I just bought this plant yesterday and set it out in the bed where I want to plant it. This morning I went out and the main stem was broken almost completely but still hanging. For some reason, sadness I think, I taped it back together. Will that work? I doubt it. Can I root the top if I cut it completely off? I know that the plant will eventually generate another stem but this is so beautiful and I'm so bummed. It was probably my doberman who has gotten used to walking around in that planting bed because it has been empty. She's a klutz and never pays attention to plants.

I think it is some type of cordyline, no idea which one.

It is indeed a beautiful Cordyline and the pieces will root very easily. Your bottom part will sprout again too.
'TI plant logs' are sold in Hawaii as 4 inch pieces of trunk in plastic baggies that are very easy to root.

That's right, I've seen those in Hawaii but didn't realize it was this plant. So, I just cut the stem completely and put it in some well draining soil? Maybe put some rooting hormone on it?

yep.

Or in the pot it came from, wherever there's room. Every time I cut off the top of one of these, (on the far left,) it makes 2 new ones.



Ti logs were cool!

Mine broke during a wind/rain storm when a branch fell on it. The broken part is growing in the same pot and I noticed a new shoot coming out of the break! They seem to be very forgiving of both out pets and our weather damages.

I'm so glad to hear this, thank you everyone. I almost cried when I found it this morning. I will take off my silly tape tomorrow and plant the top. I will also figure out a way to keep the dobie out of that garden bed so I can replant it, probably that means I have to go out with her every time for awhile until she gets that I don't want her in there. I did finally get her to stay out of another bed that way, it was tiring but it worked.

You could plant the top, or you could cut the whole top piece into 6 inch segments and plant all of them. Just an idea....

I took these 2 pics of current stumps making new tops. This was cut about 3 weeks ago. Before that, I'd just cut it about 4 weeks prior. It keeps donating to my decorating whims and trades.



I guess the one is trying to make a liar out of me but in my defense, it's already a side-shoot, so technically, the top of this one isn't cut to make 2 new tops, but this soon, it may make another one and is just not ready yet, maybe that bump on the left will sprout out. Counting on 2 tops in place of one is probably incorrect. Expecting is reasonable though. This was cut 4-5 weeks ago.

Jonna, how is your Ti plant doing? How many actual plants did you end up 'making?'

Mine has decided to make this stalk of buds.

I planted the bottom and it is alive but hasn't grown much. I also put the top in a pot with some other stuff I was rooting and it is actually doing better. I should put it in the ground too but I haven't had a chance. I'll take some pics tomorrow.

Ti are basically really really easy. The main thing that will get them is chemicals from water...so if you can, collect rainwater. Flouride is especially nasty to them. They also like a lot of fertilizer (I've learned this recently) and mulch.... Plants take on a certain flourish when foliar fed...

I grow Ti in 'stands' with color arrangements and I keep the heights varying for interest. When I cut back a stalk, I strip the leaves and use them for mulch on the remaining plants. Even in a pot you can use the old icky looking leaves for mulch.

Old leaves from any plant is the best mulch you can use...like a fertilizer!!!!

Hope this helps....