PlantWerkz: Cuban Cigar - Calathea Lutea

Cuban Cigar - Calathea Lutea

Common Name: Cuban Cigar

Scientific Name: Calathea Lutea

Height: 6–10 ft (1.8 – 3 m)

Span: 3–6 ft (0.8 – 1.6 m)

Growth Rate: Fast

Sun Tolerance: Full Sun

ABP Index: 2.5 (Aesthetics 4.0, Solidarity 1.0)

Calathea Lutea common name is Cuban Cigar also called Pampano. It grows 6 to 10 ft (1.8-3 m) in height. It is an extremely beautiful and unusual plant. The oval shaped evergreen leaves are broad and attractive, being gracefully held on long stems which gives this plant a very tropical looking appearance. The leaves are heavily pleated with a beautiful waxy backing, which makes the undersides of the leaves look silver. Leaves are almost 1 m long and about 40-50cm wide. Leaves looks like banana leaves. The flowers are stunning, although not beautiful in the traditional sense. They appear to be made of thick, reddish-brown colored wax. The small round bracts nest in and overlap with each other, resulting in a long, cigar shaped arrangement. So it is called Cuban Cigar. This particular species will grow in full sun to half shade. They may be grown outdoors in the garden or as a large container specimen. People love the plants cultivate in their garden.