The Cinnamon Cutting Craze—Does It Actually Work?

In gardening circles, cinnamon isn’t just for your French toast anymore. It’s become a trending DIY “rooting hormone” substitute, with countless blog posts and Pinterest pins swearing by its magic powers. But does sprinkling cinnamon on your cuttings really help them root?

Let’s dig into the truth—backed by science and experience.

What the Cinnamon Method Claims

Gardeners and influencers alike promote cinnamon for cuttings with some pretty bold promises. Here’s what the trend claims cinnamon can do:

• Prevent fungal and bacterial infection
• Stimulate root development
• Replace synthetic rooting hormone

Some even suggest dusting it onto plant wounds or adding it to seed-starting mixes. But how much of that holds up under scrutiny?

Cinnamon’s Antifungal Powers—True and Tested

When it comes to disease prevention, cinnamon does have real benefits. Research shows it naturally suppresses pathogens. Specifically, cinnamon is known to:

• Inhibit fungal pathogens like Fusarium and Pythium
• Reduce damping off in seedlings
• Act as a natural sterilizer for fresh cuts

So while it won’t make roots appear out of nowhere, it can help your cuttings stay healthy during their most vulnerable stage.

But Can Cinnamon Replace a Rooting Hormone?

This is where myth meets reality. Many gardeners want a natural alternative to synthetic rooting agents—but cinnamon falls short as a true replacement. Here’s why:

• Cinnamon contains no auxins, the hormones that trigger root growth
• It protects, but doesn’t stimulate rooting, unlike IBA or NAA
• Results are inconsistent, especially with woody or hard-to-root plants

Cinnamon is better thought of as a safeguard, not a miracle grower.

When Cinnamon Works Well for Cuttings

Cinnamon isn’t a total flop—it just shines in specific cases. If you’re working with easy-to-root plants or looking for a clean, organic option, it can absolutely help. It’s especially effective when:

• Rooting softwood or herbaceous plants like mint or basil
• Avoiding synthetic chemicals in your propagation setup
• Managing rot-prone environments with high humidity
• Experimenting with organic or homemade plant care

In short: cinnamon works best when you’re not asking too much of it.

Master Gardener Tips

To get the most out of cinnamon, think of it as a supporting player in your propagation process. These tips will help you boost your success:

• Pair cinnamon with a breathable medium, like perlite and peat moss
• Use it alongside willow water or honey to cover more rooting bases
• Always start with sterile tools and clean cuts to reduce contamination risk

Remember: even the best ingredients can’t compensate for bad technique.

A Better Way to Use Cinnamon in Propagation

Want to give cinnamon a fair shot? Use it in a simple, clean propagation process like this:

1. Dip your cutting in clean water to moisten the base
2. Roll it in powdered cinnamon, using a clean plate to avoid contamination
3. Plant in a pre-moistened propagation mix—not soggy!
4. Maintain warmth and humidity, but avoid overwatering

This method is ideal for fast-rooting plants and windowsill propagation projects.

Final Verdict—Cinnamon Is Helpful, But Not a Miracle

So, does cinnamon help root cuttings? Yes—as an antifungal, not as a true rooting hormone. It’s an excellent tool in your natural gardening kit, but it won’t replace commercial hormones for stubborn or woody plants.

For serious rooting success, pair cinnamon with other strategies or use it where it shines: protecting soft cuttings from disease in early propagation.