Cuphea elliptica
TAXONOMY
FamilyLythraceae
GenusCuphea
Zone10
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Cuphea elliptica, commonly known as the Mexican Cigar Plant, is an annual plant in the family Lythraceae. It is native to seasonally dry tropical climates and is known for its vibrant tubular flowers. The plant is often grown for ornamental purposes and attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.
ALSO KNOWN AS
Elfin Herb
OVERVIEW
VPDCalculate
WaterDry
SoilLoamy
LightDirect Bright (6 Hours)
Temperature25° C
Humidity60%
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar
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DETAILS
Care Instructions
Cuphea elliptica thrives in bright, direct sunlight and prefers moderate temperatures. It should be watered when the soil is almost completely dry. The plant enjoys moderate humidity and should be protected from frost.Soil
Cuphea elliptica prefers well-draining loamy soil. It can tolerate a range of soil types but performs best in soil that is not too compacted. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.Fertilizer
Use a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10. Fertilize the plant every 4-6 weeks during the growing season to promote healthy growth and flowering.Repotting
Repot Cuphea elliptica annually or when it outgrows its current pot. Choose a slightly larger pot with good drainage. Gently remove the plant from its old pot, shake off excess soil, and place it in the new pot with fresh soil.Propagation
Cuphea elliptica can be propagated through seeds or cuttings. For cuttings, take a healthy stem cutting and place it in water or moist soil until roots develop. For seeds, sow them in a well-draining soil mix and keep them moist until germination.Pruning
Prune Cuphea elliptica regularly to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. Remove any dead or damaged stems and trim back leggy growth. Pruning can be done throughout the growing season.Toxicity
Cuphea elliptica is not known to be toxic to pets or humans. However, it is always best to keep plants out of reach of pets and children to avoid any accidental ingestion.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
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