Cuban cigar (Calathea lutea)
Care, watering, light and tips for Cuban cigar on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Marantaceae
- Difficulty: Moderate care
- Watering: every 3 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
About Cuban cigar
Calathea lutea, also known as Cachibou or Cigar Calathea, is a spectacular perennial tropical plant, valued for its large, oval-shaped leaves that are bright green on the upper side and a distinctive purple-burgundy on the underside. Its impressive size and waxy leaf texture make it ideal for adding an exotic touch to tropical gardens, shaded patios, or as an indoor plant if sufficient space is available.
Native range
Tropical Americas, from southern Mexico to Brazil and the Caribbean
Care tips
It prefers bright indirect light or partial shade; direct sunlight can scorch its leaves. Keep the substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during warm months, and ensure high ambient humidity. Use a well-draining, organic-rich potting mix. A common mistake is insufficient ambient humidity, which can cause leaf edges to dry and turn brown.
How to save a dying Cuban cigar
- Warning signs
- Rolled, dry, or yellowing leaves, brown tips, stunted growth. Soft or rotting stems at the base.
- First aid
- Move to a location with high indirect humidity. Check substrate: if dry, water; if waterlogged, aerate or repot. Avoid direct sun.
- What kills it
- Lack of humidity, cold drafts, direct sun exposure, or improper watering (both over and under).
- Can it be saved?
- Yes! It's resilient if conditions are corrected. Act quickly with humidity and balanced watering.