We all have some duties that govern parts of our lives, whether it's having a meh job (or two) to pay the bills, doing the yard work or... collecting souls (if your job happens to be the grim reaper). But what about the things that we do for ourselves?
Life is what you make it, they say. And what better way to make life interesting than by pursuing new hobbies and finding joy in the little things? For some, that joy comes in the form of collecting cacti. Yes, you heard it right - those prickly, desert-dwelling plants that seem to defy all odds. So, grab your gardening gloves (or don't!) and join us on this quirky adventure as we explore the world of cactus collecting!
What's the deal with cacti anyway?
Before we dive into the wonderful world of cactus collecting, let's take a moment to appreciate these spiky wonders. Cacti are like the rebels of the plant kingdom, thriving in the harshest of conditions and flaunting their unique shapes and sizes. They come in all sorts of varieties, from the petite and cute to the towering giants that could give a palm tree a run for its money. Plus, they have a knack for surviving even the most neglectful of plant parents (we're looking at you, forgetful folks).
Why collect cacti?
Now, you might be wondering, why on earth would anyone want to collect cacti? Well, dear reader, cactus collecting is not just about owning a bunch of prickly plants. It's about finding joy in the process of nurturing and watching them grow. It's about creating a mini desert oasis in your home or garden. And let's not forget the satisfaction of adding unique and rare specimens to your collection or trading & preserving genetics with people all over the world, like a true plant connoisseur.
How to start your own cactus collection?
Ready to embark on your cactus collecting journey? Here are a few tips to get you started:
1. Do your research: Learn about different cactus species, their care requirements, and the best growing conditions. Don't forget to read up on your own local climate and make sure to find types that will thrive where you live. Knowledge is power, my friend!
2. Start small: Begin with a few easy-to-care-for cacti before diving into the more challenging ones. Consider Predominate Cultivatar (PC) as a good starter type typically found at big box hardware stores. It's all about building your confidence and green thumb skills.
3. Embrace the quirks: Cacti come in all shapes and sizes, so don't be afraid to embrace the weird and wonderful (even poor Bridgesii Monstrose cacti need love). A cactus with a funky shape or a unique pattern can be a real conversation starter. Looking for spineless? Try Scopulicola which is a highly desirable spineless variety as it hasn't been found in the wild since the 60's!
4. Share the love: Connect with fellow cactus enthusiasts (we are out here and waiting for you!) through online forums or local plant clubs. You'll be amazed at the wealth of knowledge and camaraderie in the cactus community.
C'est La Vie: Be resilient, find your joy!
Life can be tough sometimes, but cactus collecting teaches us an important lesson - resilience. Just like these spiky wonders, we too can thrive in challenging conditions and find joy in unexpected places. So, whether you're collecting souls, or collecting cacti and plants; do what you love, C'est La Vie, after all!.