Cinnamon use
 

I have seen a lot about the use of cinnamon to combat rot and fungus. I was just wondering if anyone had tried using a stick of cinnamon in with the medium as a preventive measure? Is that possible?

I am afraid that it would cause the roots to shrivel and dry up.

Hmmm... I had wondered about that, but figured that maybe since there isn't a lot of water in orchid medium, there would only be enough moisture to barely activate the cinnamon.

in paste or in liquid form the cinnamon is useful to orchids to heal cuts and to kill bugs-fungi-bacteria.... in powder form if dropped accidentally on it; it can dessicate the roots...so we only dab it to the wounded/cut part of the plant if powdered form; it is best to make a paste by adding water to the powdered form
so, I dont think it is advisable to have cinnamon stick near the roots of your orchids

Wonderful info! And more detailed than I have found so far. This is the first mention I have heard of using it in a paste form. So what would you recommend in a case of root rot? Only apply to the area that was cut? Does it act as a cauterizing agent?

I love to use natural and home remedies, and I always have cinnamon on hand. Is there anywhere that tells the how, when and where to use cinnamon? Are there other household products that could be useful or beneficial in orchid care?

I just use the ground cinnamon and dab / press it on areas being careful to not get it on roots. I think Ray has instructions on how to make a spray on his website - First Ray's, in the home remedies section - I know you steep the cinnamon in alcohol. For root rot I just cut away rotted roots and pot in fresh media. If you feel you must use something on the roots the cinnamon "tea" might be ok :dunno: or you can use listerine or hydrogen peroxide.

Home remedy to kill bugs:

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon extract(found in the grocery store aisle with vanilla extract and almond)

10 drops liquid dish soap

2 cups tepid water from the sink

pour inside a spray bottle and add a cinnamon stick inside

spray your plant with bugs til soaking wet

repeat the next week

* in case of bug eggs...soak the pot in the mix for five minutes

Check out this page: Home Remedies.

I doubt that a cinnamon stick in the potting medium would dry out the roots, or do any preventive good.

Root desiccation is as a result of the powder in contact with it, not the active ingredient, as far as I can tell. Spraying the roots with a cinnamaldehyde infusion does not cause desiccation for me.

However, in raw bark form, the surface area is so low, very little with diffuse into the medium to do any good.

Then there is that "trumping" factor: if you're getting fungus or rots in your potting medium, then it's your culture that needs improvement, not the application of a "magic potion".

Great info! Very helpful :D

I like the reasons that you give here! I like to know the 'why' of things, and you explained it very well. :thanx: