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Avatar for Riley87
Feb 6, 2024 11:17 AM CST
Thread OP
Nordic
Hello, I have a palm looking kind of plant. I have no idea what it is named but I am attaching pictures.
My question is if this plant can somehow grow together if I keep it wrapped in wet paper and plastic wrap?
I accidentally broke it the other day and have been keeping it like this. I unwrapped it at took pictures so you can see what damage I did to it.

Thank you //Riley
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Feb 6, 2024 11:23 AM CST
Taos, New Mexico (Zone 5b)
Crescit Eundo
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I don't know if it will survive but I wouldn't use plastic wrap. I think you want it to breath. I'd put a splint on it and keep the splint in place with plant tape or something elastic.

If it falls off anyway you should try to replant it.
Avatar for Riley87
Feb 6, 2024 11:48 AM CST
Thread OP
Nordic
Henderman said: I don't know if it will survive but I wouldn't use plastic wrap. I think you want it to breath. I'd put a splint on it and keep the splint in place with plant tape or something elastic.

If it falls off anyway you should try to replant it.

Okay thank you. It is now hanging with kitchen thread.
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Feb 6, 2024 12:03 PM CST
Name: PotterK
Seattle, WA
I predict the bottom part of your plant will survive and maybe sprout new growth, below the break, if you give it a chance. And the upper part will dry out, or rot and die.

I encourage you to experiment. Take the top off and stick it in its own pot. Maybe you'll get two plants!
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Feb 6, 2024 12:38 PM CST
Name: Bea
PNW (Zone 8b)
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You could try to help it heal and support the Plant. It's hard to tell from the pic how long the stem has been broken which could be a factor weather or not it has dried out where the break is which will prevent the stem from healing. If the break is new and or is a partial break and the stem is still partially connected, gently realign the broken parts and provide support. If realignment is not possible cut the upper stem from the plant.
Of the stem can be matched at the break use gardening tape, duct tape, pop cycle sticks as splints to hold the stem in place. A long bamboo pole inserted in the soil aligned to the top of the plant and secured with tape , string. Make sure the support is secure but not too tight to avoid further damage and tight enough to hold the stem in direct line with the break.
It takes months to heal and loss of the upper leaves is normal . Once the stem is secure remove 30% of the upper leaves so the plant can save energy to heal at the stem line of the break rather than support the upper leaf growth. This process can take indirect light and carefully check the stem/plant daily.
If this does not show signs of healing in a few days in order to save the upper stem cut at break with an even cut . Remove the top section place the cut stem in water it will grow new roots in a few weeks. Then plant in a new pot or if enough room in pot where the old stem is add the rooted stem back in the same pot. The main stem left in the pot will also grow new leafs in time too.
Remember in order for the stem to root remove 50-60% of the leaves so the plant will send energy to grow new roots . Some of the upper leaves will die anyway. I usually cut the leaves in half that were left after removing 50% of the upper leaves.
I have done the above techniques many times as some of my Dracaena's or common name Corn Plants are well over 20 years old and propagated them several times from cuttings.
If a tall full leafy plant is desired then purchase a new plant. It will take years for the existing plant stem and cutting to grow to the large size of the original plant.

There are many examples of this technique on youtube.
Picture below is a stem cutting growing roots in water ready to plant in soil.
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Avatar for CalPolygardener
Feb 6, 2024 12:50 PM CST
California (Zone 9b)
It's a Dracaena and it won't 'heal'. It's best to remove the top and start a new plant with it. Otherwise just cut it off and toss it.
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Feb 6, 2024 1:22 PM CST
Name: Rick R.
Minneapolis,MN, USA z4b,Dfb/a
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Agree. With this kind of plant, while the missing/broken part might just callus over, it will never regrow. You've forever lost more than half of the ability for the stem to transport water and nutrients above that point, and that part of the stem will never be strong and would need a permanent brace just to maintain ittself, let alone grow.
When the debate is lost, slander becomes the tool of the losers. - Socrates
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