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Cigar plant · Cuphea ignea

Why is my cigar plant not producing flowers?

Cigar plants are famous for their constant blooms, so a lack of flowers is usually a cry for more light. Check your plant's location to ensure it is getting enough energy to produce buds.

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Check these first

  1. Move the plant to a brighter location.
  2. Check if the plant is root bound in its current pot.
  3. Ensure you are using a fertilizer meant for flowering plants.

Likely causes

  1. Insufficient light

    Most likely

    How to tell: The plant looks healthy but produces only foliage. It might also start to stretch out and look thin.

    What to do: Move your plant to a spot where it receives bright, indirect light or some direct morning sun. Aim for at least 6 hours of bright light daily.

  2. Lack of fertilizer

    Possible

    How to tell: The plant is growing slowly and shows no interest in budding. The foliage may look a bit pale.

    What to do: Use a bloom boosting fertilizer with higher phosphorus content once a month. Follow the package instructions carefully to avoid burning the roots.

Other plants that won't flower

Find out what's wrong with your cigar plant

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

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When to worry

It is normal for flowering to slow down during the darker winter months. Worry if the plant refuses to bloom during the peak of summer.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your cigar plant in a sunny spot and provide regular feedings throughout the active growing season.

Cigar plant: not flowering? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your cigar plant and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

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Questions people ask

Does pruning help it flower?
Yes, light pruning encourages bushier growth and more stems, which leads to more flowers. Trim back long stems by a few inches.
How long do the flowers last?
Individual flowers can last for several weeks, and a healthy plant will keep pushing out new ones continuously.

More problems with Cigar plant

Back to the Cigar plant guide

This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.