Calathea Lutea (Cigar Plant)

Looking for a bold and vibrant plant that's perfect for privacy or as a standout piece? Search no further than Calathea Lutea - a tropical plant that impresses with its lush foliage and towering height. This is an all-rounder, suited to pots on the balcony/patio, or planted within a Noosa-inspired garden paradise. Trust us, this is the ultimate choice for any landscape, and grown on site at Lomalagi!

Light requirement: Full sun (morning only ) or filtered sun, part shade. 
Water requirement: Water regularly to keep soil moist

Watering frequency: Water deeply and avoid frequent, shallow watering. Applying a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant will help retain soil moisture.
Soil: Well-draining, fertilised soil. Avoid clay soils as they can cause water-logging.
Skill level: Suits Beginner Green thumb, low-maintenance plant.
Growth rate: Moderate to fast growth. To ensure growth is steady, fertilise every month in the growing season. Calathea Lutea has an upright growth habit. Remove old growth/ spent leaves after winter to make space for emerging leaves in the growing seasons.
Suitable for container gardens: Choose a pot at least twice the size of plant. When roots begin to grow out the bottom of the container, pot up into a larger size.

Mature Height : 3-4 metres tall
Mature Width: Plant with spacing of 1-1.5 metres

Seasonality: Evergreen

Drought Tolerant: Yes
Frost Tolerant: No, suits temperate climate.
Wind Tolerant: Yes

Leaf colour: Shades of glossy green or sometimes white
Leaf Variegation pattern: No, however the veins are prominently displayed

Size of leaf : Calathea Lutea have huge paddle-shaped, white/ green leaves that form a dense clump at the base.

Flower Colour: Flowers are enclosed in tight bracts that range from brown to green and have red tinges.

Flower Shape: Cigar-shaped inflorescence's on spikes that are produced from the base of the plant.
Flower Fragrance: No strong fragrance
Flower Season: Summer/ Spring