How to grow Angel Trumpet in Florida

Q: I purchased an Angel trumpet in March, 2018. It wasn't looking very good so I asked what to do about it. Your reply was to fertilize and keep it watered. I did & it started to improve. I went on vacation & it reverted, dropping leaves... How do I keep it happy?

A: With growing Angel Trumpets in Florida, there are a few things that may go wrong, although in general Brugmansia is a vigorous rapid grower. Once the plant is established, it is very easy to grow. Looks like your plant had some troubles at the start and is still struggling. Dropping leaves could be a sign of a root problem.

These are the main important points for Brugmansia growing:
1. Must be planted in a high spot, using very well-drained soil. Brugmansias do not like soggy conditions (happens with Florida summer). They like water, but only as long as drainage is good.
2. Full sun is a must for a healthy plant.
3. Brugmansias are heavy feeders. Fertilize at least once a month once the plant is established:
Pink N Good Daily Plant Food - Flower Booster
Angel Trumpet Delight - Smart-Release Booster
4. They are susceptible to bugs... check underneath the leaves and if any pests, spray with solution of any vegetable oil, water, and some dish soap.

The bottom line is, do not overwater but don't let it dry out. It's rainy season now, maybe too much rain affecting the plant.
Try these Sunshine Boosters, they have amazing results and often help us to bring stressed and weak plants back to life:
SUNSHINE-Power - plant booster
SUNSHINE-E - plant booster

Date: 24 Aug 2019

Growing a Plumeria Tree

Q: I have a graft plumeria that is growing sideways. The leaves seem to be growing upside down. I tied it up with yarn and a bamboo stick last night. Will it grow strong enough to support itself without stakes or should I just let nature take its course and take the yarn and stake away?

A: You should definitely help the tree and keep the stick. The tree will eventually straighten out. It will have a strong trunk and you will be able to remove the supports.

Make sure to feed the Plumeria tree to provide enough energy for fast growth and strong trunk:
Plumeria Top Dress - Smart-Release Booster.

Check out all Plumerias from our store, they are 15% OFF today!

Date: 19 Aug 2019

Colorful Yesterday-Today-Tomorrow

Q: I have a large oak in front of the house and nothing grows under it, even grass. Can you recommend me a compact, colorful flowering shrub that will tolerate shade location and still will bloom for me? I love fragrant flowers, that would be nice... Also, I am a snowbird staying in Florida mostly from Fall to Spring so I miss the flowering season! Any winter bloomers? Or am I asking for too much?

A: There is a plant for every location and every need! Here is a perfect plant for you, Brunfelsia grandiflora - Yesterday-Today-Tomorrow. It is a winter bloomer and it enjoys filtered light. In fact, in full sun Brunfellsia leaves sometimes turn yellowish, so a shade location will be perfect for it, leaves will be healthy and dark green.
It is a beautiful specimen plant. The unusual popular name of this medium-sized shrub becomes clear to anyone who observes it over the course of two or three days. Its tubular fragrant flowers change from purple to lavender and then to white over a three day period (First they open as rich lavender-blue; then they change to pale lavender and finally to almost white before they fall). Then all three colors can be seen on the same plant. It grows to about 3-6 ft and does best in filtered sunlight. Blooms fall to winter.

Check out all Brunfelsias from our store - they all are shade lover and free-flowering!

And here is a list of all winter flowering plants for you... and a Winter-Flowering Guide for Snow Birds (PDF file) that includes many late-season trees, shrubs and fruiting plants.

Date: 4 May 2024

How to find a plant name? Try Plant ID from TopTropicals - we know them all!

How to find a plant name? Try Plant ID from TopTropicals - we know them all!

📷 Submit a picture of your mystery plant in comments to this post and we will put the name to it!

Lost in the jungle of unknown flora? Fear not! At TopTropicals, we're your guides through Nature's mysteries. Share a snapshot, and we'll unveil the identity of that mysterious plant in your garden.

🔹 Captured a cool looking flower but don't know what it is?
🔹 Own a rare plant but lost a tag?
🔹 Simply want to be "know-it-all" and impress others with your plant knowledge?

We can help! At TopTropicals we know all the Tropicals.

In the photos above: Citoria ternatea, Strongylodon macrobotrys, Aetanthus nodosus, Cananga fruticosa, Butea monosperma.

Subscribe to always ID your plants:
🏵 TopTropicals - We Grow Happiness

Date: 31 May 2024

The best place to find God is in a garden

Spathodea campanulata - African Tulip Tree

✍️ "The best place to find God is in a garden. You can dig for him there." - George Bernard Shaw

📸 Spathodea campanulata - African Tulip Tree

#Quotes

🏵 TopTropicals

◂ Previous page Next page ▸Most recent entry ▴Blog table of contents