Angel's Trumpet
brugmansia arborea
Also known as: ["Tropical Angel's Trumpet","White Angel's Trumpet"]
Overview
A large, woody shrub or small tree known for its large, pendulous, trumpet-shaped flowers that emit a strong fragrance at night.
Benefits & Perks
["fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Solanales |
| Family: | Solanaceae |
| Genus: | Brugmansia |
| Botanical Name: | Brugmansia arborea |
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":"10–30°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 before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate to heavy, depending on desired shape and size.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light or partial shade; 6–8 hours of sunlight per day. Adjust for intense summer sun to prevent leaf burn.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to direct sunlight; provide shade during peak afternoon hours; monitor for signs of scorching.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Avoid full sun in summer; provide dappled 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 waterlogging.
Soil
well-draining, fertile, slightly acidic potting mix
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use porous containers; avoid compacted soil; ensure bottom drainage holes.
Temperature
Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C); can tolerate 50–85°F (10–29°C). Protect from frost and extreme heat.
Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature changes; maintain moderate humidity.
Fertilizing
every 2 weeks during growing season, monthly in spring and fall
Dilute fertilizer to half strength; fertilize after watering; avoid contact with leaves.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings taken from healthy, non-flowering stems.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a 4–6 inch cutting.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Apply rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (70–75°F), high humidity (70–80%), and indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat, perlite, and sand or cactus mix.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rate.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 3–6 weeks; establish in new pot after 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use sterile tools; keep soil consistently moist; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut back stems to desired height; remove crossing or crowded branches; thin out dense growth.
Pruning Plan
Shape the plant, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or diseased wood.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, gloves, disinfectant.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune during dormancy; remove dead/diseased wood; shape evenly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; place in 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.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot; prepare new soil; handle roots carefully; 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, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Water early in the day to minimize evaporation and fungal growth. Ensure excess water drains away to prevent root rot.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot. Adjust based on humidity, temperature, and growth stage.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis, leaf drop, stunted growth, or wilting due to extreme temperatures.
Cold Stress
Stagnant growth, leaf discoloration, and potential dieback if exposed to prolonged cold below 50°F (10°C).
Solution: Move indoors before frost; provide a warm, humid environment; avoid cold drafts.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, and reduced flowering if exposed to excessive heat above 85°F (29°C).
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering; 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 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 in Brugmansia arborea, which can cause severe neurological and cardiovascular effects. Even small ingestions can lead to critical poisoning.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicThe tropane alkaloids in Brugmansia arborea are highly toxic to dogs, causing severe anticholinergic poisoning. Symptoms can rapidly progress to life-threatening conditions such as cardiac arrhythmias and respiratory failure.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicBrugmansia arborea 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 cardiac and respiratory depression.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Brugmansia arborea toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is highly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: How often should I water Brugmansia arborea?
A: Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid waterlogging.
Q: Does Brugmansia arborea 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 |
| Water: | every 3–5 days during active |
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