Brugmansia aurea
Images by part: leaf (0) · flower (1) · fruit (0) · bark (0) · habit (0) · other (0)

Brugmansia aurea

Yellow angel's-trumpet · Golden angel's-trumpet · Borrachero · Culebra

Tier 1 Difficulty: easy Water: low Light: full_sun
Water every
10 days
Temperature
15–35 °C
Soil pH
5–7
Hardiness
Zone 8–10
Click count
32
Observations
34

Description

Source: leafsnap

Brugmansia aurea, the golden angel's trumpet, is a species of flowering plant in the nightshade family Solanaceae, endemic to Ecuador. Since March 2014, it has been listed as Extinct in the Wild by the IUCN but before that, it was listed as Vulnerable.Despite being declared extinct in its native range, Brugmansia aurea is a popular ornamental and is widely cultivated, like the other members of its genus. It is sold and grown as a garden plant, described as a large evergreen subtropical shrub capable of growing to 20 ft (6.1 m) in height. The large, pendent, trumpet-shaped yellow or white blooms appear in summer and autumn in the Northern Hemisphere. The pleasant fragrance is strongest in the evening.

🌳 Besides its established ornamental role, golden angel's trumpet could be useful in less familiar applications like phytoremediation, because it can take up heavy metals from contaminated soils. Its attractive fragrance also suggests untapped opportunities in the perfume industry. Moreover, golden angel's trumpet contains compounds known for insecticidal activity, making it a potential option for natural pest control in agriculture.

Care Guide

💧 Water Every 1-2 weeks
Suggested frequency: Every 1-2 weeks
FAQ
How should I water my Golden angel's trumpet plant?

Your Golden angel's trumpet is not picky about how you water it. You can use any common watering tool – cans, hoses, cups – to water the plant. It's important to water directly onto the soil, making sure to evenly moisten all areas to support the whole root system. Filtered water is better than tap water, as tap water can harm the plant. It's also recommended to use room temperature or slightly warm water, as extreme temperatures may shock the plant. However, the Golden angel's trumpet generally responds well to any water you give it.

What should I do if I give my Golden angel's trumpet plant too much or too little water?

When planting outdoor plants, especially new ones or seedlings, be mindful that they may need extra watering. It is important to continue watering consistently for the first few months, especially when the tree is still small or newly planted. Once the roots are established, Golden angel's trumpet plants can rely on rainfall for most of their water needs. If you have planted your Golden angel's trumpet in pots, be cautious of overwatering. Should you accidentally overwater, take immediate action to resolve the situation. Stop watering the plant right away to minimize the impact of overwatering. Then, remove the plant from its pot to inspect the roots. If no root rot is present, you can return the plant to its container. However, if root rot is evident, trim away the affected roots and consider using a fungicide to prevent further damage. Repot the Golden angel's trumpet in well-draining soil. In the case of underwatering, simply increase the frequency of watering. This is a relatively easy fix. The plant's leaves may droop, dry out, and fall off when underwatered, but they will quickly regain their fullness after sufficient watering. If you notice signs of underwatering, make sure to adjust your watering schedule promptly.

How often do I need to water my Golden angel's trumpet?

Most outdoor plants can grow naturally with rainfall. If your area doesn't have much rainfall, you should water your plants adequately every 2 weeks in spring and fall. In the summer, you'll need to water them more often. During winter, when plants grow slower and need less water, you should water them sparingly. You might not need to water them at all during the winter. However, if your Golden angel's trumpet is young or newly planted, you should water it more frequently to help it establish and grow into a drought-tolerant plant. For potted plants, there are two main ways to determine how often to water your Golden angel's trumpet. The first way is to follow a set watering schedule, which could be once a week or once every other week. However, this may not always be reliable as it doesn't consider the specific conditions of your growing environment. Another approach is to base your watering frequency on the moisture level of the soil. It's generally best to wait until the top 2 to 4 inches of soil, about ⅓ to ½ depth of the pots, have completely dried out before watering again.

