Brugmansias

Well, I won ANGELS PHANOMENA but lost FLEMING ISLAND SPIDER. That's ok though because I'm liking the look of Charles Grimaldi. Just need to find a source

 

Hiya Kristen.

What is the other 50%? MP compost I presume? Would you recommend that mix during the potting on process?

 

Anything suitable I guess. For permanent planting, in containers, I favour something with soil in it as it doesn't shrink like MPC and is easier to re-wet if it gets dry. If you have several large pots to do (as is my case!) it tends to get expensive sing JI#3, so I tend to use my own compost heap mixed with sand and/or grit.

I use MPC + about 10% Perlite (sand / grit would do) up to about 10L - 15L (i..e as "normal" with any other plant), but then pot on into a larger container using a mix with well rotted manure. Its hard work potting on things larger than 20-30L, so I tend to go straight to a large container at that point. My 2' diameter x 18" tall pots are about 130 Litres

What I'm not sure about is what to do in the second year. Tip them out, remove lots of compost, and report using fresh (well rotted) manure / compost, or grow on with new fertiliser. I'm trying the latter this year (second year in large pots), so I'll let you know.

I'd be interested to hear what Wayne does with his - what size pots, and whether he changes the compost?

 

How do, sorry I haven't answered sooner, but the sun was out and there was planting to be done!!!

I tend to buy compost with john Innes and add like Kirsten does extra drainage. Of late, I've used fine cat litter from Tesco's, much cheaper than perlite and does about the same job.

I do change the compost in pots, just to freshen it up, potwise, it's always changing. I'll have to measure what they mostly end up in?? I'm rubbish with the sizes.

Here's a little beauty I call Engelbert, it's proper name is Engelsglocken, a Arborea hybrid with a seriously sweet smell, like condensed milk???

 

Hiya chums

My Brugmansia (ANGELS PHANOMENA) turned up yesterday. I've put it in the greenhouse which I'm maintaining a minimum of 10c at night. I'm assuming that this is ok?

 

perfect , just be carefull of the slugs , they love young brugs

 

I suspect that it really doesn't matter if you replace the compost or not. As I see it, the compost supplies structure and nutrients. If you are feeding regularly, you will be providing all the nutrients.

As far as structure is concerned, I have read in various places that compost breaks down in time, and the particles become smaller and the drainage becomes worse. So I have seen it suggested that anything that is going to stay in a pot for a long time should be in a soil based mix, as soil doesn't break down with time.

 

Part of my thinking was replacing the compost would replace the "50% well rotted manure" in my mix, and given the greedy feeders that that might make quite a difference?

But given the size of pots mine are in I think its too much of a job ... I'll give them a shovel full of Hundreds & Thousands slow-release instead

 

I'd agree with Pete about potting soil, but still very important to provide sharp drainage, saying that last year my friend kept them a dish of water all the time, and they did great. I was was thinking that they would hate to sit in water??? confusing this Brugmansia malarky!!

Anyway back on the subject. Feed the soil, I am going with the Molasses,Kelp and humic acid mix recommended to me for the start of the growing season every week. Once the forking starts I'll switch to Tom feed almost every day in a weak diluted form.

Roll on summer, off to a rare plant fair today at Saville Gardens, what will catch my eye??

Wayne

 

Can you define "weak" a bit please Wayne?

I tend to use a 50% strength solution, but every other watering ... "every day" would be a new feeding regime for me (but I know they are gross feeders and I'm keen to have a crack at getting mine "groaning with flowers" this summer

 

I'll have a go! Weak feed, usually is a watering can of water with a teaspoon of Molasses, and a cap full of seaweed..a mixed up..looks like a weak tea!

Smells nice too!
Wayne

 

Hello folks.

Just a 'quickie', am I supposed to feed this cutting?

 

Ah, I see now. I was assuming a commercial feed and thus you could say XX% of normal ... I'll give it a bash and report back.

How did you arrive at that formula? Keep increasing until you made them puke or until no noticeably extra improvement? or just that that worked and stuck with it perhaps?

I wouldn't until it has rooted and been potted on and then not for a month until it has got the pot well rooted.

(My advice would be to then pot on regularly so it never gets pot-bound)

 

What I know is down to other's, but I honestly saw a improvement in the health of the Brugmansia... they really are greedy buggers!!

Have a go! See what you find?
Wayne

 

Hi what is the difference between a brugsmania and datura? The reason I ask is I popped into the Range the other day and noticed they have some white datura. I wanted a pink or orange colour so that is the only reason I left it.