If you’ve ever opened your humidor and spotted a strange white dust—or worse, something fuzzy—on your cigars, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common concerns among cigar lovers. The key is knowing whether you’re looking at plume (also called bloom) or mold. One is a good sign. The other? Not so much.
Let’s break it down.
What Is Cigar Plume (Bloom)?
Plume is your cigar’s way of showing it’s aging gracefully. Over time, the natural oils in a cigar can rise to the surface of the wrapper and crystallize, forming a fine, powdery layer. This means your cigars have been stored in stable conditions and are developing deeper, more complex flavors.
How to Identify Plume:
• Color: Light gray or white
• Texture: Dry and powdery
• Smell: Pure tobacco—nothing off
• Location: Evenly spread across the wrapper or in light patches
• Removable? Yes—gently brushing it off should do the trick
What Is Mold on Cigars?
Mold is a fungus, and it’s bad news for your collection. It thrives in overly humid environments—typically when your humidor climbs over 75% relative humidity. It can damage the wrapper, alter the flavor, and, if it reaches the filler, ruin the cigar completely.
How to Identify Mold:
• Color: White, green, blue, or gray
• Texture: Fuzzy, sometimes wet
• Smell: Musty or sour
• Location: Often in clustered spots, especially under the band or around the foot
• Removable? Not really—brushing may smear it or leave a stain
Plume vs. Mold: Spot the Difference
| Characteristic | Plume | Mold |
| Color | White/gray | White, green, blue, gray |
| Texture | Dry, powdery | Fuzzy, moist |
| Smell | Natural tobacco | Musty or sour |
| Spread | Even, light | Spotty or clustered |
| Can you brush it off? | Yes | No (or not fully) |