Does cinnamon help with root rot?
Written by
Olivia Mitchell
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.Cinnamon helps fend off root rot thanks to its antifungal properties. I use it sometimes. Cinnamaldehyde kills off typical fungi, including Pythium. Apply it after any root pruning sessions. It is most effective for early-stage infections and prevention.
Root Treatment
- Sprinkle 1 tsp powder directly on pruned roots
- Focus on cut surfaces where infections enter
- Reapply after each watering during recovery
- Combine with chamomile tea rinse for better results
Soil Prevention
- Mix 2 tbsp cinnamon per cup of potting soil
- Apply thin layer on soil surface monthly
- Water gently to avoid washing away powder
- Refresh after heavy rainfall for outdoor plants
Ensure you use high-quality Ceylon cinnamon. Cassia cinnamon is effective, but not as potent as cinnamon. Keep any powder in an airtight container. Freshness is essential. My ten-year-old fiddle leaf fig is doing fabulously well after being given the stuff every month. Dust some on after a watering, so the soil is still moist.
Combine cinnamon with cultural practices. Improve soil drainage with perlite. Water only when the top two inches feel dry. Sterilize instruments between plants. Cinnamon's potency increases with these steps. I saved my entire collection of orchids from reinfection this way.
Acknowledge that cinnamon has some limitations; severe root rot may require more effective options. Use hydrogen peroxide when over 50% of the roots are black. Commercial fungicides will provide results much more quickly than cinnamon. Properly pruning and repotting are always necessary in cases of severe root rot, even if cinnamon is used during the treatment process.
Cinnamon solution for hard-to-reach roots. Mix 2 tablespoons of powder in 1 cup of warm water. Allow to steep and strain. Fill a spray bottle to apply to root zones. Use weekly during recovery. This saved my monstera's aerial roots! Also, always, always test on small areas first!
Read the full article: How to Treat Root Rot: Save Your Plants Now
