How to Cut Angel Trumpet Plants

The more you prune Angel Trumpets, the more lush they become.

Angel trumpet plants are members of the nightshade family, making them as deadly as they are gorgeous. If your garden is not home to small children or plant-chewing pets, these plants are a lush addition to any landscape. Angel trumpets can grow as tall as 20 feet. You can prune angel trumpets at any time of the year and as often as you like.

Things You'll Need

• Sharp pruning shears
• Gardening gloves

Instructions

1. 

   Always wear gloves when tending Angels Trumpets.

   Check new plants for at least one "Y" branching. If they do not have a Y branch, they are not ready to be pruned. Leave them alone until they have branched.

2. 

   Sharp shears are less damaging to plants.

   Examine your Angel Trumpet to determine the difference between new growth and old. New growth will be a fresh, green color, while older growth will be more gray and appear more dry.

3. Cut very close to the trunk as you prune away the old growth. If you are aiming for a full and bushy angel trumpet plant, you will also need to prune the branches that grow sideways. Clip these at a joint, because each clipped joint can produce two new branches.

4. Clip the roots of potted angel trumpet plants. They are one of the few plants that don't mind having their roots messed with. Remove the plant from its pot, gently shake off the loose soil, and trim the root ends before replanting it. You can keep an angel trumpet plant in a 10-gallon pot indefinitely if you keep the roots trimmed.

Tips & Warnings

• Replace the potting soil in potted angel trumpet plants at least once a year to keep the flow of nutrients fresh.

• Never handle an angel trumpet plant without gloves.

References

• Gardener's Network: How to Grow and Care For Angel Trumpet
• Ethno Supply: Angels Trumpet
• University of Wisconsin: Angel's Trumpets

Resources

• Desert Tropicals Angel Trumpets