Brunfelsia in Alaska: Humidity, Fertilizer Overload, and Pruning

Core Issue: Dry Air

Even with 55–70% humidity, Brunfelsia (tropical shrub) needs more. Use humidity tray (water‑filled lower tray), group plants, or room humidifier.

Fertilizer Chaos

You're applying multiple products weekly (DynaGro, VF‑11, hormones, bat guano, bone meal, aluminum sulfate, magnesium sulfate). This burns roots. Simplify:

• One balanced fertilizer (e.g., 7‑9‑5) at label rate, weekly max.
• No other additives same week.
• Aluminum sulfate only if soil alkaline (pH >7).
• Magnesium sulfate once yearly, pre‑bloom.
• Rest week every 4 weeks.

Pruning Reset

Cutting back to 6″ and removing bad growth was correct. New buds appearing is good sign.

Soil

Repot if rootbound: 2″ larger pot, potting soil + play sand.

Request Brunfelsia care article at wcreed@HorticulturalHelp.com.