How much water should I give my Golden angel's trumpet plant?

To water your Golden angel's trumpet, you don't always need a lot of water. If only a few inches of soil have dried since your last watering, give it about five to ten ounces of water. You can also gauge the water volume based on how dry the soil is. If more than half of the soil is dry, give it more water until you see excess water draining from the pot's holes. If it's raining often in the outdoor area where your plant is, it might not need extra watering. When the plant is young or establishing, give it 1-2 inches of rain per week. As it grows, it can rely on rainwater, but if there's no rainfall for 2-3 weeks, give it a full watering to prevent stress.

How do I know if I'm giving enough water to my Golden angel's trumpet plant?

The Golden angel's trumpet commonly faces the issue of overwatering, which can be identified through a few indicators. If your Golden angel's trumpet is being overwatered, its leaves will turn yellow and it might shed some of them. Additionally, overwatering can lead to the plant's overall structure appearing shriveled and may cause root rot. On the other hand, an underwatered Golden angel's trumpet will also display signs of wilting. Its leaves may become brown and brittle to the touch. Regardless of whether you observe symptoms of overwatering or underwatering, it is important to take action and restore the plant's health.

☀️ Light Full sun

Golden angel's trumpet does best in spots that get plenty of sunlight all day, similar to its native surroundings. As the plant matures, it can tolerate full daytime sun without harm. However, if the sunlight becomes excessively intense, leaves may become scorched. Conversely, too little light can result in stunted growth and poor flowering.

Ideal: Full sun
FAQ
How many hours of sunlight per day does a Golden Angel's Trumpet need for healthy growth?

To promote healthy growth of Golden angel's trumpet, it is important to provide it with at least 3–6 hours of sunlight each day. This is the minimum amount of sunlight it requires. Although most plants that can tolerate partial sunlight can also do well in full sunlight, Golden angel's trumpet is more adaptable because it needs less light for photosynthesis compared to plants that require full sunlight or partial shade.

What kind of sunlight does Golden angel's trumpet need?

Golden angel's trumpet thrives in full or partial sun. It thrives most when it receives direct morning light, but it requires protection from the intense afternoon sun during the summer. If exposed to excessive hot afternoon sun in temperate climates, the leaves may become burned, negatively impacting the plant's overall health and appearance.

Can sunlight harm Golden angel's trumpet? How can I keep Golden angel's trumpet safe from the sun and heat?

When moving Golden angel's trumpet plants from indoors to outdoors, it's important to be cautious of direct sunlight. To prevent sunburn, gradually transition the plants from a shaded area to a brighter location. However, even when acclimated to the summer sun, extreme heat can still harm the plants. To protect them during heatwaves, it's crucial to keep the soil consistently moist. Additionally, consider relocating containers to areas with afternoon shade or covering them with a shade cloth for added protection.

Does the Golden angel's trumpet plant need to stay away from the sun?

Golden angel's trumpet benefits from bright morning sun and some full sun exposure. However, it cannot tolerate the intense midday sun during summer. If it is planted in the ground, it can gradually adapt to the increasing intensity of the summer sun. However, potted plants that have been indoors or in a protected location can be injured if suddenly exposed to the direct summer sun in the hottest part of the day. To protect the plant from the harsh afternoon sun, it is recommended to plant or place it in an understory location where it will be shaded at midday by taller trees, plants, buildings, or landscape features.

What will happen if the Golden angel's trumpet doesn't get enough sunlight?

If Golden angel's trumpet does not get enough sun, it can become pale green or have drooping, yellow leaves. While losing a few leaves is normal, if the plant keeps losing leaves without growing new ones, it means there is a problem. If the plant manages to grow in low light, the new growth may be weak, pale, and more likely to be infested by insects. By noticing these signs and adjusting the lighting, you can make a big improvement for the plant.

