Morning Dr.
I took your advice on the straw stem support. It worked, but had unexpected side effects.

Roots started growing under the straw and the stem is thinner where the straw covered.
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But the biggest problem was getting it off. Even with tweezers. The straw was flexible enough to keep trying to wrap around even when prying open at one end. That kept trying to cut into the stem.
So it worked for me but I need to find a better way that gives at least as good results.
Thank you sir! You got me past the worry point.