Bracted Trumpet Tree Plant Care

Bracted Trumpet Tree (Himatanthus bracteatus) belongs to the Apocynaceae family within the Himatanthus genus. Bracted Trumpet Tree is also known as Cagaita.

Bracted Trumpet Tree displays a small tree or shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Bracted Trumpet Tree produces small, white, star-shaped flowers with a yellow center.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Bracted Trumpet Tree every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Bracted Trumpet Tree thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Bracted Trumpet Tree in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Himatanthus bracteatus tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Bracted Trumpet Tree prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, slightly acidic soil mix with added perlite for improved drainage. Good drainage is essential for Bracted Trumpet Tree to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Bracted Trumpet Tree every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining, slightly acidic soil mix with added perlite for improved drainage. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Bracted Trumpet Tree is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Bracted Trumpet Tree can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Bracted Trumpet Tree while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Bracted Trumpet Tree is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Bracted Trumpet Tree can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to sucuuba plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Bracted Trumpet Tree is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Bracted Trumpet Tree grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. In cooler regions, grow Bracted Trumpet Tree as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.