How to fix a snapped lateral shoot

[jimbojones5678]

This image shows a plant that has suffered an accidental injury. The top lateral shoot or branch was snapped through approximately 60% and we want to save it as there is important bud sites on the shoot.

 

When the snap occurred the branch was immediately placed back in position and bound with a small piece of tape but clean material or a splint would have been better (ziplocks and matchsticks). The position of the break made it difficult to apply a splint as well and would be better applied to a break further down the shoot.

 

The idea is to make a support stand beneath the branch so that the faces of the two sides of the wound will be pressed together snuggly. The support poles could range in size from skewers to broomsticks depending on the size of the plant in question.

 

Keep an eye on the growth stemming from the injured area over the next few days. Some plants can suffer from stunting and an extended recovery time while others may show no signs of stress and continue as normal with occasional displays of improved growth. I wouldn't say this is a very safe method of improving your plants vigor though...

 

This advice and the edited image are thanks to IndyCar who posted this in a reply to my dilemma.

Above & beyond IndyCar!

 

If anyone else has different techniques they should explain them here so we can get a few methods.

 

Jimbo