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The Drinking Straw Hack That'll Save Your Bent Or Broken Plant Stems From Certain Death

What do you do when the stems on your houseplants bend, snap, or split? You might think in those cases the only option is to prune your houseplants below the break, but there are actually several options to help the plant heal itself, the same way our bodies mend cuts and broken bones, by setting the stem back in place and holding it there. 

The recommended method for temporarily supporting broken stems is with florist tape. This tape isn't sticky in the general sense, but it will adhere to itself when stretched. It's preferred for work with flora because it's green, blending in with most of its applications, and because it won't stick to — and therefore potentially damage — the plant. 

But the truth is if you don't have florist tape around, any kind of tape will do. Sometimes, however, the tape isn't strong enough to hold a heavy stem upright on its own, in which case a support staff is required, such as a stick, a pencil, or even a straw, attached to the tape next to the stem as a crutch. However, straws can be used another way as well.

Drinking straws can be repurposed as plant casts

If you don't have any tape or zip ties handy, or any other way to attach a splint to a bent stem, drinking straws can be a convenient substitute because they can be wrapped around the offending stem and will stand up on their own. In this way, the straw acts similarly to a cast for a broken bone, stabilizing the stem in place as it heals.

To fix your bent plant stems with drinking straws, measure the length you'll require and cut the straw down to size. Then, slice a slit up the vertical length of the straw on one side. Open the straw just wide enough to enclose it around the bent stem. The stiff structure of the straw will restrict the stem's movement, so it won't be able to fall over and, being held in place, will eventually be able to mend its cells. 

When the stem no longer droops, you can simply throw the straw away. Please note that either plastic or paper straws will work here, but paper ones may disintegrate over time as you water your plant. They are, however, considerably more environmentally friendly. Grab a pack of paper straws for less than $10 on Amazon and let the healing begin. 

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