Why are my Cigar Plants (Cuphea micropetala) leaves are turning brown but new leaves are appearing. Should I prune them?

It is probably best to delay cutting the plants back until freeze danger is past (late February), since cigar plant is somewhat cold tender. When established, cigar plant is somewhat drought tolerant, but will require some watering during dry weather. As with most other plants, less frequent watering is needed during the winter when growth is slower.

The browning of the leaves could easily be due to drought injury. Watch to see if the new leaves that are emerging remain green. If the browning spreads to them you may want to bring a sample to or office for examination.

Cuphea micropetala is most likely to bloom in spring and fall. Cuphea ignea can bloom from spring through fall. Both of these species are commonly called cigar plant.




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Last Updated
28th of April, 2010

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Visitor Comments

  1. Comment #1 (Posted by Maria Davidson )
    I just purchased a cuphea micropetala. I had it sitting on my porch overnight, having watered it along with my other purchased plants until I could prepare the soil for planting. On inspection the third day, I noticed some leaves had dropped. It was worse in the next two days. What I decided to spray with a homemade aphid spray, which is usually the problem I have at this time, but the leaves are continuing to drop. I have now put it in a sunnier location until I can make room for it in a sunny bed. None of the other plants I bought show any signs of aphids or problems. What might cause the leaf drop on this plant? Would appreciate any suggestions.
  2. Comment #2 (Posted by Andy Wilson )
    Aphids usually do not cause the leaves of plants to drop. Low light levels and waterlogged soil are a couple of the possible causes of the leaf drop. If low light had been the problem the move to the sunnier location should stop the leaf drop. Make sure that the soil is drying somewhat between waterings, but do not let the root ball dry to the point of causing the plant to wilt. When watering, apply enough water to thoroughly wet the root ball and to the point that water runs freely from the drain holes. I the leaf drop continues you may want to bring the plant to our office for examination at our Lawn and Garden Help Desk. We are located at 12520 Ulmerton Road in Largo. The Help Desk is open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday. Please contact us if you have additional questions.

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