Cigar Plant, Firecracker Plant
cuphea ignea
Also known as: ["Mexican Cigar Plant","Cigarette Plant"]
Overview
A small, evergreen subshrub native to Mexico and the Caribbean, known for its distinctive tubular, orange-red flowers that resemble cigars.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Myrtales |
| Family: | Lythraceae |
| Genus: | Cuphea |
| Botanical Name: | Cuphea ignea |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: indoor pot in bright, indirect light or outdoor in a sheltered, partially shaded spot
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"15–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days in dry environments, less often in humid climates
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining potting mix with added perlite or sand for aeration.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Light pruning every 4–6 weeks during the growing season; major pruning in early spring.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary to rejuvenate the plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; can tolerate some direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun to prevent scorching; place in a spot with filtered light if outdoors; indoors, use a sheer curtain to diffuse intense light.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; provide shade during peak summer hours; adjust light exposure seasonally.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; avoid letting the plant sit in water; ensure good drainage.
Soil
well-draining, slightly acidic potting mix
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–6.5).
Use a cactus or succulent mix as a base; ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils.
Temperature
Prefers 65–80°F (18–27°C); can tolerate brief dips to 50°F (10°C) but thrives in warm conditions.
Avoid placing near drafty windows or air vents; maintain consistent room temperature; protect from sudden temperature swings.
Fertilizing
every 2 weeks during spring and summer, monthly in fall
Flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; apply fertilizer after watering to avoid root burn; stop feeding in late fall.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings in water or soil.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a 4–6 inch cutting, remove lower leaves, dip in rooting hormone (optional), place in medium, keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain 70–75°F (21–24°C) and high humidity.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix or water with occasional changes.
Hormone
Optional but recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Roots develop in 2–4 weeks; new growth appears in 6–8 weeks.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, plastic bags or propagator for humidity.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep soil consistently moist; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips to encourage branching; trim leggy stems to compact growth; remove dead or yellowing leaves.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove spent flowers to promote continuous blooming.
Tools
Clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors.
Checklist
Sanitize tools, prune in early morning, remove dead/damaged growth, shape the plant, clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot (e.g., +2 inches in diameter); ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim any circling roots, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil, water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot every 1–2 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for maintaining vigor and blooming.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot, prepare fresh soil mix, inspect roots, prune if needed, water after repotting, place in shade for a few days.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water thoroughly, ensure drainage, avoid wet leaves, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, ensuring the root zone is saturated; water early in the day to allow foliage to dry; avoid wetting leaves to prevent fungal issues.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate organic matter like compost for fertility.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing leaves, leaf drop, stunted growth, or buds failing to open.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, causes leaf drop, and can lead to root damage if temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).
Solution: Move to a warmer location, protect from drafts, and cover with a frost cloth if outdoors in cold weather.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering due to excessive heat and dry conditions.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat, increase humidity, and water more frequently to keep soil moist.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check season, dilute fertilizer, water before feeding, avoid winter feeding, flush soil periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring to fall); avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicCuphea ignea is not known to be toxic to cats. There are no reported adverse effects from ingestion.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicCuphea ignea is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no reported adverse effects from ingestion.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicCuphea ignea is not known to have toxic effects on humans. It is generally considered safe for consumption in small quantities.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I water Cuphea ignea?
A: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, typically every 7-10 days, depending on climate and pot size.
Q: Does the Cigar Plant attract pollinators?
A: Yes, it is highly attractive to hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies due to its nectar-rich flowers.
Q: Can Cuphea ignea be grown indoors?
A: It can be grown indoors with bright, indirect light and good air circulation, but it thrives best outdoors in warm climates.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Lythraceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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