Brugmansia suaveolens, Brazil's white angel trumpet, also known as angel's tears and snowy angel's trumpet, is a species of flowering plant in the nightshade family Solanaceae, native to south eastern Brazil, but thought to be extinct in the wild. Like several other species of Brugmansia, it exists as an introduced species in areas outside its native range. It is a tender shrub or small tree with large semi-evergreen leaves and fragrant yellow or white trumpet-shaped flowers.
Angel's trumpet plants are primarily woody trees or shrubs known for their hanging, bell-shaped flowers and lack of spiny fruits. Their large, fragrant blooms have earned them the common name "angel's trumpet."
Angel's trumpet has strong disease resistance and is generally not susceptible to illnesses. Regarding care, this plant is fairly low-maintenance. When grown outdoors it needs only light watering, and mature plants usually do not require pruning. Young or smaller specimens, however, should be pruned after they finish blooming. Angel's trumpet is appropriate for anyone with outdoor space—like a garden or a deck—and doesn't demand extensive gardening experience.
How to keep Brugmansia Suaveolens.
Light
Angel's trumpet grows best in spots that receive ample sunlight all day. It can also tolerate locations with occasional sun. In its native range, it develops under direct sunlight. However, too much or too little light can restrict its growth and cause leaves to become discolored.
Water
Angel's Trumpet, native to the warm climates of South America, thrives in consistently moist, well-drained soil and high humidity. Water the plant every 1-2 weeks, making sure the soil is hydrated but not waterlogged. Adding mulch can help retain moisture, reduce the frequency of watering, and enhance the outdoor aesthetics with its striking flowers.
Humidity
This plant will thrive in moderate humidity, which is probably the level in your home. However, misting it a few times a week can be very beneficial. Make sure the room has good ventilation.
Temperature
Native to South America, the angel's trumpet experiences temperatures ranging from 20 to 38 ℃ (68 to 100.4 ℉). The plant favors warm conditions and can endure heat, but it is prone to frost damage and requires protection in winter. In colder regions, it is advisable to cultivate it in containers so it can be moved indoors during the winter months.
Fertilizer
The best time to fertilize an Angel's trumpet is in early spring, as it breaks dormancy. This supports overall growth and the development of flowers. Feeding enhances the foliage, stems, and branches, while encouraging flowers that are large, vivid, and longer-lasting. It helps transport nutrients from the roots to the blooms and improves the plant’s health and resistance to disease.
Pruning
Angel's trumpet is a fragrant shrub famous for its trumpet-shaped flowers. To keep it healthy and full of blooms, follow these care tips: - Prune in early spring to remove dead branches and encourage bushier growth. - Regularly trim spent flowers and thin crowded areas to improve air circulation. - Always use clean tools for maintenance to prevent disease. Following these steps will help ensure your Angel's trumpet remains healthy and vibrant.
Pot & Repot
When repotting Angel's trumpet, choose a pot 1–2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) larger with ample drainage. Use a well-draining potting mix. Repot in spring or fall, ensuring the root ball sits slightly lower than the rim of the flower pot. Water thoroughly after repotting and place it in a warm spot with indirect sunlight.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Shrub
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Brugmansia
- Family
- Solanaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 9-11
- Mature Height
- 3.05 m to 4.88 m
- Mature Spread
- 1.83 m to 3.05 m
- Leaf Color
- Green
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Flower Color
- White
- Flower Size
- 15.24 cm
- Bloom Time
- All year round
- Planting Time
- Spring, Autumn
- Harvest Time
- All year round
- Native Area
- Paraguay, Argentina, Bolivia, Venezuela, Peru, Brazil, Ecuador
Other names.
Reader questions.
What are the sunlight requirements for Angel's trumpet?
Angel's trumpet thrives in conditions that provide abundant sunshine throughout the day, requiring above 6 hours of sunlight for full sun conditions, and about 3-6 hours of sunlight for partial sun conditions. In its native environment, Angel's trumpet grows under unobstructed solar radiation. It's important to observe the movement of sunlight through your garden to select the optimal spots that offer a balance of light and shade, ensuring the plant's wellbeing. Excessive or insufficient sunlight could impede its growth and cause leaf discoloration.
