Brugmansia Arborea Auct. Non (l.) Steud. - >>brugmansia Candida

Origin and Common Names

Brugmansia arborea auct. non (L.) Steud. is an evergreen tree that belongs to the family Solanaceae. It has a wide distribution and can be found growing naturally in the Andes mountains of South America, particularly in Ecuador, Peru, and Colombia. The plant is commonly known by various names such as Angel's Trumpet, Tree Datura, and Floripondio.

Appearance

The Brugmansia arborea auct. non (L.) Steud. plant can grow up to 10m tall, with a broad and bushy crown of branches that creates a dense canopy. The leaves are elongated, up to 20cm long and 10cm wide, with a dark-green color and pointed tips. The flowers are large and trumpet-shaped, up to 30cm long and 25cm wide, with a fragrant and sweet smell that becomes more intense in the evening. The flowers come in a variety of colors, including white, yellow, pink, and peach, and hang down from the branches in clusters.

Uses

The Brugmansia arborea auct. non (L.) Steud. plant has been used for medicinal and spiritual purposes by Indigenous peoples of South America for centuries. The plant contains several alkaloids, including scopolamine, hyoscyamine, and atropine, which have sedative, hallucinogenic, and antispasmodic properties. The plant has been used to treat various ailments, including asthma, fever, and rheumatism, as well as to induce visions and facilitate communication with spiritual entities. In modern times, the Brugmansia arborea auct. non (L.) Steud. plant is primarily grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. Its large and showy flowers make it a popular choice for landscaping, and it is often grown in pots or containers for patio and indoor decoration. However, it is important to note that all parts of the plant are highly toxic if ingested, and caution should be exercised when handling it.

Light Requirement

The Brugmansia arborea plant requires bright but indirect sunlight for optimal growth and development. It prefers at least 6 hours of sunlight exposure daily. However, prolonged direct sunlight may damage the leaves and flowers. Therefore, it is advisable to place the plant in areas where it can receive morning sunlight and afternoon shade.

Temperature Requirement

The Brugmansia arborea plant grows well under warm temperature conditions. Ideally, the plant thrives best in temperatures ranging from 15°C to 28°C. Temperatures below 10°C are not suitable for the plant, and exposure to frost can lead to damage or death of the plant.

Soil Requirement

The Brugmansia arborea plant requires a well-draining soil mixture to support optimal growth. The soil mixture should be rich in nutrients, slightly acidic, and should retain moisture. It is advisable to add organic matter to the soil, such as compost or peat moss, to improve its quality. The plant prefers soil with a pH level between 5.5 to 7.5. The use of a slow-release fertilizer may also be beneficial in promoting healthy plant growth.

Cultivation Method

Brugmansia arborea is a tropical plant native to South America and requires full sunlight to grow. It can tolerate a range of soil types but prefers well-drained and slightly acidic soil with a pH of 5.5 to 7.0. The plant can be propagated through cuttings and seeds. It is important to start with healthy plant materials to avoid pest and disease problems.

Watering Needs

Brugmansia arborea requires regular watering, especially during the hot and dry season. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, as the plant is susceptible to root rot. It is advisable to water the plant early in the morning or late in the afternoon to prevent water loss through evaporation. It is also important to avoid watering the foliage as it can cause fungal diseases to develop.

Fertilization

Brugmansia arborea requires regular fertilization to thrive. A balanced fertilizer with a 10-10-10 NPK ratio is ideal for the plant. Fertilization should be done in the growing season, from late spring to early fall, every two to three weeks. The fertilizer should be applied to the soil around the plant's root zone. Over-fertilization can lead to excessive vegetative growth at the expense of flower production.

Pruning

Brugmansia arborea requires regular pruning to maintain its shape and size. It is advisable to prune the plant in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. The pruning should be done on the previous year's growth, leaving only three to five buds per shoot. It is also important to remove dead or damaged branches as they can attract pests and diseases to the plant. The branches should be cut back to the main stem, leaving a clean cut to prevent infections.

Propagation of Brugmansia arborea

Brugmansia arborea auct. non (L.) Steud. can be propagated through various methods such as cuttings, seeds, and layering.

Cuttings

Cuttings are the most common method of propagation for Brugmansia arborea. To propagate through cuttings:

1. Select a healthy stem that is mature and free of diseases and pests.
2. Take a sharp and clean cutting tool and make a cut at a 45-degree angle, about 6 inches below a node.
3. Strip off all of the leaves except for the top two leaves.
4. Dip the end of the cutting in rooting hormone.
5. Place the cutting in a well-draining medium such as perlite and keep it in a warm, humid location.
6. Water the cutting when the soil is dry and wait for roots to appear.
7. Once roots are visible, transplant the cutting to a larger container with potting soil.

Seeds

Propagation through seeds can also be done but it takes longer compared to cuttings. To propagate through seeds:

1. Collect ripe seed pods from the plant.
2. Remove the seeds from the pods and clean them of any debris.
3. Place the seeds in warm water for 24 hours to soften the seed coat.
4. Sow the seeds in a well-draining medium such as seed-starting mix and keep them in a warm, humid location.
5. Keep the soil moist and wait for seedlings to emerge.
6. Transplant the seedlings to individual containers or directly into the ground.

Layering

Propagation through layering involves burying a branch from the parent plant and allowing it to take root before severing it from the parent plant. To propagate through layering:

1. Select a young branch near the base of the plant.
2. Make a shallow cut on the bottom of the branch.
3. Apply rooting hormone to the cut area.
4. Bury the cut area in the soil, leaving the top part exposed.
5. Water the plant regularly and wait for roots to appear from the buried section.
6. Once roots are visible, cut the branch from the parent plant and replant it in a separate container or in the ground.

Disease Management

Brugmansia arborea, commonly known as Angel's Trumpet, is susceptible to several diseases. Some common diseases that might affect the plant are:

• Leaf spot: Caused by several fungi, it causes brown or black spots on leaves. Prune the affected leaves and ensure good air circulation around the plant to prevent the spread of the disease. Fungicides can also be used to control the spread of the disease.
• Root rot: Caused by overwatering or poor drainage, it affects the roots and can cause the plant to wilt and die. Remove the affected parts of the plant and improve drainage to prevent further damage.
• Powdery mildew: It appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves, stems or flowers. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to prevent the spread of the disease. Fungicides can also be used to control the disease.

Pest Management

Several pests might attack Brugmansia arborea. Some common pests and ways to manage them are:

• Aphids: They are small, soft-bodied insects that commonly infest the plant. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the infestation.
• Spider mites: They are small arachnids that feed on the sap of the plant, causing yellowing of the leaves and webbing. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the infestation.
• Thrips: They are yellowish-brown insects that cause leaf distortion and discoloration. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the infestation.