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Composting- Acanthus Mollis

dpatel2130dpatel2130 Posts: 201
in Problem solving
Hello! folks.  I was wondering if I can put lush green leaves in my dalek shaped plastic compost bin. I am new to composting and I remember reading that it was toxic. So please guide me. Thank you in advance. Happy new year to all.

Posts

  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    I don't see why not - you're not going to be eating the compost :smile: . I would chop them up a bit, as with all large leaves, to help them break down faster. Don't put any roots in though- it grows back from any little bit.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • RubytooRubytoo Posts: 1,630
    edited December 2020
    As per previous posts. Except I am not sure where you saw it was classed as toxic as it is not something I remember as being or seeing as such . We used to have it in our garden. Lovely but not so good if it likes a small garden.
    Looking on the interwebs the first hits for toxicity do not say it is.
    So I would not worry. But as mentioned the roots will grow from quite small pieces.

    We still do have a little bit, I love its glossy leaves and flowers. Looking for a way to keep it contained.
    Happy composting :)
  • LittlegardenLittlegarden Posts: 105
    The leaves compost well. 
  • dpatel2130dpatel2130 Posts: 201
    Thank you all. @JennyJ, no roots , only leaves in dalek compost bin.  @philippasmith2, the leaves were all lush green but 3 days of frost and it got hit by frost so I was thinking to chop them up and put in dalek. @Rubytoo, I love the acanthus plant and flowers, big lush green leaves and very easy to care. In shady part of garden they happily flourishing. @Littlegarden, yes  big lush green leaves.... plenty nitrogen.
  • KeenOnGreenKeenOnGreen Posts: 1,831
    @dpatel2130  Our Acanthus's leaves went all mushy looking a few days ago due to frost, and I thought they were dead, but today they are all looking as healthy as ever.  Don't rush to cut them off.  

  • dpatel2130dpatel2130 Posts: 201
    @KeenOnGreen , Thank you. it was bit milder today than previous days. I noticed the leaves coming bit live now. Good job I didn't cut them off. :)
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