How I use powdered cinnamon to seal and cauterize the cut end of an orchid rizome.

[james mickelso]

Yes, I was busy in the Gh today. After touting the germicidal and fungicidal properties of powdered cinnamon, and having folks come back here telling us how they dumped a ton of it on the roots, I thought I would esplain how to use it properly. You need a plain Q-Tip and a tin of powdered cinnamon like you use in baking. (No I don't bake. Or cook. I'm a guy. I stole it from my mom). Take the Q-Tip and roll the end around between your fingers to loosen the cotton a bit. This helps pick up and hold the cinnamon. Dip the end in the powder and place the powdered cotton on the cut end of the rizome/leaf/damaged bud/broken stem. Dab the powdered end of the Q-Tip on the cut and pat the cinnamon down into the cut. Place the Q-Tip back into the tin of cinnamon and screw on the cap. (Guys!!! Don't put the tin back into your wife's cupboard). Simple huh!!! Powdered cinnamon works better at sterilizing and cauterizing the wound better than anything else I've tried. I use it any time I damage a plant. ( Hey!!! No smirking!!! Ok. I'm a clutz. So what!!!) Byeeee.

[Leafmite]

Nice tutorial.

[james mickelso]

Thanks.

[RosieC]

Cool, this is just about what I do, except I hadn't thought of roughing up the end of the q-tip first... oh and I do put the cinnamon back in the kitchen cupboard, but I usually pour out a little to dip the q-tip in so that the main pot isn't contaminated.

Great tutorial anway

[Orchidgirl83]

I use a small cheapo makeup brush.

[kindrag23]

Nice tutorial I sometimes make mine into a paste because I will goof and get it on my roots if I dont. Or because the wind is blowing like crazy and i dont want to take a chance.

[Picotee]

Good thread. I usually make a paste of the cinnamon and dab it on. Then I use the remainder in my oatmeal.

[Kalasinman]

You can make it into a strong tea also. Pour on or spray on.

[kindrag23]

Originally Posted by Kalasinman

You can make it into a strong tea also. Pour on or spray on.

Make into a strong tea? Okay I'm interested in how you do that?

[Kalasinman]

No formula. Dump some in water, stir, then boil for 15 minutes. Strain.