.