Angel’s Trumpets are famous for their massive, showy blooms, and honestly, once you see them in person, it’s hard not to want more of them in your garden! If you’re looking to expand your collection, your best bet is definitely propagation via cuttings rather than starting from scratch.
Why Cuttings Beat Seeds Every Time
When it comes to Angel’s Trumpets, taking cuttings is way easier than growing them from seed. Like many exotic plants native to South America, getting these seeds to germinate can be a total headache. They are super picky about everything from the exact nutrient balance in the soil to the perfect moisture levels. Propagation by cuttings, on the other hand, is much more straightforward and beginner-friendly.
How to Do It Right
Ready to give it a try? Here is the step-by-step breakdown for successful cuttings:
- Look for young, healthy shoots that are about 4 to 6 inches long.
- Snip them off and strip away the lower leaves.
- Grab some potting mix, enrich it with a bit of slow-release fertilizer, and fill up your starter pots.
- Tuck your cuttings into the soil.
Once they’re planted, find a bright spot where the temperature stays pretty steady—ideally between 65 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit. In about two to four weeks, your cuttings should start developing a fresh root system. At that point, you can move them into larger pots and start your regular care routine.
Tip Cuttings vs. Stem Cuttings
While most people go with “tip cuttings” (the method I just described), you can also use “stem cuttings” taken from the lower part of the plant. The upside to using stem cuttings is that it leaves the younger shoots on the main plant free to produce flowers. The downside? These stems are usually more “woody,” which means they have a harder time rooting. If you want the best chance of success, I’d recommend sticking with tip cuttings every time!
