Question
Hi Tom!
I have two mature Datura plants, both with the same obvious problem.  The bases of the plants are quite healthy, but for the last 2 years all of the leaves that do sprout quickly fall off.  The new stem growth withers and dies.  One of the plants has healthy, green growth for about 18" up from the ground, and the other is healthy and green for about 24" up from the ground.  Above that, the branches tend to wither, and any new growth quickly withers and leaves fall off. They are both in full sun and were very healthy up until a couple of years ago. No flowers!  Unusual for Datura, which usually has beautiful trumpets.  Any idea of the cause?  I want to save these beautiful plants before it is too late!  Thanks for any help you can give. If you can't help, but you know of someone who might be able to make some suggestions, please pass this email along as I want to save these plants before they die. Sharon, San Jose, CA

Answer
Hi Sharon,
Thanx for your question. Are these wild datura or potted brugmansia which are closely related?  In either case it sounds like some kind of problem in the soil and/or root.  Have you looked closelya t the stem and foliage to identify a pest?  Another thing could be a stem rot disease.  Can you let me know what kind of datura you have?  Did you start it from seed or buy it some where?  Please let me know.
thx,
Tom