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View Full Version : Cutting back a water mama to allow a sword?


Snarkie
07-05-2016, 02:25 PM
I have a couple of water suckers that are pretty much doing nothing. They're about 18" tall, but are sending up swords. Should I whack the mama cabbage off the top and let the sword take over?

RAINFOREZT
07-06-2016, 09:14 AM
Feed them ..and see what happens do not cut mama.

Richard
07-06-2016, 12:56 PM
So called water suckers are just a symptom of poor care and fertilization. Feed them properly and the sprout will develop normally. I have not had water sucker symptoms for well over a decade.

a.hulva@coxinet.net
07-06-2016, 11:47 PM
If you don't need any more plants, I would remove the biggest pup and leave one of the smaller ones. Another approach that I use is to take a machete and slice between mother and the pup but leave it in place. This way you don't disturb the roots of either one and they will continue to grow until you decide what you want. I agree with Rainforezt not to cut off the mother.

cincinnana
07-07-2016, 04:04 AM
I have a couple of water suckers that are pretty much doing nothing. They're about 18" tall, but are sending up swords. Should I whack the mama cabbage off the top and let the sword take over?

If your talking about your Basjoos along your driveway.... let them be.....feed them and watch your mat grow larger. Basjoos have a lot of looks when growing and usually a lot is happening underground catching up to the new runner.:)
If you unearth the plant at the end of the season you will see what I mean.

I agree with the other guys.:08:

Snarkie
07-07-2016, 11:46 AM
Thanks for the info. This was a pair of twins that are doing absolutely nothing, but now have a sword sucker coming up. I like the idea of cutting between them, so if the sword gets taller than the mama's in a week or two, I will try that approach.