Stylish Saturday - Cactus in "my office".

First of all, I don't have an office. I just mean that part of our living room where my desk, personal computer, some books and important papers are. It's the place where I work, publish and study. Does it have decoration? Yes, it's minimalist. Please let me introduce you to it.

For more than a year now I wanted to put a plant in my workplace, something green that could decorate the space. That's why I decided on a cactus. I was given a couple, but they didn't have the shape I was looking for. Then, a few months later, I got one that I liked better, as I was looking for a round one, and this one almost has that shape.

Here is the cactus in its original container, in which it was given to me. As the weeks went by, it had a son, and I thought it was the right time to change its container. So, among some old containers that were no longer in use I found a nice green one where I thought it would look good. What would I do with the son? Well, I thought of placing it in a disused LED bulb, taking advantage of its shape.

So, I took the green container and with red hot wire I opened several small holes in the bottom for drainage. I selected some small stones to put in the bottom before filling it with soil.

Now, with the light bulb it was a surprise. When I tried to remove the thread, the plastic broke. It had the texture of a biscuit, and it broke. I suppose that as it was a bulb exposed to heat, rain and direct sunlight, the material was not in optimal conditions. So I had to wait, because although I had the container for the main plant, I didn't have it for the son.

I started a local search for cactus pots, which are small and made of resistant material. After visiting several shops and even a garage sale, I had the feeling that I would not be able to find them anytime soon. So, another day I went on a search for plastic containers. No matter what purpose they were designed for, I was satisfied that they were pretty and the cactus looked good. Then, I found some jelly jars packed in 6-packs. I had two surprises with them. First, their price, because they cost less than $2. And second, I didn't know that gelatin boxes existed! The worst thing is that I wouldn't use them for that.

I got home and soon after I applied the same technique to open the holes in the bottom of the container. So, I made a bottom with small stones and then filled it with black soil. It was a bit damp so it looked like lumps.

It was time to separate the two plants and transplant them. As with the plastic of the bulb, the original container broke. It was scorched. I think it was advantageous, as it was easier to handle them. I removed some of the soil to uncover the roots of both plants.

Then, opening a small space in the middle, I introduced both plants into the new soil. For me, it was exciting. I had never done that before.

After that, I selected other small stones and placed them on the surface. The idea came to me when I saw so many pictures of cacti and I noticed this peculiarity in several of them. And that was it, I had my minimalist decoration!

As I said at the beginning, I was looking for a plant in my work area, and I got it. I wanted something minimalist, simple, that didn't take so much time or effort to take care of, and the cactus is ideal. I just make sure to expose it to direct sunlight from time to time, as my desk currently doesn't get it.

I also think it's special to have something natural and beautiful nearby that you are paying attention to. It is no longer simply having a plant that a friend gave me. Now I have something I feel responsible for. It sounds a bit crazy, but it is no secret to anyone the complex systems that work to keep a plant alive, and I feel responsible for keeping it alive.

I consider decorating with cacti to be minimalist, as it is simple and natural. Moreover, for some reason they inspire admiration without wanting to touch them. Magnificent! It doesn't take much time or effort to maintain or relocate them. Just remember that they will continue to multiply. I think I need to come up with a plan to prevent the invasion. See you next time!

〽️