Growing with My Plants

I’ve always loved having plants around me. There’s something special about watching a tiny seedling grow into a lush green plant, knowing that with a little care, it can thrive for years. That’s why my room is filled with potted plants—some growing in old plastic bottles, others in repurposed ice cream tubs and empty wine bottles. Turning waste into plant pots feels like giving both the container and the plant a second life, which makes the whole process even more meaningful.

But despite my love for greenery, you won’t find many fresh-cut flowers in my space. I rarely buy them because their beauty fades so quickly. A bouquet might brighten up a room for a few days, but before I know it, the petals start wilting, and I have no choice but to throw them away. Compared to my potted plants, which grow and change with time, cut flowers feel too temporary.

For me, taking care of plants is more than just decoration—it’s a form of companionship. Watching a new leaf unfurl or a plant stretch toward the sunlight makes me feel connected to nature, even indoors. Every plant has its own rhythm, and being part of that slow, steady growth is something I truly enjoy.

This made me wonder: How do potted plants and cut flowers compare when it comes to sustainability? Do my instincts about their environmental impact hold true? That’s what I plan to explore in my upcoming research. By looking at resource use, waste production, and possible solutions within the floriculture industry, I hope to find ways to make both options greener.