Troubleshooting
Cigarette Plant problems — and how to fix them
Cigarette Plant (Cheiridopsis cigarettifera) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Summer dormancy rot
Watering during summer causes the dormant leaf pairs to rot from the base. The old shrivelled leaf pair should act as a protective sheath; do not remove it prematurely. Cease all watering by late May and resume only in September when new growth appears.
Leaf pair not splitting
If the current leaf pair fails to split and produce a new pair in autumn, the plant may be too dry at the wrong time or lacking light. Ensure bright light is maintained through winter and begin autumn watering as soon as temperatures cool.
Mealybugs
Woolly pests can shelter in the crevice between fused leaf pairs. Treat with a cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol or apply systemic insecticide granules to the soil. Early detection is key as removal from inside leaf pairs is difficult.
Prevent cigarette plant problems before they start
Most cigarette plant issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for cigarette plant in general rather than its problems? Read the full cigarette plant care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Cigarette Plant problems — FAQ
Why is my cigarette plant summer dormancy rot?
Watering during summer causes the dormant leaf pairs to rot from the base. The old shrivelled leaf pair should act as a protective sheath; do not remove it prematurely. Cease all watering by late May and resume only in September when new growth appears.
Why is my cigarette plant leaf pair not splitting?
If the current leaf pair fails to split and produce a new pair in autumn, the plant may be too dry at the wrong time or lacking light. Ensure bright light is maintained through winter and begin autumn watering as soon as temperatures cool.
Why is my cigarette plant mealybugs?
Woolly pests can shelter in the crevice between fused leaf pairs. Treat with a cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol or apply systemic insecticide granules to the soil. Early detection is key as removal from inside leaf pairs is difficult.