mending split rose stem

I've read better poetry, but it's not too bad.

In message , Sam Plusnet writes

My grandfather used to use insulating tape when grafting fruit trees. I don't know if it is still available. I suppose double spiral wrap of narrow cotton bandage might do. I think modern PVC insulating tape would cause damage over a period long enough for the plant to heal.

I think you can get some special tape, but whether it survives is really luck of the drawer in Roses. Funny things they are. Brian

actually the very stretchy pvc tape might just expand. The stuff i recall seems to self disintegrate ofer time. Brian

I accidently snapped a growing tip off a dracena ~20 years ago. I pushed it back in place and slid a neoprene sleeve over to hold it whilst it repaired. It repaired and grow for about 5 years, before that shoot died. As the shoot grow, the stem didn't grow any wider at that point, and I suspect that strangled the fluid transfer inside.

The dracena itself is still doing fine with lots of other shoots. It's now 10 foot tall and has to stand on a corner of the stairs, which is the only place with enough headroom.

It needs to be a tight wrap until the wound heals. Try self amalgamating tape which will help pull the split together.

To apply it you have to stretch it to at least double its length as you wrap it.

Ask in uk.rec.gardening

Is the correct answer.

Someone there said bind it tight so I've just been down with a torch and applied two woodwork clamps!