🌡️ Temperature 15–35°C

Golden angel's trumpet is a plant native to mild climates where temperatures range from 59 to 95 °F (15 to 35 ℃). It prefers warm conditions and can withstand light frost. If temperatures drop significantly, consider relocating the plant indoors or providing appropriate insulation.

Ideal temperature: 15–35°C
FAQ
What temperature is best for Golden angel's trumpet?

Plants are affected by colder temperatures because their temperature matches the air around them. In sunlight, they can warm up, but this doesn't happen in winter. The Golden angel's trumpet thrives in temperatures between 70-85℉ (21-30℃). It can tolerate temperatures of 20-30℉ (-6-0℃) or even 15℉ (-10℃) briefly, but prolonged exposure can result in frost damage. To keep them healthy, make sure the maximum temperature remains within the range of 70-85℉ (21-30℃). Additionally, provide occasional watering and some shade to prevent wilting.

Do I need to change the temperature for Golden angel's trumpets as they grow in different stages?

To successfully grow Golden angel's trumpet, it is important to research and ensure that the temperature is appropriate. Some growers may choose to lower their plants' thermostats during the growing season to save on HVAC costs. However, it is crucial to understand that temperature has an impact on the plants' flowering, pest control, and overall quality. During the winter, some species of Golden angel's trumpet may enter a dormant state, causing growth to halt. As the seasons change and the base temperature increases, the plant will grow more rapidly. Species naturally found in warm environments have higher optimum temperatures compared to those thriving in cooler climates. Exposing Golden angel's trumpet seeds to cool temperatures can lead to uneven growth and delays. It may be beneficial to lower the temperature during flowering, but it is not recommended during other phases. Cooler night temperatures also require less watering, so be sure to adjust irrigation accordingly.

How do I make sure Golden angel's trumpet stays warm during cold seasons?

To help your plant adjust to colder temperatures, stop fertilizing it to prevent new growth and allow the existing growth to become hardier. To keep the Golden angel's trumpet warm, you can build structures like cages or trellises around it. Another option is to use heat mats, which can gently warm the soil and maintain a consistent and ideal temperature range for the plant.

How do I protect Golden angel's trumpet from being damaged by temperature?

To protect the Golden angel's trumpet from frost during winter, you can cover it with cloths, tarps, burlaps, sheets, or plastic buckets. Make sure to secure the covers properly to insulate the plant and prevent them from being blown away by the wind. However, be cautious that plastic sheets or burlap should not touch the fruit or foliage as this can result in burns due to the cold temperatures being transferred to the material. When daytime temperatures start to rise, it is safe to remove the covers.

Do I need to change the temperature for Golden angel's trumpet during different seasons?

During spring, when growing the Golden angel's trumpet, it is advisable to increase humidity due to the cooler air temperatures. This is because a dry atmosphere can be stressful for various species. As summer arrives, the greenhouse's large cover and warmer temperatures naturally result in higher humidity levels in the air. Keep an eye out for condensation on the greenhouse walls during this time, as it can affect pollination and lead to leaf infections when it drips onto the leaves. Adjustments should be made in response to temperature changes and consider spraying the plants on hotter days of the year.

💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 5-7
Soil pH: 5-7
🌱 Fertilizer

Timing is vital for fertilizing Golden angel's trumpet. Start fertilizing in early spring and continue once a month until early summer. Fertilizer promotes attractive blooms and supplies energy during both dormant and active growth periods.

FAQ
Why should I use fertilizer on my Golden angel's trumpet plant?

To help your Golden angel's trumpet bloom beautifully, it is important to fertilize it. One of the best times to do this is in early spring, as it ensures excellent flowers during that season. Fertilizer provides the plant with energy that it can store in the ground during dormant growth phases. By giving your Golden angel's trumpet extra nutrients during fall planting or late spring, it will have more energy to use once active growth resumes.

When should I fertilize my Golden angel's trumpet for the best results?

