Over the decades, the Poots turned their passion for cacti into a thriving family business.
Although Poot’s Cactus Nursery approaches its 30th anniversary, Bill Poot’s passion for cacti began 49 years ago, sparked by a reluctant visit to a co-worker’s collection. Poot previously worked transporting cucumbers and tomatoes from a farm.
“Bill, I want to show you my cactus collection,” Poot heard repeatedly before finally relenting. On the third request, Poot’s truck refused to start, so he shared a ride with said co-worker and had no further excuses. He was impressed by the variety and beauty of the cacti, and before he knew it, he was building his own collection.
The nursery began with a single greenhouse and gradually expanded to its current size, with the property providing nearly an acre of space. Although Roelyn Poot, Bill’s wife, could not provide an exact count, she confidently estimated that the store contains hundreds of thousands of plants and hundreds of different species.
When the Poots discovered the perfect place, they knew it immediately. They had the space they wanted for their future nursery. The same day they visited the home that accompanies the daycare, they signed the papers, Roelyn Poot said.
What’s for sale
The nursery has many rows of plants available for purchase, as well as a wide selection of pots. Bill Poot even makes his own cinder block pots for sale.
The plants are priced to suit all budgets, ensuring something for everyone. Plants start at $3 and depending on size and rarity, can cost $100 or more.
The gift shop also offers plant-themed stickers, t-shirts and earrings.
The Poots also offer their own specialized soil that contains “all the right ingredients,” Roelyn Poot said. The recipe is a family secret that draws customers from more than three hours away, she said.
Poot’s merchandise, soil and select plants can be purchased in-store or online at pootscactusnursery.com/shop.
Exclusive Cactus Sanctuary
In addition to the plants available, Bill Poot has his own collection separate from the store.
“This fulfills his dream of having an indoor wilderness,” Roelyn Poot said.
Bill Poot’s vast collection of over a hundred cacti is a symbol of the Poots’ love for their plants. They spend all day tending to the plants and taking good care of them, making sure they are getting the perfect amount of sun and water and removing all the dead bits from the plant.
The collection’s favorite is Uebelmannia pectinifera, a deep purple cactus. The first time Roelyn Poot saw the plant her mouth dropped open, she said. The crown-shaped cactus quickly became the couple’s favorite.
Family roles
Everyday tasks are different for each member of the Poot family. Roelyn Poot often helps customers check out by answering questions and fulfilling online orders. Bill Poot spends his days transplanting cacti, cutting baby cacti from the “mother” plant and replanting them.
Roelyn Poot can always be found with a pencil in her hand, a simple tool she uses to check soil moisture. Similar to sticking a toothpick in a cake, if the pencil comes out wet with dirt she knows she should leave it alone.
Bryan Poot, the eldest son, can often be found farming, while his daughter, Brenda Kramer, runs the gift shop. His youngest son, Billy Poot, looks after the electrical work.
Tips for caring for plants
Roelyn Poot is full of tips and tricks for keeping plants thriving.
Succulents prefer morning sun, while cacti are more demanding. Some cacti prefer south-facing sun with greater exposure, although smaller cacti cannot withstand such extreme amounts of sun, she said.
She also advises customers to look at where they are shopping. If a plant is covered, it cannot be brought indoors in full sun right away. He needs to slowly acclimatize to the lighting.
30th Anniversary Events
To celebrate the nursery’s 30th anniversary, the Poots have organized a summer of events leading up to the September celebration.
Every Wednesday until September 17th, they will be holding an Instagram “flash sale” featuring rare plants.
July 20 is Poot’s “Customer Appreciation Day,” when customers can meet the Poot family, win special prizes and receive a free lunch.
Bill Poot will host a plant workshop on August 10, demonstrating how to transplant, propagate and graft plants.
To end the festivities, the fourth “Clube Cactaceae”The event will be held on September 7th. Pop-ups from other small businesses, food trucks, face painting, private tours and a silent auction of rare plants will round out the summer celebrations.
Poot’s Cactus is at 17229 E. Highway 120 in Ripon.
For more information visit pootscactusnursery.com or @poots_cactus_nursery on Instagram.
