Lost cause or just a case of time?

[Mapleminx]

For those of you that remember, I had a few Brazilian ironwood seedlings chomped by a cat. It’s been over a month since that happened now and there has been zero recovery from the tall seedling. His growing tip was eaten and I thought seeing as he still had one very sad branch and leaves that be might recover.

So a month on with zero sign of progress, is it a lost cause or just a waiting game? Most magnified picture I could get. That red bit is just the end of the chomped part.

 

[Mapleminx]

Here he is back on March 29th, the day of the attack. Center back of picture i case it’s unclear which.

 

[Shibui]

I don't know Brazilian Ironwoood but I think it would be very unusual for a seedling NOT to sprout from a leaf node. Just cross fingers and continue care until all hope is gone. It may just take a while for them to activate dormant buds.

 

[penumbra]

Agree with the above. I would try to get it outside in a protected area.

 

[sorce]

It looks fully dead below that node.

Sorce

 

[leatherback]

Patience

 

[Mike Corazzi]

Cat fertilizer.

 

[Mapleminx]

Agree with the above. I would try to get it outside in a protected area.

The survivors in Group 1, along with Group 2 are all outside this afternoon enjoying a couple of hours of sunshine. .
Can’t stay out full time at the moment because the night temperatures are still a bit jumpy.

 

[Mapleminx]

It looks fully dead below that node.

Sorce

I was thinking the same but everyone else is saying wait, so I guess I’ll just keep waiting. The “sticks” were tossed out because there was pretty much zero chance of coming back from that level of munched.

 

[Paradox]

If it was dead, it would not have the leaves on the remaining branch.
That branch should take over as the new apex.
Give it time

 

[leatherback]

If it was dead, it would not have the leaves on the remaining branch.
That branch should take over as the new apex.
Give it time

exactly.

One side node.. I think it is an individual leaf, not a branch. But a compound leaf.

 

[leatherback]

Cat fertilizer.

Nah that's just shit to use

 

[Forsoothe!]

As long as you have one green leaf, it's alive and will improve if you can get it into its native condition before death. Be very careful of going to direct sunshine. Meanwhile, back at the ranch, time for a two-step dance: take it outside when temps are in the 60's and put it in bright shade. No direct sun until you see improvement. Do not let it dry out even once.

 

[penumbra]

As long as you have one green leaf, it's alive and will improve if you can get it into its native condition before death. Be very careful of going to direct sunshine. Meanwhile, back at the ranch, time for a two-step dance: take it outside when temps are in the 60's and put it in bright shade. No direct sun until you see improvement. Do not let it dry out even once.

My exact feeling and advice.^^^

 

[River's Edge]

I would be inclined to try this additional step. Place the pot in a large plastic bag and extend above the seedlings to create a tent. This higher level of humidity will likely improve your chances of not drying out and speed the process. be sure to open the bag occasionally and maintain moisture levels as well as fresh air. You can also place a stick or two to keep the bag from collapsing on the seedling.
alternatively you can place the open end of the bag over the pot and tie around the circumference of the pot to hold it.
Simply making a temporary mini greenhouse/propagator.

 

[Mike Corazzi]

Nah that's just shit to use

I may have been unclear. I was not suggesting using cat PRODUCT. The cat itself.

Oh boy, now I'm gonna catch flak.

 

[Paradox]

Nah that's just shit to use

Especially if its already been used by the cat

 

[sorce]

There could've been enough nutrition in the cotyledons to keep above it alive, it's what they're for.

Now that they are gone, I reckon the tree is as well.

If you want to waste more time saving it, I reckon a better bet would be to remove what is above and "cutting" it.

Once that dead stem below becomes gushy dead, it is also continuing to give wet to the "cutting" while it is still attached.

Sorce

 

[River's Edge]

There could've been enough nutrition in the cotyledons to keep above it alive, it's what they're for.

Now that they are gone, I reckon the tree is as well.

If you want to waste more time saving it, I reckon a better bet would be to remove what is above and "cutting" it.

Once that dead stem below becomes gushy dead, it is also continuing to give wet to the "cutting" while it is still attached.

Sorce

It is possible that what you are viewing as a dead stem is partially lignified growth on the lower portion. The picture could be deceiving. For example which of the three stems are we talking about? Or is it the lower portion of the magnified upper section that looks partially lignified to me

 

[leatherback]

looks partially lignified to me

that was my conclusion too. A good sign. The plant is just struggling to get back to growth.