Marantaceae
Cigar Plant (Calathea lutea): Complete Care Guide
Calathea lutea
Fast-growing tropical plant. Thrives in bright indirect light, rich organic soil, and consistent air humidity. Water weekly avoiding waterlogging. Mist leaves regularly and fertilize every 3 months.
Every 7 days
Partial shade
15° - 27°C
50% - 80%
Categories
What is Cigar Plant?
Cigar Plant (Calathea lutea) is a medium-care plant from the Marantaceae family. Calathea lutea, commonly known as the Cigar Plant or Cuban Cigar Calathea, is a large Neotropical Marantaceae native to tropical Americas. It is one of the tallest calatheas, with broad paddle-shaped leaves that can reach up to 1 meter long, featuring a distinctive waxy, pruinose silver-grey undersi...
Cigar Plant grows up to 3.0m, with spread of 150cm, watering every 7 days, 15°C – 27°C, 50–80% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many popular species, Cigar Plant is safe to keep around pets. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 14 days.
How to Care for Cigar Plant?
TLDR: Cigar Plant needs Partial shade, watering every 7 days, and temperatures between 15-27°C with 50-80% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Cigar Plant?
Water every 7 days keeping soil slightly moist. Avoid waterlogging as it is susceptible to root rot. Use filtered or room-temperature tap water left standing for 24 hours.
How Much Light Does Cigar Plant Need?
Prefers bright indirect light. Avoid harsh midday direct sun which can scorch leaves. Place near a filtered-light window for best foliage vibrancy.
What Is the Best Soil for Cigar Plant?
Use rich organic potting mix with good drainage — a blend of potting soil, perlite, and coco coir works well. Target pH 6.0–7.0.
What Pot Should You Use for Cigar Plant?
Terracotta or ceramic pots with drainage holes. Avoid oversized pots that retain excess moisture.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 90 days
Misting
Every 3 days
Rotate
Every 30 days
Repot
Every 730 days
What Is Cigar Plant and Where Does It Come From?
Calathea lutea, commonly known as the Cigar Plant or Cuban Cigar Calathea, is a large Neotropical Marantaceae native to tropical Americas. It is one of the tallest calatheas, with broad paddle-shaped leaves that can reach up to 1 meter long, featuring a distinctive waxy, pruinose silver-grey underside. It is widely used in tropical landscaping and traditionally used to wrap cigars in some regions.
How to Propagate Cigar Plant?
Clump Division
Divide in spring during active growth. Water lightly in the first few days to prevent rot.
- 1 Carefully remove the plant from its pot
- 2 Separate rhizomes by hand or with a clean knife
- 3 Plant each division in moist, well-draining substrate
- 4 Keep in a humid spot with indirect light until established
Materials needed:
How Big Does Cigar Plant Grow?
TLDR: Cigar Plant can reach up to 3.0m tall with Fast growth rate.
Max height
3.0m
Spread
1.5m
Growth rate
Fast
Foliage
Evergreen
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Cigar Plant?
TLDR: Cigar Plant is susceptible to 6 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny arachnids (less than 1/20 inch long) related to spiders and ticks that feed on plant sap. They thrive in hot, dry conditions and can cause significant damage to ornamental and vegetable plants. During severe infestations, crop losses can reach 14% or higher as these pests disrupt vital plant processes including photosynthesis, carbon dioxide absorption, and transpiration.
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a common fungal disease caused by various pathogens including Alternaria, Ascochyta, Colletotrichum, Septoria, and Venturia. It primarily affects leaves, causing discolored spots that can lead to premature leaf drop if left untreated.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease caused by various fungi species including Erysiphe, Podosphaera, Oïdium, and Leveillula. It affects over 10,000 plant species worldwide. The disease thrives in warm, dry climates with high humidity and appears as a distinctive white powdery coating on plant surfaces.
Meaning & Symbolism
Protection and abundance in tropical cultures
Fun Facts
Can reach up to 3 meters tall in its natural habitat, making it one of the largest calatheas in existence
Its leaves are traditionally used in some tropical regions to wrap cigars — hence the common name Cigar Plant
The distinctive waxy, pruinose (powdery silver) underside of its leaves sets it apart from most other calatheas
More drought and sun tolerant than most indoor calatheas, making it easier to care for
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water Calathea lutea?
Can Calathea lutea grow indoors?
Is the Cigar Plant toxic to pets?
Why are the leaves of my Cigar Plant turning yellow?
What is the best way to propagate Calathea lutea?
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Round-leaf Calathea | Hard | Partial shade | 7d | ✓ |
| Flamingo Flower | Medium | Partial shade | 5d | ⚠️ |
| Prayer Plant | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ✓ |
| Peacock Plant | Hard | Partial shade | 4d | ✓ |
