Angel's Trumpet
brugmansia suaveolens
Also known as: ["Solanaceae","Datura suaveolens"]
Overview
A large, woody shrub or small tree known for its large, pendulous, fragrant flowers that resemble trumpets.
Benefits & Perks
["fragrant flowers","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Solanales |
| Family: | Solanaceae |
| Genus: | Brugmansia |
| Botanical Name: | Brugmansia suaveolens |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: indoor pot near a bright window with filtered light or outdoor sheltered spot
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days, especially in dry indoor environments
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, fertile soil with organic matter; a mix of potting soil, compost, and perlite works well.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring; light pruning can be done after flowering if needed.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate to heavy; can be pruned back significantly to encourage new growth and flowering.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); prefers morning sun and afternoon shade in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun to prevent leaf scorch; adjust placement based on seasonal light intensity.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun with protection from intense afternoon sun
Rotate plant for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter intense sun; avoid direct afternoon sun in summer.
Watering
every 3–5 days during active growth, reducing to every 7–10 days in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings; avoid waterlogging.
Soil
well-draining, fertile, slightly acidic potting mix
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use a mix with good drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure soil is not waterlogged.
Temperature
Prefers warm temperatures (65–85°F or 18–29°C); can tolerate brief dips to 50°F (10°C) but thrives in warmth.
Protect from frost; ensure good air circulation in heat; adjust watering with temperature changes.
Fertilizing
every 2 weeks during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer, reducing to monthly in fall and winter
Dilute fertilizer to half strength to avoid burning roots; fertilize after watering to prevent salt buildup; avoid fertilizing newly transplanted or stressed plants.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings (softwood or semi-hardwood); can also be propagated by layering or seeds (less common).
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a 4–6 inch cutting.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Apply rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity and warmth.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (70–80°F or 21–27°C), and indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat, perlite, and sand; can also use a cactus or succulent mix.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 3–6 weeks; new growth indicates establishment, which can take 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, plastic bags or propagator, misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, disease-free cuttings; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective pruning of branches; cut just above a leaf node or bud; remove crossing or crowded branches.
Pruning Plan
Shape the plant, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or diseased wood; also prune to control size and promote flowering.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers (for larger branches), gloves, disinfectant for tools.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune during dormancy; remove dead/diseased wood; shape the plant; clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh 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; prepare new soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting; place in appropriate light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation; ensure excess water drains away to prevent 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 good aeration by avoiding compacted soil.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf drop, wilting, yellowing, or stunted growth; buds may fail to open in cold conditions.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth, cause leaf drop, and can lead to frost damage or death in prolonged cold.
Solution: Move to a sheltered location or indoors in cold weather; provide frost protection if temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering if not accompanied by adequate water.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check fertilizer type; dilute correctly; apply during active growth; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer (10-10-10) every 2–4 weeks during growing season (spring to fall); reduce or stop in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCats are highly sensitive to the tropane alkaloids found in Brugmansia suaveolens. Even small ingestions can lead to severe anticholinergic poisoning, affecting the central nervous system, cardiovascular system, and musculature.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicThe tropane alkaloids in Brugmansia suaveolens are highly toxic to dogs, causing severe anticholinergic effects. These compounds disrupt normal neurotransmitter function, leading to dangerous physiological responses that can be life-threatening.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicBrugmansia suaveolens contains potent tropane alkaloids, primarily scopolamine and atropine, which act as potent anticholinergics. Ingestion interferes with acetylcholine transmission, leading to severe physiological disruptions including central nervous system depression, hallucinations, and potentially fatal cardiac and respiratory effects.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Brugmansia suaveolens toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is highly toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: How often should I water Brugmansia suaveolens?
A: Water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Q: Does Brugmansia suaveolens require full sun?
A: It thrives in partial shade to full sun, but protection from intense afternoon sun is recommended.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Solanaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun with |
| Water: | every 3–5 days during active |
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