Water
Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. In hot, dry weather, more frequent watering may be necessary.
Reduce watering during cooler months when the plant is less actively growing.
Also known as Angel's-Trumpets · Angels'-Trumpets · Chinese Datura
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Fierce Thorn-Apple (Datura ferox) is a highly toxic annual herb known for its spiny seed capsules and trumpet-shaped flowers. Native to South America, it is invasive in m
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Prefers a location with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and flowering.
Moderate
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during the growing season. Reduce in winter.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Warm
75% intensity
Thrives in warm temperatures, ideally between 20-25°C. Protect from frost; it is not frost-hardy.
Moderate
50% intensity
Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the active growing season.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Highly toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. In hot, dry weather, more frequent watering may be necessary.
Reduce watering during cooler months when the plant is less actively growing.
Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches to maintain shape and encourage vigorous growth. Pinch back young plants to promote bushiness.
Spent flowers can be removed to prevent unwanted seeding.
Propagate from seed sown in spring under glass, or take semi-ripe cuttings in summer. Seeds may require scarification or a period of cold stratification to improve germination rates.
Cuttings should be rooted in a well-draining compost mix in a warm environment.
Repot young plants annually in spring into slightly larger pots. Mature plants can be repotted every 2-3 years, or when root-bound.
Use a well-draining potting mix, such as a peat-based compost with added grit or perlite, to ensure good aeration.
Identify plants like this with ePlant AI
Snap a photo to get care tips and match similar species on the go.
Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Fierce Thorn-Apple (Datura ferox)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Solanales |
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Genus | Datura |
| Species | Datura ferox |
Similar in genus Datura
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data