Pest identification
What's eating my audrey fig?
Mealybugs (Planococcus citri)
Signs: White waxy cottony deposits at leaf axils, petiole bases, and where stems branch; honeydew and sooty mould; yellowing and premature leaf drop
Control: Dab with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton bud; spray entire plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap, reaching hidden crevices; repeat every 10 days; quarantine new plants before bringing near established ones
Spider mites
Signs: Fine pale speckling on leaf surface; webbing under leaves in dry winter conditions when heating reduces humidity
Control: Wipe leaves with a damp cloth regularly; raise humidity; spray neem oil on leaf undersides; move away from hot, dry radiators
Scale insects
Signs: Hard, dome-like brown bumps along stems and midribs; leaves below coated in sticky honeydew and sooty mould
Control: Scrub off with a soft brush dipped in neem oil solution; apply horticultural oil spray; use a systemic insecticide as a last resort for a heavily colonised plant
Keep audrey fig pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Audrey Fig pests — FAQ
What is eating my audrey fig?
Audrey Fig (Ficus benghalensis 'Audrey') is an indoor tropical. Spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects are the typical threats, especially in centrally heated rooms with low humidity. The large, felty leaves can trap dust and pests alike. Wipe leaves monthly. Mealybugs hiding at the base of leaf petioles are easily missed and become the worst problem if left unchecked.
How do I get rid of mealybugs (planococcus citri) on audrey fig?
White waxy cottony deposits at leaf axils, petiole bases, and where stems branch; honeydew and sooty mould; yellowing and premature leaf drop Dab with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton bud; spray entire plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap, reaching hidden crevices; repeat every 10 days; quarantine new plants before bringing near established ones
How do I get rid of spider mites on audrey fig?
Fine pale speckling on leaf surface; webbing under leaves in dry winter conditions when heating reduces humidity Wipe leaves with a damp cloth regularly; raise humidity; spray neem oil on leaf undersides; move away from hot, dry radiators
How do I get rid of scale insects on audrey fig?
Hard, dome-like brown bumps along stems and midribs; leaves below coated in sticky honeydew and sooty mould Scrub off with a soft brush dipped in neem oil solution; apply horticultural oil spray; use a systemic insecticide as a last resort for a heavily colonised plant