Devil's Trumpet

Devil's Trumpet requires consistent watering throughout the growing season. In its summertime home, the plant will need to be watered once or twice per week. During the winter months, the plant will need to be watered less often since it is not actively growing. The soil should be checked with your finger before watering to ensure that it is adequately dry. If the soil feels dry, it's time to water. Overwatering can cause the plant to become sick or rot.

Devil's Trumpet prefers partial shade. Direct sunlight should be avoided as it can cause the plant to scorch or dry out. When providing light to Devil's Trumpet, the best option is to place it in an East or West facing window to receive a few hours of morning or evening sun. A sheer curtain can be used for a bit of extra protection during the hotter months. During the winter months, it may be beneficial to move a potted Devils Trumpet outdoors since sunlight is often limited indoors. This helps to provide the plant with as much natural sunlight as possible.

Devil's Trumpet enjoys warm temperatures between 65 and 85 °F (18-29 °C). Temperatures below 50 °F (10 °C) can cause damage to the plant. When nighttime temperatures dip too low, move the plant indoors overnight or provide protection with blankets or sheets.

Devil’s Trumpet prefers a high humidity level as it thrives in tropical environments. Ensure its soil remains moist at all times and mist it with warm water occasionally to increase and maintain humidity around the plant. You can also group your plants together to increase the humidity within the air or use a pebble tray and a kitchen sieve.

Devil's Trumpet prefers a well-draining, nutrient-rich soil with a pH of 5.5 to 8.0. An ideal potting mix for the plant is composed of two parts potting soil, two parts perlite, and one part compost. This combination ensures the soil drains properly without becoming saturated. You can also add a slow-release fertilizer to the potting mix to help the plant grow and thrive.

Devil's Trumpet does not require much fertilizer, but it will benefit from it during the growing season. Use a water-soluble fertilizer once during the growing season or a slow-release fertilizer twice throughout the year. Fertilizers can be found at most garden centers. Keep an eye on the plant as it can be sensitive to certain fertilizers, so it is important to use one that is specifically formulated for plants like Devil's Trumpet.

Devil's Trumpet can be vulnerable to common pests, such as aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. These pests can cause damage to the leaves and reduce its overall health. To help get rid of pests, try using an insecticidal soap spray. This spray will kill off the pests without damaging the plant. Other methods include hosing off the plant with water or pruning away any affected branches. Neem oil can also be applied to the plant as a mild insecticide.

Devil's Trumpet should be repotted during the spring when its roots have outgrown its pot. Select a pot that is two or three inches larger than the current one and use a high quality, well-draining potting mix. Amend the potting mix with a slow-release fertilizer and repot the plant carefully, making sure its roots aren't disturbed too much. Place the repotted plant where it will get adequate amounts of sunlight and water it thoroughly to settle the soil.

Devil's Trumpet responds well to pruning. Prune your plant throughout the growing season after blooms have died and before buds have appeared. To encourage the shrub to become bushier, prune it so that the branches are somewhat evenly distributed around the plant. You can also use pruning to shape the plant and limit its size when needed. However, be sure not to over-prune your plant as it can cause it to become weak and unhealthy.

Devil's Trumpet should be mulched with dark mulch such as cocoa beans to help insulate the soil and hold in moisture. You can also use gravel, pebbles, or wood chips for this purpose. The mulch should be applied in a thin layer around the base of the plant and lightly watered to keep it in place.

Devil's Trumpet can easily be propagated from cuttings. Take a cutting from a non-flowering stem that is at least 6 inches long and remove the lower leaves. Place the cutting into a pot filled with potting soil and water it thoroughly. It is important to keep the soil moist by covering the pot with plastic wrap. To help with the rooting process, you can place the pot in a sunny spot and mist the cutting regularly.

Devil's Trumpet may require support as its stems can become top-heavy due to its large blooms. Keep an eye on your plant and provide stakes or a tomato cage for extra support if needed. This helps to keep the stems upright and evenly distributed, making sure the plant is not weighed down in one area.

Devil's Trumpet needs a rest period during winter. When the flowers fade and the temperature drops, the plant will enter a period of dormancy and its growth will come to a halt. During this time, it will require less water and less light. Keep an eye on the plant and adjust the watering and light levels as necessary.

Devil's Trumpet is toxic to pets and should be kept away from animals. The sap of the plant can cause irritation and can also be toxic when ingested. If ingested, it can cause vomiting, tremors, and difficulty breathing in pets so it is best to keep it out of reach. It is also toxic to humans, causing an uncomfortable rash when the sap comes into contact with skin.