Devil's Trumpet

Devil's Trumpet Care

Datura metel

What is the plant

Once used in ancient ceremonies and traditional medicine, Devil's Trumpet brings a touch of mystery with its stunning blooms and potent scent. Just handle it with care—this plant is as toxic as it is beautiful.

Devil's Trumpet, native to warmer parts of Asia, is a plant that makes an unforgettable impact with its large, hanging flowers that bloom in white, purple, or soft yellow. It can reach up to 6 feet (1.8 m) tall, with wide, ovate leaves and trumpet-shaped blooms that can be as long as 8 inches (20 cm). The flowering season usually begins in mid-summer and can last until the first frost.

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Humidity

High

Lighting

Full Sun

Hardiness zone

9 - 11

Difficulty

Easy

Hibernation

Cold Period

How to Care for the Plant

Water
In the spring and summer, aim to water it 2–3 times a week, especially if the weather is warm. For fall and winter, ease back to once a week or whenever the top inch (2.5 cm) of soil feels dry.
Pruning
Lightly prune the plant in the spring to shape it and remove any unhealthy or diseased stems. Be cautious; this plant is toxic, so wear gloves. Pruning helps it maintain a neat look and encourages new growth.
Fertilizer
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season (spring through early fall). Look for something with a 10-10-10 N-P-K ratio.

Disease diagnosis

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Sunlight
The plant needs lots of sunlight to flourish—ideally, 6–8 hours of direct light daily. In hotter regions, some afternoon shade can prevent leaf scorch, but too little sun will reduce flowering.
Soil
It prefers rich, well-draining soil that holds moisture without becoming waterlogged. A garden soil mix with added organic matter (like compost) is ideal. As for soil pH, aim for 6.5 and 7.5.
Propagation
Propagation is best done through stem cuttings in early spring. Cut a healthy stem around 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) long, remove the lower leaves, and then place it in water or a rooting hormone mix. Keep it in indirect sunlight, and in about 2–3 weeks, roots should appear.

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Temperature
Devil's Trumpet thrives best in USDA zones 9–11, preferring warm temperatures between 70–85°F (21–29°C) during the growing season. It can tolerate short dips to 50°F (10°C), but anything lower can be too cold, so protect it with frost covers if needed.
Container
If you plan to grow this plant in a pot, go for a large container—something at least 15 gallons (57 liters) in capacity to give those roots room to spread. Ceramic or glazed clay pots are a good choice since they’re heavy enough to keep it stable and help retain moisture.
Fun fact
In Hindu tradition, Datura metel is associated with the god Shiva. It’s often offered to him in ceremonies, symbolizing his legendary act of drinking poison to protect the world, which left him with a blue throat.

What's wrong with your plant?

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Common pests
Common pests include aphids and spider mites. A gentle spray with water can dislodge them, or you can use insecticidal soap for more serious infestations.
Frequent diseases
Watch out for fungal issues like leaf spot and root rot. Keep the leaves dry and avoid waterlogging the soil to prevent these problems.
Botanist’s tips
If a sudden frost is forecasted, cover your Devil's Trumpet or bring potted plants indoors to prevent damage.

When growing it in a pot, we recommend repotting each spring to refresh the soil and give the roots room to grow. A pot that’s too small can stunt its growth.

All parts of the plant are toxic. Always wear gloves when pruning or handling, and wash hands afterward to avoid accidental exposure.