What is the native temperature range for Angel's trumpet?
Angel's trumpet, or Brugmansia suaveolens, thrives in its native environment of South America, where the temperature ranges from 20 to 38 °C (68 to 100.4 °F). This plant loves warm temperatures and can endure high heat but is vulnerable to frost. To safeguard them from cold weather, they should be grown in containers in colder regions so that they can be moved indoors during winter. It's crucial to avoid cold temperatures as they can significantly harm the plant.
How do you use artificial lighting for indoor Angel's trumpet plants?
When natural sunlight is limited, especially during winter or in less sunny areas, artificial light is essential for the growth of indoor Angel's trumpet plants. Select the appropriate type of artificial lighting, such as LED lights, which can be adjusted to provide specific wavelengths necessary for the plant. For full sun plants, 30-50W/sq ft of artificial light is required, for partial sun plants 20-30W/sq ft, and for full shade plants 10-20W/sq ft. The light source should be placed 12-36 inches above the plant, mimicking natural sunlight as closely as possible. Most plants will thrive with 8-12 hours of artificial light daily.
How should Angel's trumpet be cared for during winter?
In the colder months, it is advisable to bring Angel's trumpet indoors. Placing it near a bright window while ensuring it is not too close to heaters is recommended to maintain an optimal growth environment. To promote healthy growth, keeping temperatures above the minimum suitable growth temperature during winter is beneficial, and it is essential to avoid temperatures approaching the minimum tolerable growing temperature, as this can be detrimental.
What are the symptoms of light deficiency in Angel's trumpet?
Symptoms of light deficiency in Angel's trumpet when grown indoors, especially during winter, include smaller new leaves, leggy or sparse growth, faster leaf drop, delayed or halted growth, lighter-colored or irregularly patterned new leaves, and conditions such as chlorosis, sunscald, leaf curling, wilting, and leaf scorching. These issues arise from insufficient lighting and indicate the need for improved light exposure or artificial lighting solutions.
How does low temperature affect Angel's trumpet and what are the solutions?
Angel's trumpet thrives in warm temperatures and struggles with cold. When temperatures drop below the minimum suitable growth temperature, the leaves may lighten in color, and frost damage can cause the leaves to turn brown or black. Symptoms like wilting and drooping are common after the plant is exposed to frost. To mitigate this, trim off the frost-damaged parts and move the plant to a warm, indoor environment. It's best to place it near a south-facing window for adequate sunlight while avoiding proximity to heaters or air conditioning vents to prevent air dryness.
How can you mitigate light deficiency symptoms in Angel's trumpet?
To address light deficiency in Angel's trumpet, gradually increase sun exposure or utilize artificial lighting. For indoor plants, move them weekly to sunnier spots until they receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, using a south-facing window and keeping curtains open during the day. Artificial lighting, such as desk lamps or professional grow lights, can supplement natural light for at least 8 hours daily. For outdoor plants, gently acclimate them to brighter conditions by shifting them gradually to sunnier locations each week, avoiding sudden changes to prevent sunburn. If obstructions block sunlight, consider pruning or transplanting smaller plants during their dormant period to locations with ample sunlight and good drainage. Note that parts of the plant already affected may not recover, but new growth will be healthy with improved light exposure.
How does high temperature affect Angel's trumpet and what are the solutions?
During the hotter months, it is crucial to keep the Angel's trumpet's temperature below the maximum suitable growth temperature. Exceeding the maximum tolerable growing temperature can lead to lighter leaf color and increased susceptibility to sunburn. To address this, trim away sunburned or dried parts and relocate the plant to a shaded area to protect it from intense midday and afternoon sun. Additionally, watering the plant in the morning and evening helps maintain soil moisture, further enhancing its resilience against high temperatures.
