Malaysia’s Largest Succulent Fair at Ipoh Parade by Cactus Boy Nursery

What was supposed to be a “lockdown companion” following the worldwide declaration of COVID-19 pandemic turned into a flourishing business for Koh Kuan Meng about three years ago.

Succulent Fair by Cactus Boy Nursery at Ipoh Parade

Koh, who lost his job in the LED signage business, found himself grappling with his finances. He suddenly recalled his old business of selling succulents during his university days at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) in Penang. “As a study cooped up in the dormitory, I had succulents to accompany me. During the Movement Control Order, I remembered what joy these plants brought me and wanted to recreate the feeling, especially during my darkest moments, struggling with unemployment, and wondering when we could live life again normally,” he shared.

Indeed, Koh’s mood was uplifted, seeing how his succulents grew. At least, his mind and time were occupied as he took pains caring for them, and researching on the internet the best ways to keep these hardy plants from Africa blooming in Malaysia’s humid weather.

Not long later, an idea came to Koh to share this joy for succulents with others. He believed that many people were affected by the inability to live their lives, stuck at home. Some were also out of work because of being in industries that were severely impacted by the movement control.

With only RM1000 in his bank account, Koh withdrew RM700 to set up his online succulent business, sourcing for the plants from Cameron Highlands. Working from his home in Pekan Nanas, Johor, he began selling his plants, mainly succulents, some cacti and foliage, via Facebook and other social media platforms.

To cope with the unexpected demand, Koh decided to establish his Cactus Boy Nursery in his hometown. Before long, his Cactus Boy Nursery Facebook Page garnered more than 200,000 fans, increasing with each live broadcast that he did from various locations.

With the lifting of the Movement Control Order, Cactus Boy Nursery opened its doors to cater for succulent lovers, expanding the business from an exclusively online to an offline business as well. His first location outside Johor was naturally the Klang Valley, specifically in Petaling Jaya, where he set up an outlet on the rooftop balcony of CITTA Mall. Judging from the strong response from his customers, he introduced the novel idea of a succulent vending machine, now placed on the ground floor of the mall.

What further sets Koh apart as a unique plant seller is the attention he gives to each customer, imparting his knowledge freely. As such, he is regularly invited to schools to conduct workshops for students, further advancing his mission to share the joy of succulent cultivation.

Koh Kuan Meng, the Cactus Boy (L) with Lim Huey Tyng (Ipoh Parade Advertising & Promotions Department Manager)

(L - R): Rachel Kwan (founder of Shamrock Botanics), Sherlyn Too (Senior Manager, Ipoh Parade Leasing), Koh Kuan Meng (founder of Cactus Boy Nursery), Alan Thoo (Ipoh Parade Marketing Head), Lim Huey Tyng (Ipoh Parade A&P Manager) and Alicia Ho (Ipoh Parade A&P Executive) — (L – R): Rachel Kwan (founder of Shamrock Botanics), Sherlyn Too (Senior Manager, Ipoh Parade Leasing), Koh Kuan Meng (founder of Cactus Boy Nursery), Alan Thoo (Ipoh Parade Marketing Head), Lim Huey Tyng (Ipoh Parade A&P Manager) and Alicia Ho (Ipoh Parade A&P Executive)

For three days this weekend, Koh was invited by Ipoh Parade Mall to host the first-ever largest succulent Fair in Malaysia thus far, where he brought with him 500 different species of succulents, including two of the largest ones currently available on the market. Throughout Succulent Fair, some 5000 visitors dropped by. View the full photo album of Succulent Fair on our official Facebook Page by clicking HERE.