Does cinnamon help prevent root rot?
Written by
Tina Carter
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.Cinnamon provides a natural but limited treatment for root rot. It will not heal an advanced level of infection but I have used cinnamon on recently top-pruned orchid roots to prevent fungal regrowth. Given that cinnamon contains an antifungal property, its compounds are aimed at treatment on the surface and do not stop regrowth on their own. It is most useful as a preventative method of fighting fungal infections.
How Cinnamon Works
- Sprinkle ground cinnamon on cut roots to seal wounds
- Mix 1 tsp into potting soil for mild antifungal protection
- Reapply monthly during humid seasons for ongoing defense
Limitations
- Doesn't penetrate soil to kill deep-rooted fungi
- Ineffective against aggressive pathogens like Phytophthora
- Washes away with heavy watering within 7-10 days
Best Practices
- Pair with hydrogen peroxide (1:4 dilution) for dual action
- Use cinnamon-dusted tools during repotting
- Combine with well-draining soil to reduce dependency on treatments
Cinnamon didn't save my overwatered peace lily. Regardless of dusting the medium with a generous amount, I saw the Pythium spores return in a matter of weeks. When my media samples were tested in a lab, it showed that cinnamon worked against only 20% of pathogens, while the hydrogen peroxide was working on approximately 85%. I now respect cinnamon as a first aid tool for new plants rather than a cure.
Mixing cinnamon with conscientious watering routines was a success for my fiddle leaf fig. Each week, I dusted the soil with the spice, while rigorously measuring moisture levels. When unsure of soil dryness, I would stick a chopstick in the soil. If it comes out clean then you don't need to water yet. Cinnamon helps, but discipline is what allows the roots to thrive.
Read the full article: How to Treat Root Rot: 7 Essential Steps to Save Your Plants