To give Golden angel's trumpet the best care, timing is crucial when it comes to fertilizing. If you use fertilizer too early, when the plant is still dormant, it won't be effective and will simply be washed away by rainwater, which is wasteful and can cause pollution. It's best to apply the first round of fertilizer in early spring and continue fertilizing once a month until early summer.

When should I not put fertilizer on my Golden angel's trumpet?

To ensure healthy growth and abundant blooms of the Golden angel's trumpet, it is important to consider its fertilizer needs. Avoid using a fertilizer with excessive nitrogen content, as this promotes excessive leaf growth but inhibits flower production. Look for a fertilizer that has a lower level of nitrogen compared to other essential nutrients. Furthermore, refrain from fertilizing the Golden angel's trumpet after early autumn, as this can encourage excessive growth right before winter, which may weaken the plant. Additionally, avoid fertilizing the plant during hot and dry periods, as dry soil is less effective in delivering the nutrients. Fertilizing during such times can also stimulate growth, demanding more water that may not be readily available. It is advisable to apply fertilizer during cooler temperatures earlier in the season. Lastly, bear in mind that the Golden angel's trumpet can absorb fertilizer applied to neighboring plants or lawns. To prevent accidentally giving the tree or shrub an excess dose of fertilizer, exercise caution in this regard.

What kind of fertilizer should I use for my Golden angel's trumpet?

To ensure optimal growth for your Golden angel's trumpet, it is recommended to use a fertilizer that contains a balanced mix of the three main plant nutrients, with slightly higher amounts of phosphorus. Alternatively, you can enhance the plant's soil by incorporating organic materials like compost, worm castings, or manure. Experienced gardeners often supplement with water-soluble fertilizers containing phosphorus 1-2 times when flower buds appear, as this helps promote better flower development, bigger blooms, and longer blooming periods. Fertilizers come in various forms, and most of them work well for Golden angel's trumpet. However, the liquid or powdered forms tend to be the best options. Regardless of the type you choose, make sure to dilute the fertilizer and apply it while watering your Golden angel's trumpet.

How should I add fertilizer to my Golden angel's trumpet plant?

To effectively fertilize your Golden angel's trumpet, it’s important to follow the specific directions for the type of fertilizer you're using and conduct some research. Avoid over-fertilization by determining the correct amount to use, which can be crucial. The general guideline is to base the fertilizer amount on the tree's age or trunk diameter. Estimate around one-tenth of a pound of fertilizer per year or per inch of trunk, with a maximum of one pound. For granular or organic fertilizers like blood meal, sprinkle them around the tree's base, extending all the way to the drip line (the area beneath the outermost branches). Be careful not to let the fertilizer touch the trunk. Over time, the granules will break down and mix with the soil for root absorption. After fertilizing, apply a one-inch layer of compost near the base of the tree and water it thoroughly.

🪴 Pot & Repot 2-3 years

Golden angel's trumpet should be repotted every 2-3 years in a large, deep pot, ideally in the spring. After repotting, make sure to provide high humidity and indirect light. Consistent moisture and warmth are essential for its recovery and overall health.

Suggested frequency: 2-3 years
✂️ Pruning

The golden angel's trumpet is a shrub known for its large, trumpet-shaped flowers. To keep the plant healthy, prune it in early spring to remove dead branches and improve air circulation. After the plant has finished flowering, thin the canopy and cut it back to encourage more blooms. Regular pruning supports vigorous growth, and using clean tools helps prevent disease.

🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Shrub
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Brugmansia
Family
Solanaceae
Hardiness Zone
8-10
Mature Height
10.06 m
Mature Spread
3.96 m
Leaf Color
Green
Leaf Type
Evergreen, Deciduous
Flower Color
Gold, Yellow
Flower Size
22.86 cm
Bloom Time
All year round
Planting Time
Spring, Autumn
Harvest Time
All year round
Native Area
Colombia, Ecuador, Peru

Tags (8)

Common Names (4)

en Yellow angel's-trumpet
en Golden angel's-trumpet
en Borrachero
en Culebra