Delisa posted on March 31, 2010 20:04
How to form a Brugmansia into a Single Trunk Standard
Standard or bush forms are the options for shaping brugmansia. A standard form may be obtained in two different ways. The growing of a seedling is one way. Seedlings naturally grow into a standard tree form. Another way is to take a side shoot cutting or bottom (from the base) which will be below the Y. Choose a side shoot that is straight, strong, and woody. Next follow the instructions for propagation from a cutting and place the side shoots in a gallon pot with well draining soil. Place in a shady area then water and then water only after the soil has dried on the top. The drying of the soil will help in aiding the roots to grow out while seeking water. The plant will grow to form a Y or it may already have developed.
Bottom and side shoots often develop on Brugmansia. If you are planning on maintaining the shape as a trunk standard the side shoots will need to be trimmed off. The side shoots make wonderful gifts for friends and will not ruin the looks of the plant as may happen if there is too much cut from above the Y. When trimming back the branches from above the Y leave 7 or 8 leaf nodes so when your plant grows you will still have plenty of blooming branches.
