I recently received my cutting of a variegated brugmansia in the mail. I unpacked it the same day and watered it thoroughly. It is a very healthy looking plant but it started dropping leaves the next day. It is under lights, did not put it out yet. There are no pests on this plant at all. Is this just stress?
This article covers propagation by cutting.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/brugmansia/tips-for-propagating-brugmansia.htm
I've tried for years to perfect brugmansia cuttings techniques ... without much luck. I've even bought seed which never germinate despite have a purpose seed tray and a grow light. The main problem I have is that I can get the stem cuttings to root in water but a short time afer I transfer them to a potting medium they die. I've tried al combinations of light & watering/not watering etc but I just don't seem to be able to get it right. Any advice would be most welcomed. Thanks in anticipation. JD
They root very easily, so I would have to assume that your soil is either infected, or has too much nutrients in it.
Soil should be a light mix meant for starting seeds and cuttings. Keep slightly moist, but not wet or dry. This will usually require having the soil at the correct moisture content from the start, since it will likely establish before the need to water again arises (With proper humidity control, like a dome)
Here are some articles that will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/projects/rooting-plant-cuttings.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/propagation/cuttings/root-stimulating-hormone.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/propagation/cuttings/honey-root-hormone.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/brugmansia/tips-for-propagating-brugmansia.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/brugmansia/growing-brugmansias-in-containers.htm
ng from lower down but they are not growing. I have sprayed 3 times with a broad spectrum insecticide but it doesn’t seem to be helping so, I have cut it down and hoping it will grow back. Do you have any idea what the problem is? I have used slug pellets in spring so I know it’s not slugs. I know they love my trumpet they will have to go elsewhere to eat?
Definitely not insect damage! Unfortunately, that looks like fungal damage. Has it been wet in your area for long periods of time? This is the most common cause. Use a couple of handfuls of DOLOMITIC LIME and a tablespoon or so of WETTABLE SULFUR. This will be helpful to have around and use once or twice per year in the soil. This will keep the soil conditioned, as well as keep any infections at bay.
Other things to do will be to spray all infected growth with a fungicide spray.
These articles will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/using-fungicides-in-garden.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/brugmansia/brugmansia-problems.htm
watered and I fertilized with slow release flowering plant food. I don't see any mites, even with a magnifying glass. Both plants have flowers coming.
Unfortunately, your photo did not come through. I am unable to identify the problem.
There are a few reasons that this would happen, though.
Overwatering can cause many symptoms and promote disease. Make sure to let this one dry, thoroughly, down to about 2 or 3 inches before watering again.
If this is an infection brought about by watering habit, then a fungicide may be necessary.
Another possibility will be, actual, deficiencies or pH swings.
There is a possibility of it having contracted Mosaic Virus. This is not treatable and will mean that the plant will need to be discarded.
Here are some articles that will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-soil.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/soil-ph-plants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-moisture-in-plants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/using-fungicides-in-garden.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/brugmansia/brugmansia-diseases.htm
as above one of the new stalks is completely white from base to top. No flowers yet on it. Flowers only on main stalk so far.
I would not snip it off unless it dies. If the plant seems too elongated, it may be that it needs more light. If you cannot provide this naturally, then you may need horticultural grade lighting to help it out. It is also very likely that a completely pigmentless sport has sprouted. Eventually, it will stop producing anything on that branch, and then can be taken off.
This article will help you to care for these plants: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/brugmansia/growing-brugmansias-in-containers.htm
This plant was housed in a conservatory during the winter but has developed this discolouring of the leaves in the last few weeks. It has flowered almost continuously since April but has dropped many more leaves than usual
Unfortunately, your photos did not come through. I am unable to diagnose the issue.
What I can do in the meantime is point you to our article on the care of Brugmansia:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/brugmansia/growing-brugmansias-in-containers.htm
First pic is now. The 2nd is from May 2020 after drastic pruning. It Hasn’t bloomed in 3 years. I gave it some blooming fertilizer (high K) this summer. There are no “Y”s in the branching and it never has had any, so I don’t think that is the problem since it has bloomed before. Will bring inside soon due to cooling, frosty weather. I’m in Missouri. Can you help me know what is needed for getting it to bloom? Probably too late this year, but what about next? Thanks!
These plants are heavy feeders, and they will quickly outgrow a container. If you do not wish to keep moving up to a bigger container, then the best method will be root pruning this shrub. Here are some articles that will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/root-pruning-trees-shrubs.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/hpgen/prune-roots.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/brugmansia/prune-brugmansia-trees.htm
It sounds like you have a grasp on what and when to feed them. Here are some more articles for a little more information:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/brugmansia/fertilizing-brugmansias.htm