Cool Cactus

The Verdict

Most people wouldn’t open a nursery dedicated to plants you can’t cuddle, but Naomi Burd isn’t most people. Cool Cactus is her indoor succulent store in Armadale, just off the main Glenferrie Rd drag.

As the name suggests, cacti are the mainstay here. Cucumber-shaped San Pedro cacti, flower-like Kalanchoe, beardy Old Man Of The Andes, and the uber-prickly Mammillaria—if it’s good enough for the Atacama, it’s good enough for Cool Cactus.

But if you’re looking for something a little less...stabby, Naomi stocks a small range of leafier indoor plants too, along with boutique planters and homewares from a variety of local and international brands. There’s also cactus-themed prints on the wall, tiny smiling rock sculptures and a range of boutique ceramics.

The idea behind Cool Cactus is gifting. Got a birthday coming up? Cactus. Someone getting married? Cactus. Baby’s first tooth? You guessed it—double cactus. Naomi is also on-hand for any serial plant killers who can’t understand why their favourite succulent keeps dying (it’s a harsh day when you realise you’re less nourishing than a desert).

Want to roll the dice? Cool Cactus also has an online shop where you can buy ‘Mystery Cacti’ (both small and large). You don’t know what you’re getting, but if Naomi is involved you can guarantee two things: it’ll be beautiful, and it’ll be spiky.

Plant murderers, check this place out. You need all the help you can get.

Image credit: Jenna Fahey-White