Angels' Trumpet
brugmansia versicolor
Also known as: ["Tropical Angel's Trumpet","Seven Angels"]
Overview
A large, deciduous shrub or small tree known for its large, pendulous, fragrant flowers that resemble trumpets.
Benefits & Perks
["fragrant flowers","aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Solanales |
| Family: | Solanaceae |
| Genus: | Brugmansia |
| Botanical Name: | Brugmansia versicolor |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: indoor pot in bright, indirect light or outdoor sheltered spot
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: moderate
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days to maintain high humidity
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, fertile soil with good organic matter; a mix of potting soil, compost, and perlite or sand works well.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually, after flowering or in early spring; light pruning can be done as needed throughout the growing season.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate to heavy, depending on desired shape and size; can be pruned hard to rejuvenate older plant
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light or partial shade for 6–8 hours daily; protect from harsh afternoon sun, especially in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to outdoor sunlight after winter; avoid sudden exposure to intense sun to prevent scorching; provide shade during peak summer hours; adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun with protection from intense afternoon sun
Morning sun is ideal; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; rotate plant for even growth.
Watering
every 3–5 days during active growth, reducing in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings; avoid overwatering, especially in winter.
Soil
well-draining, fertile, slightly acidic potting mix
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid compacted soil; use a mix with good aeration.
Temperature
Prefers 60–80°F (15–27°C); tolerates mild frosts but thrives in warm, stable conditions; reduce watering in cooler temperatures.
Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature swings; maintain consistent warmth for best growth.
Fertilizing
every 2 weeks during active growth (spring to fall), monthly in winter
Fertilize more frequently during active growth; switch to a low-nitrogen formula if foliage grows excessively at the expense of flowers; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings taken from healthy, non-flowering stems.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a 6–8 inch cutting just below a node.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in moist propagation medium.
- Maintain humidity and warmth.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (70–80°F), humid environment with bright indirect light; protect from direct sun and drafts.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat, perlite, and sand or a cactus/succulent mix.
Hormone
Recommended to use rooting hormone to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 4–8 weeks; new growth may take an additional 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Sharp pruners, rooting hormone, propagation medium, plastic bag or dome for humidity, misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain high humidity; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Use clean, sharp tools; make cuts just above a leaf node or branch junction; remove crossing or inward-growing branches.
Pruning Plan
Prune to control size, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or diseased wood; best done after flowering or in early spring.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers (for larger branches), disinfectant (e.g., rubbing alcohol), gloves.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune after flowering; remove dead/diseased wood; shape as desired; clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; avoid oversized pots to prevent waterlogging.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim any circling roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; necessary to refresh soil and provide space for growth.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; trim roots if necessary; water after repotting; place in appropriate light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust frequency seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, focusing on the root zone; ensure water penetrates deeply to encourage deep roots; allow excess water to drain to prevent waterlogging; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal issues.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot; increase during hot, dry periods.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure soil is loose and airy.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis (yellowing leaves), leaf drop, stunted growth, or bud drop in extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, causes leaf drop, and can lead to root damage or death in prolonged cold or frost.
Solution: Move to a sheltered location or indoors before frost; provide frost protection if outdoors; reduce watering in cool conditions.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, reduced flowering, and increased water demand in excessive heat.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; ensure good air circulation; mist foliage in extreme heat.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; fertilize during growing season; avoid winter feeding; flush soil periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 2–4 weeks during growing season (spring to fall); avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCats are highly sensitive to the tropane alkaloids in Brugmansia versicolor, which can cause severe anticholinergic poisoning. Even small amounts can lead to serious neurological and cardiac complications.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicThe tropane alkaloids in Brugmansia versicolor are highly toxic to dogs, causing severe anticholinergic poisoning. Symptoms can range from gastrointestinal upset to life-threatening neurological and cardiac effects.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicBrugmansia versicolor contains potent tropane alkaloids, primarily scopolamine and atropine, which interfere with the nervous system. Ingestion can lead to severe anticholinergic effects, including delirium, hallucinations, and potentially fatal respiratory depression.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Brugmansia versicolor toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is highly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: How often should I water Brugmansia versicolor?
A: Water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during blooming periods.
Q: Does Brugmansia versicolor require full sun?
A: It thrives in partial shade to full sun, but protection from intense afternoon sun is recommended in hot climates.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Solanaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun with |
| Water: | every 3–5 days during active |
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