About Cigar Plant
A compact, everblooming shrub producing masses of tubular orange-red flowers that resemble lit cigars with white and purple tips (the 'ash'). Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies, and blooms non-stop in Philippine conditions. Cigar Plant belongs to the Lythraceae family and originates from Mexico and Central America; widely cultivated in tropical gardens..
Cuphea is underused in Philippine landscaping despite being perfectly adapted to local conditions. The false heather variety (Cuphea hyssopifolia) is more commonly seen as a low hedge plant in malls and commercial landscapes. The cigar plant variety adds fun character to container gardens and attracts pollinators to urban balconies. Available at landscape nurseries in Rizal and Laguna.
Also known as: Firecracker Plant, Cigarette Plant, Cuphea ignea.
Popular Varieties
- Cuphea ignea (orange-red, most common)
- Cuphea hyssopifolia (false heather — purple/white, tiny flowers)
- Cuphea 'David Verity' (large orange flowers)
- 'Tiny Mice' (bicolor flowers resembling mouse faces)
How to Plant Cigar Plant in the Philippines
Cigar Plant can be propagated through stem cuttings, seeds. The recommended method is stem cuttings (faster blooming).
Propagation Steps
- Step 1: Take 10-15 cm soft-tip cuttings from actively growing stems.
- Step 2: Remove lower leaves and flowers/buds.
- Step 3: Plant in moist potting mix or root in water.
- Step 4: Keep in bright shade — roots develop in 2-3 weeks.
- Step 5: Pinch tips after rooting to encourage bushiness.
Care Guide
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade (blooms best in full sun). Position your cigar plant where it receives the right amount of light for healthy growth in Philippine conditions.
Water
Keep soil consistently moist — doesn't tolerate drought well. Daily watering in Philippine summer. Adjust frequency during the Philippine rainy season when humidity is higher and soil stays moist longer.
Temperature & Humidity
Ideal temperature range: 22-35°C (thrives in warm Philippine climate). Moderate to high — naturally suited to PH humidity The warm, humid Philippine climate is well-suited for growing cigar plant outdoors or indoors.
Fertilizer
Balanced liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks during active growth. High-phosphorus for more blooms.
Pruning
Shear back by one-third when plants become leggy. This rejuvenates blooming. Can be done every 2-3 months.
Toxicity & Safety
Non-toxic to pets and humans. Safe for all gardens.
Common Problems & Solutions
Leggy, sparse growth
Cause: Lack of pruning or too little sun
Solution: Cut back by one-third. Move to sunnier location. Regular pinching keeps plants compact.
Fewer flowers
Cause: Exhaustion from continuous blooming without feeding
Solution: Feed with high-phosphorus fertilizer. Shear plant lightly to stimulate new flowering growth.
Whiteflies on undersides of leaves
Cause: Common pest in warm, sheltered conditions
Solution: Yellow sticky traps nearby. Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap weekly.
Root rot
Cause: Poor drainage despite liking moist soil
Solution: Ensure pots have drainage holes. Use well-draining potting mix. Don't let pots sit in saucers of water.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you care for Cigar Plant in the Philippines?
Cigar Plant needs full sun to partial shade (blooms best in full sun). Water keep soil consistently moist — doesn't tolerate drought well. daily watering in philippine summer.. Feed with balanced liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks during active growth. high-phosphorus for more blooms.. The Philippine climate with temperatures of 22-35°C (thrives in warm Philippine climate) works well for this plant.
How do you propagate Cigar Plant?
The recommended method is stem cuttings (faster blooming). Take 10-15 cm soft-tip cuttings from actively growing stems. Remove lower leaves and flowers/buds.
Is Cigar Plant toxic to pets or children?
Non-toxic to pets and humans. Safe for all gardens.
Can Cigar Plant grow in containers in the Philippines?
Yes, Cigar Plant grows well in containers and is suitable for balcony and indoor gardening in Metro Manila condos and apartments. Use a pot with drainage holes and appropriate potting mix.
What are common problems when growing Cigar Plant?
Common issues include: Leggy, sparse growth (caused by lack of pruning or too little sun — cut back by one-third. move to sunnier location. regular pinching keeps plants compact); Fewer flowers (caused by exhaustion from continuous blooming without feeding — feed with high-phosphorus fertilizer. shear plant lightly to stimulate new flowering growth); Whiteflies on undersides of leaves (caused by common pest in warm, sheltered conditions — yellow sticky traps nearby. spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap weekly).
Growing cigar plant in Manila? Tag us @urbangoesgreen on TikTok and show us your garden!