Kinked, split or snapped stem
Immediate, after training, wind, heavy buds or handling; the part above may wilt..
- Also called
- broken branch
- stem split
- snapped stem
- cracked stem
- kinked stem
Likely causes, most likely first
Ranked for this sign on its own. Your stage, medium and readings change the order, so run the checker for your plant.
LikelyPhysical damage (kinks, splits, broken branches)
Fix: Splint and tape a split stem within hours (tape, plant tie or a straw splint); a supercropped knuckle heals stronger in 3-7 days. Remove fully broken branches with a clean cut. Support heavy colas with a trellis.
Recovery: Leaves above the wound regain turgor within 1-2 days; a callus forms within a week.
How to confirm it
- Cut a wilting stem lengthwise. On a wilting or dying branch, scrape the lower stem and cut it lengthwise with a clean blade. Brown streaks in the water-conducting tissue point to vascular wilt (Fusarium). A dark, sunken crown points to crown rot. Disinfect the blade afterwards.
Look for
The wound itself, whether bark is still connected, and the state of the leaves above it..
The full guide: HST and supercropping: controlled stem crushing
Guidance, not a guarantee. The checker weighs common causes against what you tell it; confirm with the tests before you treat, change one thing at a time and watch the new growth.
