The angel trumpet plant, also known as brugmansia, produces gorgeous, hanging trumpet-shaped flowers that can measure up to 20 inches long These tropical shrubs are easy to grow and care for, but providing them with the right fertilizer is key to keeping them healthy and promoting lush growth and spectacular blooms.
Angel trumpet plants are woody shrubs or small trees that originated in South America. There are around 12 species, with some of the most popular being B. arborea B. aurea B. versicolor, and B. suaveolens.
These fast-growing plants can reach heights of 3-12 feet, depending on the variety. They produce lush, dark green foliage and impressive pendant flowers in shades of white, pink, orange, or yellow. The blooms are fragrant and bloom from spring to fall.
Angel trumpets thrive in warm climates and are grown as annuals or indoor plants in cooler zones. They need a spot with full sun to partial shade and rich, well-draining soil. With the right care, these stunning plants will reward you with nonstop flowers!
Why Proper Fertilization is Crucial
Fertilizer gives angel trumpet plants the nutrients they need for strong growth and maximum flower production. These heavy feeders are constantly putting out new leaves and flowers, so they require more food than average plants.
Without proper fertilization, angel trumpets may become stunted and produce fewer, smaller blooms. Their foliage can turn pale or yellow, signaling nutrient deficiencies.
By feeding your plants properly, you’ll enjoy vigorous growth, lush dark foliage, larger and more abundant blooms, and an extended flowering period. Healthy, well-fed brugmansias will also have better disease and pest resistance.
Fertilizer Types and Application Methods
Angel trumpets thrive on a steady feeding routine. You can use liquid or granular fertilizers, applying them every 2-4 weeks during the active growing season. Slow-release fertilizers can be applied 2-3 times per year.
Liquid fertilizers like fish emulsion or water-soluble mixes are quickly absorbed through the roots and foliage. They provide an immediate nutrient boost.
Granular fertilizers break down slower, providing a steady, long-lasting feed. Mix them into the soil or scratch them into the top few inches.
Foliar sprays allow the leaves to directly absorb nutrients and are great for a quick pick-me-up. Spray the diluted fertilizer on the foliage, avoiding the blooms.
No matter which type you choose, feed angel trumpets regularly throughout the growing season for nonstop flowers. Ease off fertilization in winter.
Recommended Fertilizers and Nutrient Ratios
Angel trumpet plants need a fertilizer that provides steady nitrogen, higher phosphorus, and moderate potassium.
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Nitrogen (N) promotes lush, green growth and strong stems.
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Phosphorus (P) leads to more and bigger blooms.
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Potassium (K) supports overall plant health.
Look for these ratios on fertilizer packaging:
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15-30-15 – Balanced all-purpose formula.
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15-5-10 – Higher phosphorus for plentiful blooms.
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10-20-10 – More phosphorus to encourage flowering.
You can also buy specialized brugmansia fertilizers, such as Dyna-Gro’s Grow Liquid Fertilizer for Foliage and Blooming Plants (7-9-5) or Espoma’s Angel Trumpet Food (8-12-8).
Organic options like fish emulsion, compost tea, worm castings, and manure-based mixes work too. Just be sure to use fertilizers formulated for edible gardens on plants grown for their edible angel trumpet fruit.
When and How Often to Feed Angel Trumpets
Feed young plants every 2 weeks and mature plants every 2-4 weeks during the active growing season of spring through early fall. Scale back to monthly feedings in winter.
Increase feeding frequency if plants show signs of nutrient deficiencies like yellowing leaves or lackluster blooms. Leach out excess fertilizer by watering thoroughly if you see symptoms of fertilizer burn like brown leaf tips.
5 Tips for Fertilizing Angel Trumpet Plants
Follow these tips to fertilize your angel trumpets properly and enjoy their maximum growth and beauty:
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At planting, mix a balanced granular fertilizer into the soil to provide initial nutrients.
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Apply an all-purpose liquid fertilizer right after transplanting or pruning to support recovery.
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Switch to a higher phosphorus formula as buds start to form to boost flowering.
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Foliar feed angel trumpets showing nutrient deficiencies for a quick boost.
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Flush soil regularly to prevent salt buildup from excess fertilizer.
Provide Other Proper Care
While fertilizer is crucial, angel trumpets also require other proper care for their best performance. Be sure to:
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Plant in well-draining soil enriched with compost or manure.
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Water deeply when the top few inches become dry. Avoid wet feet.
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Prune back leggy growth in late winter to promote branching and blooms.
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Protect plants from frost and freezing temperatures.
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Grow in bright, indirect light indoors.
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Mist foliage regularly in dry indoor air.
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Repot container plants when rootbound.
Eye-Catching Angel Trumpets for Every Garden
With a little TLC including proper fertilization, angel trumpet plants will thrive and delight you with their spectacular, fragrant blooms from spring until fall. Their big, beautiful flowers make a stunning statement in beds, borders, patios, and containers.
Feed your angel trumpet fertilizer according to their growth stage and watch these exotics transform into vigorous, floriferous beauties!
Timing is Everything: When to Fertilize for Peak Blooms
Angels Trumpet is a heavy feeder, thriving on frequent fertilization. To align with its growth and bloom cycles, start with a water-soluble fertilizer in spring. As the plant gets ready to bloom, switch to a formula that has more phosphorus to help it produce more flowers.
Weather and Soil: Adapting Your Fertilization Schedule
Local climate and soil conditions arent just small talk; theyre critical to your fertilization strategy. In areas with long growing seasons, you might fertilize well into fall. But if youre dealing with a short summer, its a sprint—so pack in the nutrients while you can.
Making Changes Based on the Soil If the soil is too sandy, it will filter out nutrients more quickly, so you’ll need to fertilize more often. If youre working with heavy clay, go easy on the feeding—nutrients stick around longer in this environment.
The Best Fertilizers for Angel’s Trumpet
FAQ
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