 | | December 25, 2024 |  |
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| Your spice cabinet is full of magical panaceas that could change your life. Just ask those who lived in the Middle Ages, when it was thought that oregano could help ward off witches. OK, maybe that specific example is a little too fantastical, but we stand by our initial point. Some spices can genuinely improve your life if you know how to harness their special properties — and not just in the kitchen. There's even one that acts as a natural fungicide for houseplants. |
 | | Credit: Jus_Ol/ Shutterstock |
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| The Secret Ingredient? Cinnamon |
| According to Eleni Veroutsos of the Backyard Boss blog, cinnamon is an effective solution for combatting soil and leaf mold. That's due to the spice's chemical makeup — cinnamon is a natural insecticide with both antifungal and antibacterial properties. Not only will cinnamon help you eliminate all of that unsightly plant fungus, but it will also ward off pesky gnats (they can't stand the smell). |
| If you notice moldy soil, Veroutsos suggests sprinkling a thin layer — about an eighth of an inch — of ground cinnamon over the affected areas, paying close attention to any problem spots. If you're worried a wayward breeze could blow the cinnamon away, add a thin layer of soil on top to keep it in place. If the treatment doesn't work the first time, repeat as many times as necessary until the mold starts to dissipate. |
| Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease that produces a white, powdery coating on leaves and stems. It's notoriously difficult to treat, but some plant parents have found success using a mixture of cinnamon, milk, and water. YouTuber @creative_explained uses 2 teaspoons of cinnamon, 1 cup of milk (1% or 2% is best), and 1 cup of water to create a fungus-fighting solution. Stir to combine, then use a fine-mesh strainer to separate any clumps. Pour the solution into a spray bottle and lightly mist the affected leaves. Then, place the plant in direct sunlight to activate the milk protein's antiseptic properties. |
| Repeat this process every two weeks — making a new solution each time to avoid spoiled milk — and you should see a noticeable improvement. While the cinnamon and milk mixture can effectively treat powdery mildew, it's even more powerful as a preventative measure. |
| The moment a fungus gnat appears on your plant, you might feel like it's too late. But don't despair: Cinnamon is here to save the day. Simply sprinkle a layer of ground cinnamon over the soil — this will discourage females from laying additional eggs, and stifle the growth of any extant larva. If you're worried about making a mess, adding a few drops of cinnamon essential oil to the soil will also do the trick. In time, the gnats will die off, and your plant will survive. |
| While cinnamon is a great solution for existing mold, there are steps you can take before it even starts. Avoid overwatering your plants, use well-draining potting mixes, and ensure pots have proper drainage. Place your plants in well-ventilated areas and remove fallen dead leaves from the soil. You should repot your plant and replace the soil every 12 to 18 months to provide it with essential nutrients and room to grow. |
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 | | Umbra Floristand Planter | | Whether you're looking to fill an awkward corner in your living room or maximize vertical space for your ever-growing plant collection, this Umbra planter is a stylish and practical solution. The Floristand touts four adjustable plant pots and a weighted base to prevent it from toppling over. It's made of real wood and powder-coated metal and measures 55 inches tall and just over 17 inches in diameter at the base. — Kelsey Morrison, House Outlook Editor |
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 | | Bennett Kleinman | | Staff Writer |
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| Bennett Kleinman is a New York City-based staff writer for Optimism Media, covering topics for several brands including House Outlook and Better Report. He previously contributed to television programs such as "Late Show With David Letterman" and "Impractical Jokers," and digital publications like The Onion. Bennett is also a devoted New York Yankees and New Jersey Devils fan, and thinks plain seltzer is the best drink ever invented. |
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