The Story
Plant Bio
Calathea lutea, commonly known as the cigar calathea, is a tall, upright herbaceous perennial forming dense clumps from underground rhizomes. The massive, broadly ovate leaves are bright green on top, featuring a striking, waxy whitish-silver coating on their undersides that folds upward at night.
This species is distinguished by its large, paddle-like foliage and distinctive brownish-red, cup-shaped flower bracts that resemble cigars. The thick, yellowish-green leaf stalks feature a prominent swollen joint, or pulvinus, which facilitates the daily movement of the leaves.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Tropical
Height
157"
Width
118"
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
10
Water
Consistently moist but well-drained
Humidity
High
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Central and South America, Caribbean
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Bloom period
Summer – Fall
In flower about 6 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a location with bright, filtered light or partial shade, avoiding direct afternoon sun which scorches the large leaves.
- Plant in a rich, organic, loamy or peaty potting mix that retains moisture while draining freely.
- Water consistently to keep the soil evenly moist, ensuring the pot never sits in standing water to prevent rhizome rot.
- Position the plant away from cold drafts and heating vents, maintaining a warm environment above freezing at all times.
Pro Tip
Irrigate exclusively with rainwater or filtered water, as chlorinated or highly mineralized tap water causes severe leaf margin necrosis. Maintain high ambient humidity with a dedicated humidifier rather than relying on misting, which fails to preserve the waxy silver leaf undersides.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Use filtered water or rainwater to prevent leaf edge browning.
- Provide a pebble tray or humidifier to maintain high humidity levels.
- Remove old, yellowed leaves by cutting them completely at the soil line.
Don't
- Do not allow the soil to dry out completely, which triggers severe leaf curling.
- Do not apply fertilizer during the winter dormant period.
- Do not cut into living green stems or old bare rhizome tissue when pruning.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Propagate | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Cigar Calathea questions
What zones can Cigar Calathea grow in?
Cigar Calathea is hardy in USDA Zone 10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Cigar Calathea deer resistant?
Yes — Cigar Calathea is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Cigar Calathea bloom?
Cigar Calathea typically blooms in summer through fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Cigar Calathea need full sun?
Cigar Calathea does best in part shade.
More Calathea to compare
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Cigar Calathea with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.