Calatea Lutea

Description

Calathea lutea – Havana Cigar Plant

Botanical Name: Calathea lutea

Common Names: Havana Cigar, Cuban Cigar, Pampano

🌿 Light:

Prefers bright, indirect light or filtered sunlight. Can tolerate partial shade. Avoid direct harsh sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.

💧 Water:

Keep soil consistently moist, but not soggy. Water when the top 2–3 cm of soil feels dry. Reduce watering in winter.

🌡️ Temperature:

Thrives in warm temperatures between 18°C – 30°C. Not frost-tolerant. Protect from cold drafts and sudden temperature drops.

💦 Humidity:

Loves high humidity (above 50%). Mist regularly or use a humidifier if grown indoors.

🌱 Soil:

Use well-draining, rich organic soil. A mix containing peat, coco coir, and perlite is ideal.

🌸 Special Features:

Large paddle-shaped leaves with a silvery underside. Grows upright and makes a striking architectural statement. In tropical climates, it can produce small yellow flowers encased in cigar-like bracts.

📏 Mature Size:

Up to 2–3 meters tall, with broad leaves reaching 60 cm in length.