How to Grow Calathea Lutea | Cigar Plant Care

Calathea Lutea is not very common, but it definitely stands out with its beauty! Here’s everything about growing Cigar Plant!

The Calathea Lutea defies its close relatives in size. Its unique feature lies in its elongated, cigar-shaped leaves that unfurl into a beautiful display of rich, vibrant yellow coloration.

Learn how to grow Calathea Peacock plant here

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 Calathea Lutea Information

Calathea Lutea is a stunning tropical plant that features elongated, cigar-shaped leaves in a vibrant yellow hue. The plant adorns its leaves with intricate patterns of dark green veins, creating a visually captivating display. Cigar Plant thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers consistently moist soil to keep its foliage healthy and lush.

The width or spread of the plant can range from approximately 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 cm). With its compact size and striking coloration, Calathea Lutea is an excellent choice for adding a touch of exotic beauty to any indoor space, and its relatively low-maintenance nature makes it an ideal choice for plant enthusiasts of all levels.

Common Names: Havana Cigar, Pampano, Cigar Calathea, Maranta lutea.

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Propagation of Calathea Lutea

You can propagate Cigar Plant  through division.

1. Select a healthy and mature Calathea Lutea plant with multiple stems or shoots. It’s best to propagate during spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
2. Prepare a clean, sharp knife or garden shears and a pot with well-draining soil. Fill the pot with a suitable potting mix, such as a mixture of peat moss and perlite.
3. Carefully remove the Calathea Lutea plant from its pot, taking care not to damage the roots. Gently shake off excess soil to expose the rhizomes.
4. Examine the rhizomes and identify sections that have multiple stems or shoots. These are the portions that can be divided and propagated.
5. Using the knife or garden shears, make clean cuts to separate the sections, ensuring that each division has at least one stem or shoot and a portion of the rhizome.
6. If the cuts appear raw or ragged, you can dust them with powdered cinnamon or a rooting hormone to promote healing and prevent infections.
7. Plant each Cigar Plant division in the prepared pot, burying the rhizome portion slightly below the soil surface. Gently firm the soil around the plant to provide stability.
8. Place the potted divisions in a warm and humid location with indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch the delicate leaves.
9. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Mist the leaves regularly to maintain high humidity around the plant.
10. Monitor the Cigar Plant divisions closely for signs of growth. It may take a few weeks for new shoots to emerge.

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Requirements to Grow Calathea Lutea

carousellSunlight

Cigar Plant thrives in bright, indirect light conditions. It prefers a location with filtered or dappled sunlight, as direct sunlight can scorch its delicate leaves.

Finding the right balance of light is crucial for maintaining the vibrant yellow coloration and overall health of Calathea Lutea.

Soil

Calathea Lutea thrives in well-draining soil that retains moisture while also allowing excess water to drain away. A suitable soil mixture for Calathea Lutea can be achieved by combining peat moss, perlite, and a small amount of well-aged compost.

This mixture provides good aeration and moisture retention, preventing the soil from becoming waterlogged.

Watering

Proper watering is essential for the healthy growth of Calathea Lutea. It prefers consistently moist soil, but it’s important to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.

Water Cigar Plant when the top inch of the soil feels slightly dry to the touch. Use room temperature water and pour it evenly over the soil, allowing it to drain freely.

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Temperature and Humidity

Calathea Lutea thrives in warm temperatures and prefers to be in an environment with consistent warmth. Ideally, the temperature range should be between 18°C and 27°C.

Avoid exposing Cigar Plant  to sudden temperature fluctuations or cold drafts, as it can negatively impact its growth and health.

Calathea Lutea thrives in high humidity environments, as it is native to tropical regions. Cigar Plant  prefers humidity levels between 50% and 70%. To meet its humidity requirements, mist the leaves regularly with room temperature water or place the plant on a tray filled with pebbles and water.

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Care for Calathea Lutea

Fertilizer

Calathea Lutea benefits from regular fertilization to support its growth and maintain its vibrant foliage. Use a balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer with a ratio such as 20-20-20 or 10-10-10.

During the growing season, which is typically spring and summer, dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength and apply it every two to four weeks.

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Pruning

Pruning Calathea Lutea is primarily done for aesthetic purposes and to maintain its overall shape and health. Regular pruning helps remove any damaged, yellowed, or dead leaves to improve Cigar Plant ‘s appearance and prevent potential diseases.

Use clean and sharp pruning shears to make clean cuts, ensuring to sanitize the tools between cuts to prevent the spread of any pathogens.

Pests and Diseases

Calathea Lutea can be susceptible to common pests such as spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids. Regularly inspect the plant for any signs of infestation, such as webbing, sticky residue, or visible insects.

If pests are detected, treat the affected areas with insecticidal soap or neem oil, following the instructions on the product label.

Overwatering or high humidity can also lead to fungal diseases such as root rot or leaf spot. To prevent these diseases, ensure proper drainage and avoid overwatering.

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Toxicity

Calathea Lutea, like many other plants in the Calathea genus, is considered to be non-toxic to humans and pets. This makes it a safer choice for households with children or animals that may be prone to chewing on plants.

However, while Calathea Lutea is generally non-toxic, it’s always recommended to keep an eye on curious pets or children around any houseplant to prevent accidental ingestion of leaves or other plant parts, as individual sensitivities can vary.