Technically, Spanish cedar isn’t necessary at all for a humidor as many modern enthusiasts use airtight Tupperware containers. But, there are certain benefits to using Spanish cedar, even in a plastic or glass Tupperware humidor (Tupperdor):

• Spanish Cedar helps regulate humidity
• Spanish Cedar is naturally mold resistant
• Spanish Cedar repels bugs like the tobacco beetle
• Spanish Cedar has a pleasing aroma

Every time a humidor is opened, moisture escapes. Spanish cedar holds more moisture than most woods, making it an excellent choice of material for a humidor that you open frequently.  This aids in the rehydrating process, allowing your humidor to recover quicker and maintain a stabile environment. 

Spanish cedar is also ideal for humidors because it is naturally mold and rot resistant, meaning that it’ll stand the tests of time.  According to garden.org, Spanish cedar and African Mahogany offer the most resistance of any readily available wood.  Which makes sense, considering that Spanish cedar isn’t part of the cedar family at all, but the Mahogany family.  This doesn’t mean that it will prevent your cigars from developing mold, however, as mold is often found under cedar sleeves in poorly maintained humidors. 

A person’s cigar humidor is like a window to his or her soul.  Is he or she messy or organized, fashionable or functional, grandiose or minimalistic, stickered or spotless?

Interestingly enough, Spanish cedar contains an aromatic and insect repelling resin that makes it highly resistant to termites and other insects. This is especially useful in keeping tobacco beetles out of your humidor, although arguably less so if you don’t live near tobacco fields.

It’s unclear whether the cigar industry gravitated to Spanish cedar early on because of the above properties or just because it’s a naturally occurring wood in Central and South America. But there’s one thing we’re certain about: any humidor with Spanish cedar smells incredible.

Can I use different types of wood in my humidor? 

If you're wanting to reap all of the benefits of Spanish cedar, it's best to just use Spanish cedar.  There are, however, other woods that are less expensive and still aid in humidity stabilization: 

• American Red Cedar
• African/Honduran Mahogany

While these woods are cheaper, however, they don't come without drawbacks.  American Cedar in particular can be over powering and is akin to aromatic cedar, the stuff that we use in closets to keep moths away.  The strong scent from this wood may taint your cigars over time, providing too much of a good thing.  

Neither wood holds as much moisture as Spanish cedar either, reducing the two-fold benefit of simultaneously stabilizing humidity as well as reducing mold from an overacting humidifier.  

How do you add Spanish cedar to Tupperdors?

One of the easiest ways to do this is to store your cigars inside their original box, provided that it’s made out of Spanish cedar.

You could also pick up some leftover cigar boxes from your local Tobacconist.

Can't get Spanish cedar in your area? No worries!  As we've discussed above, there are benefits to using it but it's far from necessary.