Red Angel's Trumpet
brugmansia sanguinea
Also known as: ["Angel's Trumpet","Sword of Love"]
Overview
A deciduous shrub or small tree known for its striking, pendulous, tubular red flowers that hang like trumpets.
Benefits & Perks
["fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Solanales |
| Family: | Solanaceae |
| Genus: | Brugmansia |
| Botanical Name: | Brugmansia sanguinea |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: indoor pot or sheltered outdoor garden spot
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: moderate
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–25°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days in dry climates, less often in humid environments
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, fertile soil with organic matter; cactus mix or loam-based potting soil.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring; light pruning can be done as needed.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate to heavy, depending on desired shape and size.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light or partial shade; 4–6 hours of direct morning sun; protect from harsh afternoon sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun; provide shade during peak heat; adjust placement based on outdoor/indoor conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Morning sun is best; avoid intense afternoon rays; rotate plant for even growth.
Watering
every 3–5 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom; ensure soil dries 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; top-dress with compost annually.
Temperature
18–24°C (64–75°F); prefers mild temperatures; protect from frost and extreme heat.
Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from frost; maintain moderate warmth.
Fertilizing
every 2 weeks during active growth, monthly in spring and fall
Dilute fertilizer to half strength; fertilize after watering; avoid over-fertilizing.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a 6–8 inch cutting.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Apply hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when growth is active.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (21–27°C), indirect light.
Medium
Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for drainage.
Hormone
Recommended to promote root development.
Timeline
Roots in 4–8 weeks; establish in 3–6 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, misting bottle, plastic bag or propagator.
Quick Tips
Use healthy parent stems; keep consistently moist; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut back stems to desired length; remove crossing or weak branches.
Pruning Plan
Shape the plant, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead/diseased parts.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, gloves, disinfectant.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune at the right time; make clean cuts; remove debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–5 cm (1–2 inches) in diameter.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; use fresh soil; ensure good drainage.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; needed for growth and health.
Checklist
Check root bound status; prepare new pot; use fresh soil; water after repotting.
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, targeting the root zone; ensure water penetrates deeply; allow excess to drain 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.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing leaves, wilting, bud drop, or stunted growth.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, causes leaf drop, and can lead to frost damage or death.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; cover with frost cloth; avoid cold drafts.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, reduced flowering, and potential dehydration.
Solution: Provide shade; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check season; dilute correctly; apply to moist soil; rinse tools afterward.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer (20-20-20) every 2–4 weeks during growing season; reduce or stop in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCats are highly sensitive to the tropane alkaloids present in Brugmansia sanguinea. Even small amounts can cause severe neurological and cardiac toxicity, with symptoms progressing rapidly and potentially leading to fatal outcomes.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicThe tropane alkaloids in Brugmansia sanguinea are highly toxic to dogs, disrupting normal neurological and cardiac functions. Ingestion can lead to severe poisoning, with symptoms ranging from gastrointestinal distress to life-threatening cardiac and respiratory complications.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicBrugmansia sanguinea contains potent tropane alkaloids, primarily scopolamine and atropine, which interfere with acetylcholine neurotransmission, leading to severe physiological disruptions. Ingestion can cause significant central nervous system effects, including delirium, hallucinations, and potentially fatal respiratory depression.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Brugmansia sanguinea toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is highly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: Does Brugmansia sanguinea require full sun?
A: It thrives in partial shade to full sun, but protection from intense afternoon sun is recommended.
Q: How often should I water Brugmansia sanguinea?
A: Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid waterlogging.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Solanaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 3–5 days during active |
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