Brugmansia Leaf Problem - Please Help

10 years ago

last modified: 10 years ago

I noticed an issue with my 2-year old brugmansia suaveolens plant that I've grown from seed and overwintered twice. Its a very large plant now, probably about 7 feet tall, and earlier this growing season I had transplanted it into a large ~40 gallon container.

In the past week, it's developed what look like burn spots on a small handful of its leaves. They are yellow to crispy brown colored, affecting portions of the leaves that aren't touching/crossing the veins in the leaf.

I'm not sure if temperature changes have caused this, or a fungal infection, or possibly nutrient burn from overfeeding..? I use a standard all-purpose fertilizer about once a week, and water it every 2-3 days because the daytime temperature has been consistently reaching the mid-high 90s lately.

Any input on possible causes or solutions would be greatly appreciated, as I definitely don't want to lose this wonderful tree. I've removed most of the damaged leaves and took pictures of them in the hopes that someone could assist me. Thanks in advance!

Featured Answer

carrie751

10 years ago

I respectfully disagree on the fertilizing. In order for me to get flushes here in North Texas, I need to fertilize at least once a week, and many times I up that to twice a week. Perhaps it depends on the growing location, but this is what has worked for me for the past ten years.

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Comments (7)

eloise_ca
10 years ago
I'm no expert, but perhaps that is sunburn on the leaves. If it's only a few leaves, I wouldn't worry about it. Your fertilizing schedule seems way overboard! People say brugs are heavy feeders, but I've never fertilized mine and they survive. You might consider taking a couple of healthy cuttings and rooting to insure you continue to have this plant.
jordan_thomas_potts thanked eloise_ca
jordan_thomas_potts
Original Author
10 years ago
Thanks for the input! I will hold back on fertilizing for a while too just to make sure it's not exacerbating the problem. I never realized my fert schedule was overboard- I'm used to always being able to feed my plants on a weekly basis once they reach a certain size/maturity. Thanks again! :)
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kathi_mdgd
10 years ago
I've had my brug for at least 5 to 6 years and i hae never ever fertilized it.

Kathi
carrie751
10 years ago
Again................perhaps location has a something to do with it, but I find that mine do best when I follow BGI's suggestions............

Fertilizer: A water soluble fertilizer is best for giving your plants the nutrients that they need. The slow release long lasting fertilizers do not release the fertilizer fast enough or in a large enough quantity to benefit the plant. I have had good luck with Peter's and Miracle Grow fertilizer although there are other good brands on the market. For a large plant it will not hurt to fertilize it two - three times a week. Brugs may also benefit from Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) applied at the rate of 1 Tbsp per gallon of water once a month. Brugs should be fertilized only during active growth, not during winter dormancy.
User
10 years ago
This morning I found the same "disease" on my Brugmansia sanguinea. I hope it is sunburn, extreme hot here in the Netherlands, 30 Celcius. And I was Yesterday not at home to put them in the shade (if not they wilt anyway). I was especially shocked because my potato's have now Phytophtora infestans (like every year). Removed the affected leaves. If a Brugmansia or tomato have Phytophthora they surely will die. Potato tubers stay allright, if you have the right race.

Maarten.
User
10 years ago
Does your sprinkler hit the leaves, or do you do foliar feeding? If the sun hits wet leaves, it can do this. Plus, if temps get up past 90 degrees, I water potted brugs every other day and the ones in the ground every day (I have sandy soil). Brown spots can also be caused by leaves wilting and trying to recover.