The Ficus benghalensis, commonly known as the Ficus Audrey, is a popular houseplant due to its large, velvety leaves and upright, tree-like growth habit. Pruning is necessary for managing the size of this species, especially indoors, and is the primary method for encouraging a fuller, more aesthetically pleasing structure. This intervention maintains the plant’s health by removing unproductive growth and stimulates new branching, preventing the plant from becoming leggy. Learning proper techniques ensures the Audrey remains robust and attractive.
Preparing for Pruning
Pruning should be performed during the Ficus Audrey’s active growth period (late spring through early summer) to ensure quick recovery. Making significant cuts during winter dormancy is not advised, as reduced energy reserves slow healing and increase the risk of infection. Light maintenance pruning, such as removing a dead leaf, can be done at any time, but major shaping should be reserved for the growing season.
The selection and preparation of tools is important for preventing damage and disease transmission. Use sharp bypass pruners or shears, selecting a size appropriate for the branch diameter. Before making any cuts, the blades must be sterilized with rubbing alcohol or a dilute bleach solution to eliminate pathogens. Sterilizing tools before each session safeguards the Ficus Audrey from bacterial or fungal infections.
Structural and Aesthetic Pruning Techniques
Pruning techniques fall into two main categories, serving distinct purposes for the Ficus Audrey’s structure and appearance. The first method encourages a bushier, denser canopy by interrupting the plant’s natural vertical growth. This is achieved through ‘heading cuts,’ which means cutting back the growing tips, or terminal buds.
Cutting just above a leaf node or dormant bud forces the plant to redirect growth hormones (auxins) to the lateral buds below. These lateral buds activate, resulting in two or more new branches and significantly increasing density. To encourage growth in a specific direction, the cut should be made about one-quarter inch above an outward-facing node.
The second primary method involves ‘thinning cuts,’ which are used for size management and plant health. This technique involves removing entire branches, cutting them back flush to the main stem or to a larger, supporting branch, specifically at the branch collar. The branch collar is the slightly swollen area where the branch meets the trunk or another branch; cutting here allows the plant to form a proper callus and heal most effectively.
Thinning cuts should target branches that are growing inward toward the center of the plant, those that are crossing and rubbing against others, or any branches that are dead, diseased, or damaged. Removing this unproductive material improves air circulation within the canopy, which helps reduce the likelihood of fungal issues and allows light to penetrate to the lower leaves. When removing a large section for significant size reduction, never remove more than 25% of the plant’s total foliage at one time to avoid shocking the system.
Immediate Post-Pruning Care
Immediately following a cut, the Ficus Audrey will exude a white, sticky substance known as latex sap, a defense mechanism common to the Ficus genus. This sap is mildly irritating to the skin and eyes, so wearing gloves during pruning is recommended. Do not wipe or wash the sap aggressively, as this can prolong the bleeding and interfere with the plant’s natural clotting process.
Instead of washing, gently dab the cut surface with a clean, dry cloth or paper towel to absorb the excess sap until the flow slows down. Allowing the remaining latex to dry naturally creates a protective seal over the wound, which prevents pathogens from entering the open cut. Applying commercial sealants or pastes is unnecessary and can actually hinder the natural healing process.
After pruning, the plant should be returned to its usual location with bright, indirect light to support healing and new growth. Since the plant now has fewer leaves for transpiration, monitor the soil moisture closely and consider slightly reducing the frequency of watering for the next week or two. This adjustment helps prevent the root system from becoming oversaturated while the canopy adjusts to its new size.