Cinnamon Powder, Good or Bad?

[KristofferNgo]

Hi

I saw a video on the internet to use cinammon powder on cut portions of an orchid (i.e. if you cut a rotten root, rotten leaf, or if the orchid has a wound). This way, it's a natural fungicide to prevent the orchid from developing any infections or unwanted disease. Can I confirm if this is okay? Also, do any of you have any suggestions to treat orchid wounds/rot?

[Mr.Fakename]

As you mentioned, it only works as fungicide, so it's not effective at preventing bacterial outbreaks.

It's also a powerful desiccant and should be avoided on roots; other than that it has its uses on leaves and wounds.

[Ray]

Actually, cinnamon has both fungicidal and bactericidal properties.

[WaterWitchin]

My opinion, yes, cinnamon is useful for certain things. I wouldn't call it a natural bactericide or fungicide. It's a desiccant. If you apply it to a fresh cut, it desiccates the cut so bacteria won't have a place to feed and multiply, so essentially the end result. I wouldn't use it on or near roots, period.

Best way to apply... mix small amount of cinnamon with a white glue like Elmer's. Use a Qtip or similar to dab on the cut.

[Ray]

Originally Posted by WaterWitchin

I wouldn't call it a natural bactericide or fungicide. It's a desiccant. If you apply it to a fresh cut, it desiccates the cut so bacteria won't have a place to feed and multiply, so essentially the [same] end result.

Dear WaterWitchin,

Cinnamon doesn’t care what you call it!

There are, however, chemicals within the bark that really are fungicides and bactericides.

Cinnamaldehyde has been shown to kill the gut bacterium, Heliobacter pylori, that has been implicated in the formation of some ulcers.

I have used it to cure athletes foot, too.

Cinnamon leaf oil contains eugenol, which is a much more powerful curative. It has been used to rid folks of toenail fungi, and they are notorious for being difficult to eradicate.

Your friend,

Bill N.

[KristofferNgo]

Okay, thank you very much for all of your opinions!

[WaterWitchin]

Oh Bill... I was just waiting for you to chime in! I knew this would end up being a real deal with science behind it.

Our OP should now, as a newbie, at least have a pathway to go forward. Gotta love it. We agree to keep it off the roots, and it's a desiccant, right?

I just love our relationship Bill... two different birds, both flying?