How to Grow and Care for Cigar Plants

Cigar Plant (Cuphea micropetala) also known as “cigar flower” or “cigarette plant” is a small, bushy annual plant with bright, tubular flowers that resemble cigars or cigarettes, hence the common name. These plants are native to Central America and Mexico. They are known for their showy, colorful flowers and their ability to attract hummingbirds and butterflies. They are also drought tolerant making them a great option for low-maintenance gardens.

Cigar Plants can grow up to 18 inches tall and 12 inches wide. They have glossy green leaves and the flowers are typically red, but they can also come in other colors such as pink, orange, and yellow. They are usually grown as annuals in most climates, but they can be grown as perennials in warm climates. They thrive in full sun but can tolerate some shade. They prefer well-drained soil and regular watering. They can be propagated from seeds or cuttings.

It’s important to note that the plant can be poisonous to pets if ingested, so it’s best to keep them away from children and pets.

How To Grow Cigar Plants?

Growing Cigar Plants is relatively easy and they are a great option for adding color and attracting pollinators to your garden. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Planting: Plant the Cigar Plant seeds in well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. They can also be planted in pots, hanging baskets, or mixed containers.
2. Watering: Water the plants regularly to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. They are drought-tolerant and can tolerate some dryness.
3. Temperature: They prefer warm temperatures and can tolerate heat. They are not frost tolerant, so it’s best to plant them after the last frost date in your area.
4. Fertilizing: Fertilize the plants with a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
5. Pruning: Pinch back the tips of the plants to encourage bushiness. Deadhead the flowers regularly to promote reblooming.
6. Propagation: Cigar plants can be propagated from seeds or cuttings. To propagate from cuttings, take 4-inch stem cuttings in late spring or early summer and root them in moist soil or water.
7. Pest and Disease: They are generally pests and disease free but watch out for mealybugs and spider mites.

It’s important to note that the plant can be poisonous to pets if ingested, so it’s best to keep them away from children and pets. They can also be invasive in some areas and it’s best to check with your local extension office before planting them.

How to Propagate Cigar Plants

There are two main ways to propagate Cigar Plants: by seed and by cuttings.

1. Propagation by seed: Cigar Plant seeds can be sown indoors or directly in the garden after the last frost. Sow the seeds in a well-drained soil mix and keep the seed tray in a warm place with bright, filtered light. The seeds should germinate within a few weeks. Once the seedlings have developed a few leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots or in the garden.
2. Propagation by cuttings: To propagate Cigar Plant by cuttings, take 4-inch stem cuttings in late spring or early summer. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cuttings in rooting hormone. Root the cuttings in moist soil or water. Keep the cuttings in a warm place with bright, filtered light and high humidity. Once the cuttings have developed roots, they can be transplanted into individual pots or in the garden.

It’s important to note that the plant can be poisonous to pets if ingested, so it’s best to keep them away from children and pets. They can also be invasive in some areas and it’s best to check with your local extension office before planting them.

Both methods of propagation are relatively easy and can be successful, but it’s always good to keep an eye on the humidity and temperature as well as the soil moisture when propagating plants from cuttings or seeds.

Pests and Diseases That Attack Cigar Plants?

Like many other plants, Cigar Plants are susceptible to pests and diseases. Here are some common pests and diseases that can affect Cigar Plants:

1. Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small, white insects that suck the sap from the leaves and can cause the leaves to turn yellow and drop off.
2. Spider mites: Spider mites are small, red, or brown insects that spin webs on the leaves and can cause the leaves to turn yellow and drop off.
3. Aphids: Aphids are small, green, or black insects that suck the sap from the leaves and can cause the leaves to turn yellow and drop off.
4. Fungal diseases: Fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and leaf spot can cause the leaves to turn brown and die.
5. Bacterial diseases: Bacterial diseases can cause the leaves to turn yellow and die.

To control pests and diseases, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil to kill the pests. It is also important to keep the plant healthy by providing the right conditions and keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. If you notice any symptoms of pests or diseases, it’s best to take the plant out of its pot and inspect the roots, if you see any signs of rot or decay, it’s best to discard the plant.

It’s also important to keep an eye on the humidity and temperature of the plants and to avoid over-watering, as this can cause root rot.

Types of Cigar Plants?

The most common type of Cigar Plant is Cuphea micropetala, also known as “cigar flower” or “cigarette plant”. This small, bushy annual plant is native to Central America and Mexico, and it is known for its bright, tubular flowers that resemble cigars or cigarettes, hence the common name. The flowers are typically red, but they can also come in other colors such as pink, orange, and yellow. They are usually grown as annuals in most climates, but they can be grown as perennials in warm climates.

There are other species of Cuphea that are also known as “Cigar Plant” due to their similar shape of the flowers such as:

1. Cuphea ignea: also known as “Firecracker Plant” or “Cigar plant” is a small, bushy, evergreen perennial with bright red tubular flowers resembling cigars.
2. Cuphea hyssopifolia: also known as “False Heather”, “Mexican Heather” or “Cigar Plant” is a small, bushy, evergreen perennial with small, tubular flowers in shades of pink, lavender, or white.
3. Cuphea llavea: also known as “Cigar Plant” or “Bat-faced Cuphea” is a small, bushy, evergreen perennial with large, tubular, deep purple flowers that resemble cigars.

It’s important to note that while the plants in the Cuphea genus are known as “Cigar Plants” due to the similar shape of their flowers, they may have different growing conditions, pests, and disease susceptibility and hardiness, and it’s best to research the specific species you want to grow before planting them.

FAQs Related to Cigar Plants

Here are some frequently asked questions about Cigar Plants:

1. Are Cigar Plants poisonous?

Cigar Plants are not known to be poisonous to humans or animals, but it’s best to keep them away from children and pets as a precaution.

2. How often should I water my Cigar Plant?

Cigar Plants prefer to be kept moist at all times, but not waterlogged. It is important to keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. They are drought-tolerant and can tolerate some dryness.

3. How do I know if my Cigar Plant is getting enough light?

Cigar Plants prefer bright, filtered light. They can tolerate some direct sun, but too much can burn the leaves. You can tell if your Cigar Plant is getting enough light if the leaves are bright green and firm. If the leaves are yellow or limp, it may not be getting enough light.

4. How do I deadhead my Cigar Plant?

Deadheading is the process of removing spent flowers from the plant. To deadhead your Cigar Plant, simply snip off the dead flowers at the base of the stem, this will promote reblooming.

5. Can I grow Cigar Plants indoors?

Cigar Plants can be grown indoors but require specific conditions such as bright, filtered light, warm temperatures, and well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. They can be difficult to grow indoors and may not always be successful.

6. How to Overwinter Cigar Plant?

Cigar Plants are typically grown as annuals and do not survive frost. If you want to keep the plants for another year, you can bring the potted plants indoors before the first frost and place them in a bright, cool location. They can be maintained indoors as a houseplant for the winter months.