Cinnamon sticks as growing medium

[Lars Kurth]

A florist friend of mine uses 25cm cinnamon sticks for flower arrangements. They typically have a profile like a slightly open B-shape and are extremely sturdy. When I saw them, I immediately thought these may be great to grow on smaller mounted orchids. Of course cinnamon also has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties and should not break down easily. I was wondering whether anybody has experimented with cinnamon sticks as growing medium for smaller mounted orchids and seedlings.

[neb]

I would think it would kill the roots or if that didn’t happen then the cinnamon sticks would rehydrate and not last very long.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Cinnamon dries up the roots of orchids. It is also known to have chemicals that inhibit growth.

[Lars Kurth]

Good I didn't try (-:

[RosieC]

I would think the same as above. While it's great for treating cuts I've always heard you should be really sparing with it on roots as it dries them up a lot.

[Izzie]

Cinnamon (by way of it's essential oil, Cinnamaldehyde) is a dessicant, so yes, it would be counterintuitive to use it as a potting media. It's dessicating/drying properties are what make it such a good antifungal and wound sealer though.

[Izzie]

However, the sticks ARE great for tossing into a wood-burning fireplace to make the room smell Christmas-y.

[Daethen]

Or tossing into a cup of hot cider to make a yummy treat.

[Izzie]

Originally Posted by Daethen

Or tossing into a cup of hot cider to make a yummy treat.

Forget cider. I make full-blown Wassail every holiday season.

[neb]