# Kinked, split or snapped stem: likely causes and fixes

> Kinked, split or snapped stem on cannabis is most often Physical damage (kinks, splits, broken branches). How to tell them apart, the fix for each and what recovery looks like.

Also called: broken branch, stem split, snapped stem, cracked stem, kinked stem.

Run the checker with this sign: https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/diagnose/?at=stems&s=stem-damage

## Likely causes, most likely first

### Physical damage (kinks, splits, broken branches) (Likely)

- Kind: Physical damage; urgency: Deal with it this week
- 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.
- Confirm: 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.
- Article: [HST and supercropping: controlled stem crushing](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/training/hst-supercropping.md)

## Note

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.