I'm new to growing a brugmansia. I started growing "frosty pink" from a seed-trade last year. It is about 18 inches high now. Does these plants shed their leaves in winter and go dormant? Both my plants are doing that and the tips seem wilted even though I keep the soil a bit moist all the time. I have in their permanent location in full sun and I have mulched with dry leaves. The least I want to hear is that it is not a good sign. And we are anticipating a severe water shortage and a long hot summer which already seems to have begun, a bit too early. Help!
A little question
yours are outside, correct? what has been your lowest temperature so far?
I know your temps get pretty high in the summer, so you might want to think about giving your brug a new home in a place with afternoon shade if possible since it would be easier to move while it is small. It could be that the moisture and the heat together are steaming the tender growth. I'm not an expert, but I sure would move it if you have anyplace that would work. Hope your entry into summer holds back a bit and that rains come to you also. Good luck with your brug.
Dinu, your Brug will wilt quickly if there is not enough water. What if you grow it on the east side of your house? Plenty of sun, but no harsh afternoon sun. Also, can you get around the limited water by dumping dishwater or something on it?
Oh yes, as 'Forsty Pink' is a hybrid, your Brug will not be a FP, but something new and exciting.
Good luck, John
The min. temp this winter was 13C and in Summer it will rise to a max of about 38C. It wont rain till mid April and the coming months will be very dry. All of us are afraid of the water scarcity this summer. I have made arrangements to use dishwashed water and I am collecting water from the kitchen sink to use for some of the plants.
My brugs, two FPs that get about 4 hours of afternoon sun. I will think of removing them from the ground and potting it till the rainy season in June. I have two other brugs which are in a bit of shade - it faces the west but the shadow of our house will fall on them after about 3pm and it basks for a couple of hours.
Thanks for the advice.
Good luck, Dinu! I bet there are lots of plants you can grow that we can't however... John
We need some luck too, thanks.
I now notice that a few tiny leaves are coming on the stem about 2-3 inches above the soil. The top 5-6 inches of the stem is dry and dead.
I'd cut off the top 7 inches. cut down to green. the side shoots are a very good sign :)
Thanks tiG, I'd do it right away. I thought of this but this is my first brug I'm growing and so didn't want to risk it.