The vibrant blooms of a Christmas cactus bring a splash of colour to the winter months, and finding a unique way to display them can add a touch of personal charm to your home decor. One ingenious and sustainable method is to repurpose an empty coconut shell from a bird feeder as a planter. This not only gives a second life to a discarded item but also creates a rustic and eye-catching container for your festive plant.

To begin, ensure your coconut shell is thoroughly cleaned. Remove any remaining birdseed or debris. The beauty of this unconventional planter lies in its natural form. Christmas cacti are adaptable, and while good drainage is usually recommended, this display can forego drainage holes as watering will be sparse.

Next, prepare your Christmas cactus. Gently remove it from its original pot. You may find that the root ball is a little too large to fit comfortably within the coconut shell. Don’t be afraid to trim the roots to fit. Christmas cacti are quite resilient, and a gentle root trim won’t harm the plant. In their natural tropical rainforest habitat of southeastern Brazil, they grow as epiphytes on trees. Aim for a snug fit that allows the base of the plant to sit just below the rim of the shell. Cactus compost or multi-purpose compost can be used to fill.

Once the cactus is nestled in its new home, it’s time for the creative finishing touch. I used moss dislodged from my roof by magpies, which provided a charmingly natural and eco-friendly topping. This layer of moss not only adds to the aesthetic appeal but can also help retain a little moisture around the roots. Gently press the moss around the base of the plant, ensuring it looks natural and well-integrated. Your repurposed coconut shell planter, complete with its festive Christmas cactus, is now ready to adorn your home, offering a unique and sustainable centerpiece for the holiday season.