Composting wilted flowers with worms
Wilted flowers and remnants of houseplants are generally excellently suitable for your Bonter vermicomposter, provided they are free from pesticides, herbicides, and plant diseases. They offer valuable organic material that decomposes well and contributes to your compost. Learn how to safely and effectively compost your plant waste.
Can wilted flowers go in your worm bin?
Yes, wilted flowers, leaves, and stems of houseplants (if healthy and untreated) can go in the worm bin. They provide valuable ‘green’ material (nitrogen) and organic matter that the worms and microorganisms can process well. The soft parts such as petals and thin leaves break down quickly. Stems and thicker parts take longer. It is crucial that the plants have not been treated with chemical pesticides and are free from fungi or diseases, as these can be harmful to the worms or spread in the bin.
How many wilted flowers can you add?
Wilted flowers and plant remnants can be added regularly to your Bonter, in reasonable quantities. As ‘green’ material, it is important to keep them balanced with sufficient ‘brown’ material (cardboard, paper, dried leaves). Adding large, dense bunches of flowers all at once is not ideal; distribute them and mix well with other waste and bedding. Remove large, woody stems and thick root balls, as these break down very slowly.
What to do instead? Alternatives & waste management
Wilted flowers and healthy, untreated plant remnants are perfectly suitable for the Bonter. If you have large quantities, for example, pruning waste from perennials or a large amount of wilted bouquets, they can go on a traditional compost heap. Diseased plants or plants treated with chemicals should not go in the worm bin or on the compost heap and must be disposed of with residual waste to prevent spread. Edible flowers can, of course, be eaten!
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Tips for composting wilted flowers & houseplants
Remove thick, woody stems and large root balls, as these break down very slowly in the worm bin. Cut or tear the remaining flowers, thinner stems, and leaves into smaller pieces (about 5-10 cm) to speed up decomposition. Mix the plant remnants well with the waste and existing bedding in your Bonter. Bury them under a layer of bedding. Always check that the plants are untreated and free from diseases; if in doubt about chemicals or diseases, throw them away with residual waste. The Bonter’s air filter helps with odours, but rotting plants (due to too much ‘green’ or being too wet) can cause smells in the bin itself.
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Frequently asked questions about composting wilted flowers & houseplants
Can wilted flowers go in the worm bin?
Yes, provided they are untreated and free from plant diseases. Diseased or chemically treated plants are unsuitable.
Should I make stems and leaves smaller?
Are all types of plants suitable?
Can I put houseplants that are dying in the bin?
How do I add flowers safely?
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