Calathea lutea
Description
Calathea lutea, commonly known as the Cigar Plant or Havana Cigar, is a striking tropical perennial known for its large, paddle-shaped leaves and unique inflorescences that resemble cigars. This plant is prized for its bold foliage and dramatic presence, making it an excellent choice for adding a tropical flair to gardens and landscapes.
Flowers
The inflorescences of Calathea lutea are its most distinctive feature. They are large, cylindrical, and cigar-shaped, measuring up to 30 cm long. The bracts are a bright yellow or orange color, enclosing small, inconspicuous flowers. The inflorescences emerge from the base of the plant and add a unique ornamental interest.
Foliage
The leaves are large, paddle-shaped, and can reach up to 1.5 meters in length and 30-60 cm in width. They are a deep green color on the upper side and a lighter green underneath. The leaves have a glossy texture and prominent veins, creating a lush and tropical appearance.
Fruit
Calathea lutea does not typically produce noticeable fruit. It is primarily grown for its striking foliage and unique inflorescences.
Form and Size
Calathea lutea forms a clumping habit with upright, tall leaves. It typically grows to a height of 1.5-3 meters with a spread of 1-2 meters. The plant has an upright growth habit, creating a bold and dramatic presence in the landscape.
Growing Conditions
- Soil: Prefers well-drained, rich, organic soil. It thrives in moist, fertile conditions and can tolerate a range of soil types.
- Sunlight: Grows best in partial shade to full shade. It prefers protection from direct, harsh sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
- Water: Requires regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. More frequent watering is needed during dry periods.
- Climate: Suitable for tropical and subtropical climates. It prefers warm, humid conditions and is frost-sensitive.
Uses
- Landscaping: Ideal for tropical-themed gardens, shaded borders, and as a focal point in garden beds. It can also be used in large containers for patios and verandas.
- Ornamental: The large, bold foliage and unique inflorescences provide a dramatic and exotic look, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of any garden or landscape.
- Indoor Plant: Can be grown indoors in bright, indirect light and high humidity environments, adding a touch of the tropics to interior spaces.
Maintenance
- Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Remove any yellow or damaged leaves to maintain appearance.
- Fertilizing: Benefits from regular applications of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the growing season.
- Pest and Disease: Generally pest-resistant but can be susceptible to spider mites and aphids. Ensure good air circulation and avoid waterlogging to minimize disease risk.
Notes
Calathea lutea is a versatile and low-maintenance plant that adds a distinctive tropical flair to any garden or indoor space. Its unique cigar-shaped inflorescences and large, bold foliage make it a favorite among plant enthusiasts and landscape designers.
Companion Plants
- Heliconia spp. (Heliconia)
- Alpinia zerumbet (Shell Ginger)
- Codiaeum variegatum (Croton)
- Philodendron hederaceum (Heartleaf Philodendron)
Common Name
Cigar Plant, Havana Cigar, Pampano, Cuban Cigar Plant
Botanical Name
Calathea lutea
Family
Marantaceae
Origin
Native to Central and South America
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Please note that all Plants on this site are a range of plants we grow through out the year.
Availability changes all through out the year. please check with us via our Sunshine Coast Garden Centre page for Pricing & Availability
Product Availability
Plants & Pots come and go all year around.
- Plants are seasonal and sometimes we run out but have more batches coming along.
- Some Plants are not always in-stock however we can either order it in. pending availability
- Available numbers change every hour of the day in store and where we grow so please check in with us on how many you are looking for
- we have access to thousands of plants. if you are looking for a specific plant please let us know and we will see if its coming into stock soon or if we can order it for you.
- we will sometimes keep plants on our website to show you the description of how it grows and its specific characteristics. they may not be in stock all the time however we will keep it up online so when it comes in we wont have to reload products
Where are our plants Grown and how do we grow them
- Plants are grown locally on the Sunshine Coast
- All outdoor plants are sun hardened and ready to grow
- Indoor plants are grown under 50% Shade and will transfer perfectly to indoor use
- Orchids are also grown under 50% Shade and are best brought indoors during flowering for show then returned back into a shaded area until the following flowering time
- we are Qualified horticulturists, greenkeeper as well as Qualified landscape Construction with over 35 years experience in the industry. We use Quality products and materials to grow all our plants.
How to Look after your plants like we do
- When using any Garden Care products or Fertilisers we always recommend reading the label before use
- We recommend using Earthlife crushed rock mineral on all plants when planting in the ground or in Pots.
- When planting in Pots in Our garden centre we use either Rocky Point Premium Potting mix or our own custom potting mixes blend to plant all our plants
- If planting in the ground we also recommend that you use good quality Bagged garden soil around your plants at the time of planting
