Calathea lutea aka Cigar Calathea

Calathea lutea is exceptionally large compared to other Calathea species, reaching 3-4 meters (10-13 feet) tall at maturity with a spread of 1-1.5 meters. The paddle-shaped leaves can grow up to 1 meter long. This is a fast-growing species that can reach 2 meters even as a young plant. Due to its substantial size, indoor cultivation requires high ceilings (3-4m) or is better suited to greenhouses and tropical gardens.

Calathea lutea thrives in temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C) and cannot tolerate temperatures below 60°F (15°C). Exposure to cold drafts or temperatures below 55°F can cause significant damage, with leaves curling as a distress signal. If you live in an area with cold winters, bring the plant indoors before temperatures drop. Keep it away from air conditioning vents and cold windows.

Yes, Calathea lutea produces distinctive cigar-shaped inflorescences that give the plant its common name. The flower spikes can reach 30cm and feature cup-shaped, maroon-colored waxy bracts stacked alternately to resemble Cuban cigars. Small tubular yellow flowers with purple petals emerge from within the bracts, though they are short-lived. In tropical climates, the plant flowers year-round with peak blooming during the early rainy season. The flowers attract bees and hummingbirds.

Calathea lutea can grow outdoors only in frost-free tropical and subtropical regions, specifically USDA hardiness zones 10-12. In the US, this limits outdoor growing to areas like South Florida, Hawaii, and parts of Southern California. The plant needs protection from direct afternoon sun—morning light with afternoon shade is ideal. Due to its large size (up to 4 meters), outdoor growing is actually preferable where climate permits, as it's difficult to accommodate indoors.

Calathea lutea is best propagated through rhizome division during spring repotting. Carefully remove the plant from its pot, separate sections of rhizome that have their own roots and leaves, then plant divisions in moist, humus-rich soil. Keep newly divided plants in high humidity and shade until established. Unlike some houseplants, Calathea cannot be propagated from leaf or stem cuttings—division is the only reliable method. Seeds are possible but difficult to source and have lower success rates.

Repot Calathea lutea in spring every 1-2 years when young, or when roots begin emerging from drainage holes. Due to its large mature size, choose a container large enough to accommodate substantial growth—some sources recommend planning for a final container around 3 meters wide. Use rich, well-draining potting mix with organic matter like coco coir or peat. For very large specimens, refreshing the top layer of soil annually may be more practical than full repotting.

Spider mites are the most common pest, appearing as tiny dots with visible webbing where leaves meet stems. Treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Fungal diseases including Fusarium wilt, Helminthosporium leaf spot, and Alternaria leaf spot can occur, especially in humid conditions with poor air circulation. Bacterial issues like Pseudomonas leaf spot may also appear. Root rot from overwatering is common—ensure soil drains well and never let the plant sit in water.

Yellow leaves on Calathea lutea typically indicate overwatering, underwatering, or low humidity. Check the soil—if soggy, reduce watering frequency and ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot. If bone dry, increase watering. Low humidity (below 50%) commonly causes yellowing leaf edges. Using tap water with chlorine or fluoride can also cause yellowing; switch to filtered, distilled, or rainwater. Older lower leaves naturally yellow and drop as the plant grows.

Brown leaf tips and edges on Calathea lutea are almost always caused by low humidity or water quality issues. The plant needs 50-70% humidity—use a humidifier, pebble tray, or regular misting if your home is dry. Tap water containing chlorine, fluoride, or high mineral content causes brown tips; switch to filtered, distilled, or rainwater. Direct sunlight can also scorch leaves, causing brown patches. Ensure the plant receives bright indirect light, not direct sun.

Drooping leaves on Calathea lutea usually signal underwatering, as this species requires consistently moist soil. Check the soil and water thoroughly if dry. Extreme temperature fluctuations, cold drafts, or temperatures below 60°F can also cause drooping. Low humidity combined with heat from radiators or heating vents stresses the plant. If soil is wet but leaves droop, check for root rot—gently inspect roots and trim any mushy, brown sections before repotting in fresh soil.

Calathea lutea (bijao) has extensive traditional uses throughout Latin America. The large, waterproof leaves have been used for centuries to wrap foods like tamales, hallacas, bocadillo, and juanes. Dried leaves serve as thatching material, basket weaving material, and mats. The waxy leaf coating is a potential source of commercial-quality wax comparable to carnauba wax. In Colombia, the bijao leaf industry supports rural farming communities and represents centuries-old cultural traditions.

Calathea lutea requires minimal pruning. Remove yellow, brown, or damaged leaves by cutting at the base of the leaf stem with clean, sharp scissors. This tidies the plant's appearance and redirects energy to healthy growth. Dead flower spikes can be cut off after blooming ends. The plant naturally sheds older lower leaves, which is normal. Avoid cutting healthy green leaves as this stresses the plant and reduces its ability to photosynthesize.

Clean Calathea lutea's large leaves regularly to remove dust and maintain their silvery-reflective appearance. Gently wipe both sides with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid leaf shine products as they can clog the natural waxy coating. Occasional misting helps keep leaves clean while boosting humidity. For pest prevention, inspect the undersides of leaves during cleaning—spider mites often hide there. The natural wax on the leaf undersides should not be scrubbed off.

In spring and summer, Calathea lutea actively grows and needs more frequent watering (about twice weekly) and monthly fertilizing with balanced liquid fertilizer. During fall and winter, growth slows significantly—reduce watering frequency and stop fertilizing until spring. Maintain humidity year-round, which can be challenging in winter when indoor heating dries the air. Keep the plant away from cold windows and drafts in winter. In tropical climates with consistent conditions, seasonal adjustments are minimal.

Cigar Calathea is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Cigar Calathea’s native range is Tropical Americas.

Cigar Calathea should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Cigar Calathea loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

To ensure optimal growth, the Cigar Calathea prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

The Cigar Calathea is not in need of supplementary humidity. Most water is taken in by plants through their roots, thus soil watering is the most efficient way to provide humidity to your plants.

The Cigar Calathea should be repotted either when it doubles in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing new potting soil with all the vital nutrients annually is enough to support the growth of the plant, and thus, there is no need for fertilizer. Remember that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.