Deformed foliage and stem damage

19 years ago

One of my plumies got a bad stem burn from pea gravel when I rooted it last year. I didn't do anything because it was growing fine but I hadn't realized just how badly the stem had been damaged. It's burned almost all the way through. The plant seemed to be growing well when it came out of dormancy but it's now getting deformed foliage. I checked and there's no insect infestation. There was damage from spider mites earlier in the season that can be seen on some of the older leaves. Could the damaged stem be the reason for the deformed foliage? Is there anything I can do short of cutting the plant above the damaged area if that is the cause of the problem? Could I just plant it deeper in the soil so the burned portion is underground?

TIA,

Karyn

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Comments (6)

musarojo
19 years ago
I donÂt have experience with this situation, but my instincts suggest that burying it deeper could lead to rot. Your options appear to be cutting and rerooting or letting the remaining bark grow over the damaged area. Unless someone else knows for certain which is the best course of action, I would suggest watching for now and rerooting if it appears the wound isnÂt going to heal.

Philip
chazparas
19 years ago
Karyn,
How did the peagravel burn the cutting? I've got pea gravel as mulch around my plumies to keep the squirrels and chipmunks out of the pots, I'm tired of pulling oak seedlings from them in the spring.
the pea gravel has been on over a year now, should I remove it?
Chaz
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karyn1
Original Author
19 years ago
The damaged area is well healed and fully callused over. I hadn't realized how deep the damage was. It's holding together by less than 25% of the original stem. So far it's stable but I don't know if it will remain so when it gets really top heavy. Right now it has 3 branches and is about 2'-2.5' above the soil line. I guess I could stake it to keep it stable but I was wondering if it's possible that not enough nutrients are reaching the top of the plant now that it's getting bigger. I really have absolutely no idea. lol That's why I'm posting : ) I'm open to any guesses/suggestions.
Karyn
karyn1
Original Author
19 years ago
Chaz sometimes the pea gravel can get super hot and burn the stem if it's up against it. If you've had it there for a year with no problem you're probably fine. I think damage from pea gravel is more the exception then the rule.
Karyn
kbauman
19 years ago
Hi Karyn,
I had that happen last year on a cutting, did have pea gravel up against the stem. It just burned and burned its way through under the soil, was hard, mine eventually became hollow. Pea gravel is ok, around edges, personally I won't use it anymore.. you can put red wood shavings around, works for me now.

Would depend on how much is needed in the middle to make it grow. You have a bottom and a top..center might break or ?
Karen
karyn1
Original Author
19 years ago
Karen I now use styrofoam blocks when necessary to stabilize my cuttings. No more pea gravel for me. The damaged area is almost at the bottom of the cutting, maybe 2" above the soil.
Karyn