Photo: Roberto JovelCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Marcgravia sp. "Costa Rica" Plant Care
Marcgravia evenia Krug & Urb.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This unique plant from South America stands out with its striking heart-shaped leaves that feature a vibrant shade of red. Marcgravia evenia is native to the rainforests of Colombia and Ecuador, making it a coveted addition for plant collectors looking to add a pop of color and intrigue to their indoor gardens.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
65–75°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Marcgravia sp. "Costa Rica"?
Water Marcgravia sp. "Costa Rica" every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–75°F (18–24°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Marcgravia sp. "Costa Rica" Native To?
What Is the Marcgravia sp. "Costa Rica"?
Marcgravia sp. "Costa Rica" (Marcgravia evenia) belongs to the Marcgraviaceae family within the Marcgravia genus. Marcgravia sp. "Costa Rica" is native to Cuba.
Marcgravia sp. "Costa Rica" displays a climbing vine growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Marcgravia sp. "Costa Rica" produces small, inconspicuous flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Marcgravia sp. "Costa Rica"?
Marcgravia evenia requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Marcgravia sp. "Costa Rica" Need?
Marcgravia sp. "Costa Rica" thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Marcgravia sp. "Costa Rica" in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Marcgravia sp. "Costa Rica" Prefer?
Marcgravia evenia grows best at temperatures of 65–75°F. Marcgravia sp. "Costa Rica" prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–75°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Marcgravia sp. "Costa Rica"?
Well-draining, aerated soil mix with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Marcgravia sp. "Costa Rica" to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Marcgravia sp. "Costa Rica"?
Feed Marcgravia sp. "Costa Rica" every 2 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 2 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Marcgravia sp. "Costa Rica"?
Repot every 1-2 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Marcgravia sp. "Costa Rica"?
Marcgravia sp. "Costa Rica" can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to shingle plant plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Marcgravia sp. "Costa Rica" Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Marcgravia sp. "Costa Rica", so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Marcgravia sp. "Costa Rica"?
Marcgravia sp. "Costa Rica" is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Marcgravia sp. "Costa Rica" Need?
Marcgravia sp. "Costa Rica" grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Marcgravia sp. "Costa Rica" is native to Cuba. In cooler regions, grow Marcgravia sp. "Costa Rica" as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 11a – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Marcgravia sp. "Costa Rica" is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Marcgravia genus — compare its care with other Marcgravia species on PlantoScan.
Marcgravia is part of the Marcgraviaceae plant family — browse all Marcgraviaceae genera and species.
Marcgravia sp. "Costa Rica" thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Marcgravia Species
Other Marcgravia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Marcgravia evenia Krug & Urb., family Marcgraviaceae (first published in Bot. Jahrb. Syst. 21: 518 (1896)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Marcgravia sp. "Costa Rica", so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Roberto Jovel, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 11a – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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