The bright tubular flowers of the Cigar Plant, often called the Firecracker Plant, are a magnet for butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.
his is the perfect product for borders and beds. In addition, this is an excellent choice for containers, baskets, and window boxes.
Native to Mexico and the West Indies, the cigar plant has been popularized in Europe and the U.S. as a garden plant in temperate regions.
Some of the Cigar plant’s common names are:
- Mexican Cigar Plant
- Mexican Heather
- Firecracker Plant
- Mexican Firecracker
Quick Facts On Cigar Plant
- Family: Lythraceae
- Light: Partial shade to full sun
- Temperature: Moderate to hot; 65° to 75° degrees Fahrenheit
- Water: pH 5.6-8.5, Water daily in summer
- Fertilizer: 5-10-5 fertilizer
- Propagation: Cuttings, seeds
- Common Problems: Aphids
Cuphea Ignea Firecracker Plant Care
How Big Do Cigar Plants Grow?
Cigar Plants grow up to 24″ inches in height and around 36″ inches in circumference.
When Do Cigar Plants Flower? Are The Flowers Fragrant?
This plant has small red-orange tubular flowers with black tips and white petals.
It is often called a cigar plant or firecracker because it looks like a cigar or firecracker when it’s in bloom.
Though hummingbirds can’t resist them, cigar plant flowers have little to no fragrance.
What Are The Lighting Needs And Temperature Requirements?
Frost can kill the plant to the roots. However, it will reseed the next spring or whenever the weather is warm and humid.
Zones 9 and higher are best for this plant. Even though this is a tropical plant by nature, it can grow quite well in lower zones.
However, once winter arrives, it will die back. This plant needs full sun, but it can tolerate some shade as long as it gets 6 hours of sunlight per day.
How And When To Water And Fertilize Cigar Plants?
For a few weeks, new cigar plantings should receive water every day. Then, depending on the soil type and weather, you can adjust your watering frequency to once a week.
Clay soils retain moisture better than sandy soils, so watering more often in sandy areas is recommended.
We have learned that different plants require different amounts of water. For example, some plants like to stay on the dry side, while others prefer to be constantly moist.
To find out the specific needs of a particular plant, refer to its label.
Water should be used only in the root zone, which is approximately 6″ to 12″ inches (15-30 cm) from the base of your plant.
A soaker hose can be an excellent investment to keep plants healthy and reduce water loss through evaporation.
In addition, a watering wand equipped with a sprinkler head can be used to water your plants.
If you have a large garden, a sprinkler may be necessary. Water in the morning to allow plant leaves to dry.
Wet foliage can lead to disease and mold, which can cause damage or death to plants.
Use your finger or a small trowel to check the soil for moisture. It is time to water if the soil is less than 2″ to 4″ inches (5-10 cm).
There are many fertilizers available:
- Slow-release
- Organic
- Synthetic
- Granulated
You should determine which method of application is most appropriate for your situation.
Then, choose a fertilizer with a balanced nutritional profile that encourages blooming (such as 5-10-5).
Excessive fertilizer can cause damage to plants. Therefore, it is important to read the instructions on how to feed your plants.
What Is The Best Soil For Cuphea Ignea Plants, And When Should You Transplant?
A substrate is unnecessary except for loose soils, which can cause root rot and poor plant growth.
Here’s how to plant a cigar plant:
- Dig down several inches on the soil.
- Add a thin layer of gravel or another substrate to hold the roots in place.
- Cover the regular garden soil.
Do Cuphea Ignea Plants Need Special Grooming Or Maintenance?
Cigar plants can grow rapidly, so it may be necessary to trim them back.
You may find that your cigar plant can flower all year, depending on where you live.
To maintain healthy water quality, remove any fallen or dead leaves and flowers from your pond.
These flowers are attractive and attract many insects, so keep your pond clean.
Fish can eat most insects, but it is essential to remove any unnecessary parts.
To maintain the desired shape and size, you can prune plants as often as possible.
Pinching back plants encourages new, dense growth and more flowers.
To keep your plant healthy, remove old flowers and stop seed production. This will reduce the plant’s energy consumption.
How To Propagate Firecracker Plants?
The first thing to do is cut a stem cutting from the cigar plant.
To plant cuttings, do the following tips:
- Dip the ends in rooting powder/rooting hormone.
- Once they are dry, put them in pots.
- Keep them shaded for the first few days to avoid overstressing them as they adapt and grow roots.
- The soil should be kept moist but not saturated.
- You can check this by dipping your finger in the soil.
- The top inch should feel dry, but the lower half should feel moist.
Cigar plants prefer damp soil, so they should be planted near pond edges rather than directly in the water.
Root rot and eventual plant death can be caused by growing directly in water.
A substrate is unnecessary except for loose soils, which can cause root rot and poor plant growth.
Here’s what to do if you’re using a substrate:
- Dig down several inches and add a thin layer of gravel or another substrate to hold the roots in place.
- Cover the soil with the rest.
Cuphea Ignea Pests And Diseases
The Cigar plant is pest and disease-resistant, and studies have shown it useful in repelling corn rootworms and other problems.
Because of its sticky foliage, pest larvae and adults cannot reach the plants. This results in lower yields and a disruption in their life cycle in crop fields.
Is The Cigar Plant Considered Toxic Or Poisonous To People, Kids, And Pets?
The Cigar plant is not considered toxic to animals, humans, or fish. Its oils can actually be used to cook.
In addition, some studies suggest that cuphea ignea extract might be helpful in treating ulcers.
Is The Cigar Plant Considered Invasive?
The plant is only considered invasive on the tropical island of La Reunion, where it has taken over much of the native vegetation and damaged ecosystems.
This has decreased biodiversity and ecosystem function as natural food resources for insects and animals.
To prevent it from spreading into the wild, ensure that all firecracker plants are properly disposed of and that they are kept trimmed if you do not live within its natural range.
Suggested Mexican Heather Uses
Cuphea ignea is a valuable plant for butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.
They can navigate the plant’s long corolla and reach the sweet nectar.
Gardeners have long known the cigar plant is a favorite among hummingbirds.
It is also not palatable to deer, rabbits, and other foragers.