Water
Water thoroughly when the top 2-5 cm of soil feels dry. Allow excess water to drain away completely to prevent root rot.
Reduce watering frequency during cooler months, allowing the soil to dry out a bit more between waterings.
Ficus costaricana, the Costa Rica Strangler Fig, is a large hemi-epiphyte native to Central America, known for its dramatic aerial roots and host tree strangulation.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Bright Indirect
75% intensity
Prefers bright, filtered light. Avoid direct sunlight which can scorch leaves.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow topsoil to dry slightly between waterings; ensure good drainage.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Warm
75% intensity
Ideal temperatures are between 18-27°C. Avoid cold drafts and sudden temperature fluctuations.
Moderate
50% intensity
Feed during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water thoroughly when the top 2-5 cm of soil feels dry. Allow excess water to drain away completely to prevent root rot.
Reduce watering frequency during cooler months, allowing the soil to dry out a bit more between waterings.
Prune to maintain desired shape and size, or to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Best done in spring or early summer. Use clean, sharp pruning shears or a knife to make precise cuts just above a leaf node.
Propagate from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant in a well-draining potting mix. Keep moist and warm in a bright location until roots form.
Repot every 2-3 years, or when the plant becomes root-bound. Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the current one. Use a well-draining potting mix, preferably one formulated for ficus or tropical plants.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Costa Rica Strangler Fig (Ficus costaricana)
Where Costa Rica Strangler Fig (Ficus costaricana) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Moraceae |
| Genus | Ficus |
| Species | Ficus costaricana |
Similar in genus Ficus
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
