You open your humidor, anticipating the rich aroma of aged tobacco, and see it: a dusting of white, crystalline spots on your prized Cuban cigars. Your heart sinks. Is this the legendary “bloom” or “plume” you’ve heard about—a sign of a perfectly aged cigar? Or is it the dreaded mold that threatens your entire collection?
The debate between Cuban cigar mold vs plume has confused enthusiasts for decades. Unfortunately, the answer is almost always clear-cut for those who know what to look for. Misidentifying it can mean the difference between saving your cigars and losing them all.
This guide will give you the definitive knowledge to diagnose the substance on your cigars, take action, and prevent it from happening again.
The Short Answer: It’s Almost Always Mold
Let’s be blunt: what is commonly called “plume” (or “bloom”) is an outdated term that has been widely debunked by experts. The Cigar Association of America, among other industry bodies, has stated that all crystalline deposits on cigars are mold.
However, not all mold is created equal. Understanding the type and extent is key to knowing how to react.
Cuban Cigar Mold vs Plume: The Definitive Breakdown
While the term “plume” persists in romanticized cigar lore, science doesn’t support it. Here’s how to tell what you’re actually seeing.
What People Called “Plume” (Crystallization)
-
The Myth: The story was that plume (or bloom) was the oils and sugars in the tobacco crystallizing on the wrapper after extensive, perfect aging. It was considered a hallmark of a supremely well-kept cigar.
-
The Reality: Scientific analysis has repeatedly shown that these crystals are not tobacco constituents. They are, in fact, very specific, benign types of mold that grow in a crystalline structure. They are not harmful, but they are still a form of mold.
What is Definitely Mold (The Problem)
This is the type of fungal growth that damages cigars and can ruin a collection.
-
It’s a Fungus: Mold is a living organism that feeds on the organic material of your cigar—the wrapper, binder, and filler.
-
It Causes Damage: It can create permanent “footprints” or stains on the wrapper and, if it penetrates the foot, can introduce unpleasant musty flavors that ruin the smoking experience.
How to Tell the Difference: A Practical Guide
Use this simple checklist to diagnose the situation in your humidor.
Visual Inspection: Color and Pattern
-
“Plume” (Benign Crystals):
-
Color: Pure, sparkling white or off-white.
-
Pattern: Appears as a very fine, flat, crystalline dust that looks like tiny snowflakes or sugar crystals. It is evenly distributed across the surface of the wrapper and doesn’t change its texture.
-
-
Mold (The Bad Kind):
-
Color: Starts white but can quickly develop into blue, green, or fuzzy grey patches.
-
Pattern: Appears as fuzzy, circular spots or patches that look like mildew. It often has a 3D, hairy texture you can see from the side. It grows in colonies.
-
The Touch Test (If You’re Brave)
-
“Plume”: If you gently wipe it, the crystals will dust off easily without leaving a mark on the wrapper.
-
Mold: It may smudge or leave a stained spot on the wrapper because it is actually growing on and into the leaf.
The Smell Test
-
“Plume”: The cigar will smell normal, like aromatic tobacco.
-
Mold: The cigar, and especially the humidor, may have a musty, damp, or mildewy odor.
What to Do If You Find Mold on Your Cuban Cigars
Don’t panic. Follow these steps immediately.
Step 1: Isolate the Affected Cigars
Remove any cigars with signs of mold from your humidor. This prevents the spores from spreading to the rest of your collection.
Step 2: Assess the Damage
-
Surface Mold Only (White and Wipeable): If the mold is only on the wrapper and hasn’t penetrated the foot of the cigar, it can often be saved.
-
Mold on the Foot or Extensive Growth: If you see mold coming out of the foot of the cigar or if it’s colorful and hairy, the fungus has infected the filler. This cigar is unsmokable and must be discarded. The flavors are ruined, and you risk inhaling spores.
Step 3: Clean the Salvageable Cigars
For cigars with minor surface mold:
-
Take a soft, clean brush (a dedicated makeup brush works well) or a slightly damp microfiber cloth.
-
Gently brush or wipe the mold off the wrapper outdoors or away from your humidor.
-
Place the cleaned cigars in a separate, temporary humidor (a Tupperdor is perfect) for a few weeks of observation to ensure the mold does not return.
Step 4: Diagnose Your Humidor
Mold doesn’t appear without cause. Its growth is triggered by one thing: excessive humidity.
-
Check your hygrometer. Is it calibrated correctly?
-
What is the humidity level? If it’s consistently above 72-73%, you are in the danger zone. The ideal range for Cuban cigars is 65-68%.
-
Did you recently over-humidify or add an over-saturated humidification device?
Preventing mold starts with proper storage. Ensure you know how to set up your humidor for Cuban cigars correctly to maintain a stable environment.
How to Prevent Mold from Ever Coming Back
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Keep your collection safe by:
-
Maintain Optimal Humidity: Keep your humidor between 65-68% RH. This provides enough moisture for the cigar to smoke well but not enough to encourage mold growth.
-
Ensure Airflow: Open your humidor for a few minutes once a week to allow fresh air to circulate and prevent stagnant, moist air from settling.
-
Season New Humidors Properly: A new wooden humidor must be seasoned correctly to avoid humidity spikes. An unseasoned humidor can cause your humidification device to work overtime, creating a wet environment.
-
Use Distilled Water: Only use distilled water in humidification devices to prevent introducing minerals or bacteria.
-
Inspect Regularly: Make a habit of quickly looking through your cigars every time you open your humidor. Early detection is key.
If you’re ever unsure about the authenticity of your cigars before they even hit the humidor, our guide on how to identify real Cuban cigars is an essential first step, as poor construction can sometimes be mistaken for other issues.
Conclusion: Embrace Science Over Myth
The romance of “plume” is a seductive story, but the reality is that any growth on your cigar is fungal. The good news is that not all mold is a death sentence. By understanding the difference between harmless crystalline mold and damaging fuzzy mold, you can act decisively to save your cigars and protect your collection.
Maintain a stable, proper environment in your humidor, and you’ll never have to worry about this dilemma again. Your cigars will age gracefully, and you can enjoy them with confidence, knowing your collection is safe and sound.
Now that your cigars are safe, learn the proper way to enjoy them. Master the ritual with our guide on how to cut and light a Cuban cigar to complete your aficionado journey.