Sighhh, I split my stalk.

Hey again....so I was performing LST on my plants for the first time in their lives and I apparently split the stalk on each one of them. Definitely gave me a learning experience that maybe I should start earlier in the process than now (I’m in the middle of my 5th week).

So I’m thinking that I should be ok and they will heal up, but I’m definitely feeling a bit deflated. I used some strips of double sided Velcro to hold the break together. Anything else I should do and worry about?

use duct tape

Next time when you top, leave about 1/4" - 1/2" of the stalk.......it will prevent this from happening.

I would use some Grafting tape.

Duct tape is your friend in this situation. Put it back together.

I'm a big fan of masking tape and electrical tape too. But any tape will do. If you're velcro is holding then it should be fine.
Electrical tape, duct tape and grafting tape are good choices as they can stretch with the plants as they grow.
Good luck friend!

A couple of updated photos with the velcro. I’m wondering if I should zip tie them as well. I try to stay away from tape because I always have the HARDEST time trying to tape anything.

OMG_Reptar said:

A couple of updated photos with the velcro. I’m wondering if I should zip tie them as well. I try to stay away from tape because I always have the HARDEST time trying to tape anything.

Click to expand...

The answer is tape
Velcro won't keep it secure to heal
Tape it up you can wrap the tape in any direction and leave it on till post harvest

Scotch or duct or plant tape imo. Ive done a lot of LST and broke plenty of branches in the beginning. The tape unlike anything else, can not only hold the branch tight but create an actual seal while the plant heals. Without that, the plant has trouble getting water and nutrients through the stem.. even electrical tape isnt quite the right sticky (ime), it doesnt hold as well as duct or scotch. I like scotch only because i can see through it to some extent. Duct offers a lot more strength when needed.

A successful "save" will be obvious within a day or 2. No biggie my friend. You cant learn anything without mistakes. Ive broken at least 10 branches before, sometime even the main like that.

Ok, I decided to go ahead and tape it based on the recommendations.

OMG_Reptar said:

Ok, I decided to go ahead and tape it based on the recommendations.

Click to expand...

I would have spritzed it with H2O2. Then use a Q-tip to apply cinnamon to the split. No problems.

Just use some Teflon tape (self adhesive, no chemical adhesive. Used in plumbing) to tape the 2 halves together.

As long as both sides are touching firmly, and you cover the wound entirely with the Teflon tape to help block out any foreign body that could cause infection, it'll be fine.

I've split the main stem in half about 6inches deep.. never even noticed a slow in growth.ive also done this with branches and such with great success

That looks good OMG
And you said you lacked taping skills

Herb & Suds said:

That looks good OMG
And you said you lacked taping skills

Click to expand...

Thanks! I accidentally caught a leaf in one and ended up having to cut it off.

MICHI-CAN said:

I would have spritzed it with H2O2. Then use a Q-tip to apply cinnamon to the split. No problems. View attachment 4714882

Click to expand...

That plant looks like a beast!

Good job on the tape. It looks like you even taped the top part. I would of just did the side and call it a day lol.

OMG_Reptar said:

That plant looks like a beast!

Click to expand...

She turned out to be a handful outdoors. TY. Splits and breaks are no big deal if dealt with immediately. Always use H2O2 spritz for disinfection. And teflon tape as suggested by the "troll". LOL. I keep a pack of dollar store hobby 'pop-sickle" sticks around during training time. Your biggest concen is tissue drying and infection. Most don't miss a beat if dealt with soon enough.