Queen's Trumpet
solandra maxima
Also known as: ["Cup of Gold","Golden Cup","Giant Trumpet Vine"]
Overview
A vigorous, woody vine with large, glossy leaves and spectacular, fragrant, yellow, trumpet-shaped flowers that can reach up to 12 inches in diameter.
Benefits & Perks
["fragrant flowers","aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Gentianales |
| Family: | Apocynaceae |
| Genus: | Solandra |
| Botanical Name: | Solandra maxima |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: tropical or subtropical garden, or large indoor container with bright light
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"15–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"10–12"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days in dry climates, less often in humid environments
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging and root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining potting mix with added perlite or coarse sand for aeration.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of the oldest stems to rejuvenate the plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; can tolerate direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun, protect from intense midday rays, and adjust indoor placement to mimic natural light cycles.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; move outdoors in spring/summer for stronger light.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, allow soil to dry between waterings, and avoid wetting foliage to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils; top-dress with compost annually.
Temperature
Prefers 65–85°F (18–29°C); cooler temperatures (55–60°F or 13–15°C) at night promote flowering.
Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from frost; ensure good air circulation in warm conditions.
Fertilizing
every 2–4 weeks during growing season, none in winter
Reduce or stop fertilizing in winter; apply fertilizer to moist soil to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings with at least two nodes, taken from healthy, non-flowering stems.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take cutting, apply hormone, place in medium, maintain humidity, wait for roots.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (70–75°F or 21–24°C), high humidity (70–80%), and indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus soil.
Hormone
Recommended to use rooting hormone for faster and more reliable rooting.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 4–8 weeks; new growth may appear after 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, plastic bags or propagator, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use sharp, sterile tools; maintain consistent humidity; avoid direct sun during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut stems just above a leaf node or bud, making clean cuts at a 45-degree angle.
Pruning Plan
Remove dead or overgrown stems to encourage bushier growth and improve air circulation.
Tools
Pruning shears, sterilizing solution, gloves.
Checklist
Sterilize tools, cut above nodes, remove dead/damaged growth, clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, when the plant is entering its active growth phase.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if needed, place in a new pot with fresh soil, water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; necessary to refresh soil and provide space for growth.
Checklist
Choose new pot, prepare soil mix, inspect roots, water after repotting, place in shade temporarily.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, avoid foliage wetting
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, ensuring even saturation to a depth of 6–8 inches, and allow excess water to drain completely to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite, coarse sand, or orchid bark to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing leaves, leaf drop, stunted growth, or bud drop in extreme conditions.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, causes leaf discoloration, and may lead to root damage if temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).
Solution: Move to a warmer location, insulate pots, and avoid cold drafts or sudden temperature drops.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering due to excessive heat above 90°F (32°C).
Solution: Provide shade, increase humidity, and water more frequently to combat heat stress.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check season, dilute fertilizer, apply to moist soil, flush periodically
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer (20-20-20) every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer), diluted to half strength.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicSolandra maxima is highly toxic to cats due to its alkaloid content, which can cause severe neurological and cardiovascular effects. Cats are particularly sensitive to such compounds.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicThe plant's alkaloids are toxic to dogs, affecting the central nervous system and cardiovascular functions. Ingestion can lead to serious health complications requiring veterinary intervention.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicSolandra maxima contains solanaceous alkaloids, which can have significant physiological effects on humans, including anticholinergic and hallucinogenic properties. Ingestion can lead to severe central nervous system disturbances and cardiovascular effects.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Solandra maxima toxic to pets?
A: Yes, Solandra maxima is toxic to both dogs and cats.
Q: How often should I water Solandra maxima?
A: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, ensuring good drainage to prevent root rot.
Q: Does Solandra maxima require full sun?
A: Yes, it thrives in full sun to partial shade, needing at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Apocynaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
