Propagating Angel Trumpet Plants Indoors

Preparing the Container

• Angel's trumpet is propagated in a well-drained potting medium such as a good-quality commercial potting soil. Any planting container is appropriate, as long as the container has at least one drainage hole in the bottom. Fill the container with the potting soil, and then mist the soil until it is evenly moist but not drenched.

Taking the Cuttings

• Locate a healthy stem, and then cut a 3- to 4-inch tip. Ensure the cutting has at least three or four leaves, and then pull the leaves from the bottom half of the stem. A rooting hormone isn't absolutely required but facilitates faster rooting. To use a powdered or liquid rooting hormone, dip the bottom 1 inch of the stem in the substance. Rooting will not occur 100 percent of the time, even with the assistance of rooting hormone. To ensure you have at least one successful plant, take at least two or three cutting. Remember that all the plant's parts are considered toxic, so wear gloves when handling the cuttings.

Planting the Cutting

• To plant angel's trumpet cuttings, make small holes with a stick or pencil. Place the bare ends of the stems in the holes and then pat the potting soil around the stems. Ensure that at least one leaf node -- the bump where you removed a leaf -- is planted under the soil. You can plant more than one cutting in the same pot, but don't allow the leaves to touch because the plant may rot. If the leaves are too large, snip them in half horizontally. Smaller leaves save space and use less moisture.

Environment

• Angel's trumpet is a tropical plant and the cuttings benefit from a warm, humid environment. To create this environment, place the pot in a clear plastic bag. Tie the top of the bag closed, or close it with a rubber band. The inside of the bag usually stays humid until the cutting roots; however, check daily and mist inside the bag if the potting soil becomes dry. Place the pot in a spot with regular room temperatures and moderate light.

Rooted Cuttings

• New growth indicates that the angel's trumpet cutting has successfully rooted. At that point, it's safe to remove the plastic, but open the top of the bag for a few days first to allow the plant to become acclimated to the cooler, drier air. Move the newly rooted plant into bright light. Fertilize the new plant every two weeks, using an all-purpose liquid fertilizer for indoor plants. Water the plant deeply whenever the top of the soil feels dry and then allow it to drain thoroughly. By early summer, the new angel's trumpet plant should be large enough to plant outdoors. If you prefer to keep the plant indoors, move it into a larger pot.