We Get Questions

More questions about winter.

Q: Hi,
i bought a monadenium ritcheil from you which i just discovered had a rotting piece. don't know what you would call it but one of its sections, or little protrusion thingies (how's that for techno talk) was soft and water logged. so i removed it to find that it was mushy even further down and so i took a knife and cut away all the mush till i cam to pretty solid stuff. so now i have this section cut out of the thing. doesn't look too bad cause it isn't that big but it is a small gapping wound and was wondering if i did the right thing and if there is something i should do to protect the open area. I know its hard to judge these things without seeing the patient, but your best guess would be helpful until i find the time to bring her/him in.
Ellen

A: Ellen,

It sounds like you did the right thing by cutting away the infected stem. You should treat the wound with regular household hydrogen-peroxide to clean and sterilize. You can use a "Q-tip" dipped in it or put some in a spray bottle and just squirt the wound. Treat it two or three times over a few days and it should heal up quickly. While it is healing keep the plant warm and dry. Do not water for three to four weeks, Monadenium like to be dry in the winter.

Hap