Cuphea IGNEA 'FIDEL'S RED'

Cuphea IGNEA - Cigar flower, Firecracker plant, Mexican cigar plant.

Cuphea is a genus of shrubs and subshrubs in the Lythraceae family, growing in the wild only in South America.

The genus is represented by small plants with oval leaves and small flowers. Plant height can reach 60 cm (24 in). The stems are ascending, erect. Its tubular flowers resemble a smoldering cigar. The flowering of the plant lasts a long time - from late spring until late autumn. Flowers are nodding, on one- or two-flowered receptacles. Petals number from 2 to 6. Stamens number from 6 to 11. The fruit is a capsule enclosed in the floral tube.

Cigar flower is a creeping, bushy plant up to 30 cm (12 in) in height. Flowers of various shades, solitary, up to 3 cm (1.2 in) long, are arranged along the entire length of the stem. Flowering lasts from late June until frost.

Seeds are sown on the surface of universal soil without burying, merely pressing each seed lightly into the ground.

The sown seeds are moistened with a spray bottle, placed in a mini-greenhouse or covered with film, and germinated in light but not in direct sun at a temperature of 18-22 °C (64-72 °F). Emerging seedlings require ventilation. It is essential to avoid waterlogging and drying out of the crops.

Sprouts appear after 1-2 weeks. After a pair of true leaves emerges, the seedlings are pricked out into individual small pots. When the seedlings begin to stretch, pinch off the top, and the plant will produce lateral shoots. In May, after the end of spring frosts, the seedlings can be planted out into balcony planter boxes or pots. The distance between plants should be 30-35 cm (12-14 in).

Direct sowing outdoors in May is also possible. In this case, flowering will begin in August and continue until frosts occur.

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Cuphea is grown as a houseplant or as an annual in open ground. It looks magnificent in a hanging basket, where 2-3 plants are placed for greater decorative effect. It can also be used in borders.

It likes diffused sunlight and will grow excellently on a southwestern or southeastern windowsill. In sweltering hours, shading will be required. The plant should be provided with a comfortable temperature in summer - not exceeding 25 °C (77 °F), and in winter - not less than 12 °C (54 °F). The plant is sensitive to temperature fluctuations. Dark stains may appear on the leaves due to disruptions in the temperature regime.

In summer, the bush needs abundant watering every 3-4 days; in winter, watering is reduced to once a week or even every 10 days. Excessive watering leads to root rot. When growing the plant in containers, ensure good drainage. During hot weather, Cuphea should be misted. In winter, keep the plant away from radiators, and do not forget about regular ventilation, as the plant needs fresh air.

A universal soil mix consisting of peat, garden soil, and river sand mixed in equal proportions is suitable for cultivation. The plant needs regular fertilization, applying nutrients every two weeks. For this purpose, it is important to use universal or potassium-phosphorus fertilizers.

Young plants should be repotted every year. Mature bushes are repotted less frequently - once every 3 years. Every spring, shoots are pruned by about one-third to achieve beautiful flowering and well-developed branches.