Cinnamon, a common spice found in many kitchens, is a non-toxic remedy for plant care. Derived from the bark of Cinnamomum trees, it contains compounds like cinnamaldehyde and eugenol. These provide its mild antimicrobial and repellent properties, which can be harnessed for various garden applications. Using cinnamon allows for a natural approach to plant protection and propagation without introducing synthetic chemicals.
Preparing Cinnamon for Different Plant Applications
For treating small areas, such as fresh cuts or the soil surface, the simplest form is dry powder dusting. This method creates a physical and chemical barrier directly on the target area, making it ideal for localized issues.
A water slurry or paste is necessary for treating larger, open wounds on woody stems. This paste is made by mixing a small amount of powdered cinnamon with water until a thick consistency is achieved, allowing it to adhere better than dry powder to vertical surfaces.
For broader coverage, a cinnamon tea or infusion is prepared by steeping powdered cinnamon in warm water overnight and then straining the mixture. This liquid form is best suited for larger-scale applications, such as soil drenching or spraying foliage to combat widespread issues.
Application Frequency for Rooting and Cutting Health
When using cinnamon to encourage plant propagation, the application is primarily a single, immediate treatment to protect the vulnerable plant tissue. For fresh cuttings, the cut end of the stem should be dipped thoroughly into dry cinnamon powder right before planting into the propagation medium. This single layer of powder seals the wound and prevents fungal pathogens, such as those causing rot, from entering the cut site while the plant focuses on root development.
Cinnamon is also used to prevent “damping off,” a fungal disease that attacks the base of young seedlings. To protect the next generation of plants, a light dusting of cinnamon powder should be applied to the soil surface immediately after sowing the seeds. This initial application maintains a hostile environment for the fungal spores that cause the disease. Reapplication is generally not required unless the initial sowing fails and the medium is reused, or if the soil surface is heavily disturbed.
Application Frequency for Fungal and Pest Control
For acute fungal issues, such as powdery mildew on leaves or mold on the soil surface, direct treatment is required until symptoms disappear. A cinnamon infusion spray can be applied to affected foliage twice a week, or every three to five days, until the fungal growth visibly subsides.
If using cinnamon powder as a repellent for mild pests like fungus gnats or ants, re-dusting the affected area is a weekly necessity. Pests are deterred when a light layer of cinnamon powder is maintained on the topsoil, disrupting their life cycle. Since moisture significantly reduces the effectiveness of the powder, the barrier must be re-established, particularly after each watering or rainfall, until the pest population is eliminated. For preventative soil maintenance against soil-borne pathogens, a light, broad dusting of the soil surface every four to six weeks is sufficient.