new zealand flax.

I would just cut off the broken leaves as close to the base as possible, and feed it lightly with a low phosphate food, such as the new formula Miracle-Gro.

Before you do any cutting, I'd like to establish precisely what the plant is - please Google Phormium (New Zealand flax) and Cordyline australis (New Zealand/Australian cabbage palm, Torquay Palm). Cordyline forms a woody trunk with the growth held at the top, sometimes on more than one head - Phormium has no stem at all, just makes a big clump of leaves coming straight out of the ground. If its a Cordyline, then the required treatment may be somewhat different to that mentioned by Tugbrethil above.

Sorry, Bamboo. I didn't think about that possibility,

No apology to me necessary, Tug - anyway, it's not always possible to remember to cover all eventualities by second guessing, it's hard work for a start...

...and will drive you nuts at the end! ; }