Cigar Mold vs Cigar Plume

If you’re one of the cigar aficionados who are part of an online cigar community, chances are you’ve come across the hotly debated topic: cigarette mold vs. plume (sometimes called “bloom”). While both appear as a white substance on your cigars, only one is a sign of proper aging; the other could ruin your entire humidor.

In this guide, we’ll explain the key differences between cigar plume and mold, how to identify each, and what to do if you find either on your cigars. Plus, we’ll share tips for preventing mold and encouraging the natural development of plume.

What Is Cigar Mold?

Cigarette mold is exactly what it sounds like—unwanted mold growth on your cigars caused by excessive moisture, poor air circulation, or improper storage conditions. Unlike plume, mold is harmful and can spread quickly, contaminating your entire cigar collection.

How to Identify Mold

Knowing how to spot mold on cigars can help you act fast before it spreads. Here’s what to look for:

• Color: Mold appears in white, green, blue, or even gray patches.
• Texture: It has a fuzzy or fuzzy-textured appearance, often deeply embedded into the cigar wrapper.
• Location: Mold may form on the wrapper, foot, or even inside the cigar, especially in overly humid conditions.

Quick tip: If the substance on your cigar can’t be easily wiped away, it’s likely mold—not plume.

Can Mold Spread?

Yes, cigarette mold can spread rapidly. Mold reproduces through microscopic mold spores that travel through the air inside your humidor, contaminating nearby cigars and cedar lining.

What Causes Cigar Mold?

Mold thrives in humid, warm environments. The most common causes include:

• Humidity above 73% RH
• Temperatures over 73°F (23°C)
• Poor ventilation inside your humidor
• Lack of regular inspection or maintenance

To prevent mold, aim to store your cigars in the ideal conditions of 70% relative humidity and 70°F. This rule of thumb not only prevents mold but also reduces the risk of cigar beetle infestations.

Padron 1926	Perdomo 10th Anniversary Box-Pressed Maduro
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What to Do if You Find Cigarette Mold

If you spot mold on one of your precious cigars:

1. Remove the affected, moldy cigar immediately.
2. Inspect all other cigars in your humidor.
3. Isolate or discard any additional moldy cigars.
4. Clean and recondition your humidor.
5. Monitor the humidor closely for recurring mold.

Unfortunately, you can’t salvage cigars with mold embedded in the wrapper or filler—it's best to throw them out.

What Is Cigar Plume (aka Bloom)?

Now for the good news: Cigar bloom is not only harmless—it’s often considered a sign of a well-aged cigar. Plume appears when essential oils from the tobacco leaf slowly migrate to the surface and crystallize. This usually happens during long-term aging in optimal conditions.

How to Identify Bloom

Unlike mold, plume is dry, fine, and powdery. Here's how to spot it:

• Color: Always white or grayish—never green or blue.
• Texture: Looks like a dusting of powdered sugar.
• Behavior: Wipes off easily with a finger or cloth.

Cigars with oily wrappers—such as Maduro cigars—are more prone to developing plume.

What to Do With a Cigar That Has a Plume

There’s nothing wrong with a cigar that has developed a plume—in fact, many cigar lovers consider it a badge of quality aging. Simply wipe the plume away with a clean, soft cloth and enjoy your cigar as usual.

Pro Tip: Regularly inspect your cigars, maintain optimal humidity, and invest in a digital hygrometer to ensure accuracy. A little vigilance goes a long way in preserving your collection.

How to Prevent Cigar Mold

Proper storage is your best defense. Follow these cigar storage tips to avoid mold:

• Store cigars in a cedar-lined humidor or an airtight container.
• Keep temperature below 73°F (ideally 68–70°F).
• Maintain humidity between 65–70% RH using Boveda or humidity packs.
• Keep your humidor out of direct sunlight.
• Avoid turning off your air conditioning when traveling.
• Buy only from reputable tobacconists to avoid pre-contaminated cigars.

How to Encourage Cigar Bloom (Optional)

If you want to cigars to develop plume, here are a few tips:

• Select cigars with oily Maduro wrappers, such as (Herrera Esteli Brazilian Maduro or Eiroa CBT)
• Age cigars for 6–12 months or more in a quality humidor.
• Lower the humidity slightly—67% to 69% RH is ideal for aging.

Byron 20th Century Habaneros	ROJAS Street Tacos Barbacoa
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Final Thoughts: Mold vs. Plume

Understanding the difference between mold and plume is crucial for enthusiasts to keep their cigars fresh. Mold is a sign of poor storage and should be dealt with immediately. Plume, on the other hand, is a welcome result of aging and a sign that your cigars are maturing beautifully.