Orchids are more likely to be overwatered or diseased when the weather is warmer and humid (Image: Getty)
are among the most popular due to their ease of care, but they can be vulnerable to infections in spring if they are not cared for properly. Many houseplant owners will be delighted at the warmer temperatures as they mean will begin but the increased humidity also brings about fungal diseases.
Orchids love a humid environment, but excess moisture can leave the soil wet and roots soggy, which will encourage diseases that can make the plant wilt, turn mushy and have a strong smell to indicate the roots are rotting.
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A simple way to treat an unhealthy orchid is with cinnamon (Image: Getty)
To keep orchids healthy, ensure the plant is in a room with plenty of air to reduce the humidity. It is incredibly easy to overwater orchids at the wrong time, which can encourage fungal spores.
However, the gardening experts at have shared that the solution to a fungal infection may be in your kitchen, as many foods, like cinnamon, have natural antibacterial properties.
They said: “Not only does it taste and smell good, cinnamon is a natural fungicide, which makes it useful for protecting your orchid plant from fungus and bacteria.”
It may seem bizarre, but cinnamon is often used on orchids to help them heal after they have been overwatered or pruned too harshly. Cinnamon is extremely absorbent, and when applied to a wound or soggy soil, it will dry the area quickly to help prevent infection.
However, it is important to use cinnamon correctly, as it will dry out plant tissue. This can help an overwatered orchid in wet soil but can be dangerous for a perfectly healthy orchid.
Leave the cinnamon on the orchid wound for a few hours and it should help the plant bounce back quickly (Image: Getty)
Cinnamon should only be used as a plaster to aid in healing an orchid and should never be used as a fertiliser or feed to help boost a normal plant.
Apply a light dab of cinnamon to the tips of trimmed roots and trimmed leaves of an orchid to help prevent fungal infections after cutting away any rotted areas of a plant.
Let the cinnamon sit on the area for an hour or two, and then gently wipe it away to prevent the whole plant from drying out.
The expert said: “After you have trimmed your orchid’s leaves, stem or roots, sprinkle a little dusting of cinnamon over the areas. You can sprinkle the seasoning over the area you’d like treated or dip the area directly into some cinnamon. Just make sure the areas you’re sprinkling have been moistened to help the powder stick.”
This is a simple and natural way to treat an infected, overcut, or overwatered orchid. It helps the plant heal and prevents serious damage.