Pest identification
What's eating my double angel's trumpet?
Hornworm caterpillars
Signs: Rapid, severe leaf loss; eggs and small caterpillars hidden within the double flower tubes
Control: Inspect flowers as well as leaves; hand-pick; apply Bt spray to stems and foliage; repeat weekly
Whiteflies
Signs: Yellow stippled leaves; clouds of white insects on the undersides of leaves; honeydew build-up
Control: Yellow sticky traps near the plant; insecticidal soap or pyrethrin spray every 5 days
Slugs and snails
Signs: Irregular holes in lower leaves; slime trails on stems and surrounding soil overnight
Control: Hand-collect at night; apply iron phosphate pellets; clear mulch away from the main stem
Keep double angel's trumpet pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Double Angel's Trumpet pests — FAQ
What is eating my double angel's trumpet?
Double Angel's Trumpet (Brugmansia suaveolens 'Plena') shares the same pest pressures as other tree daturas. The double blooms can trap and hide hornworm eggs longer than single-flowered forms. Whiteflies, aphids, and spider mites are common secondary pests. In garden beds, slugs may damage low-growing stems and emerging shoots, especially in wet climates.
How do I get rid of hornworm caterpillars on double angel's trumpet?
Rapid, severe leaf loss; eggs and small caterpillars hidden within the double flower tubes Inspect flowers as well as leaves; hand-pick; apply Bt spray to stems and foliage; repeat weekly
How do I get rid of whiteflies on double angel's trumpet?
Yellow stippled leaves; clouds of white insects on the undersides of leaves; honeydew build-up Yellow sticky traps near the plant; insecticidal soap or pyrethrin spray every 5 days
How do I get rid of slugs and snails on double angel's trumpet?
Irregular holes in lower leaves; slime trails on stems and surrounding soil overnight Hand-collect at night; apply iron phosphate pellets; clear mulch away from the main stem