Visiting The Morongo Valley Cactus Mart

As I was driving to Joshua Tree, I saw a glimmering sign in the distance that read “Cactus: Dig Your Own 59 cents”. A roadside attraction sign for the Cactus Mart in Morongo Valley. I said to myself I gotta get back to this place. And I followed through on that promise.

Dig Your Own Cactus

The “Dig Your Own Cactus” sign has been at the Cactus Mart since the 1960’s when the property was purchased by the Porter Family. They hoped a sign like this would draw in visitors that were entering or leaving Joshua Tree. And once they stopped in, they would be dazzled by all the interesting plants and flowers that could survive in the tough desert climate! Guests would be able to take a bit of the desert home with them. This place is a true historic roadside attraction off Highway 62 and a must stop on your way in or out of Joshua Tree.

Why You Should Visit

Now, I’ve never been known to have a green thumb. I’ve been very well known to kill just about every flower, plant, or succulent that has come my way. Lemon is extremely luckily that this inability to take care of things only pertains to plants and flowers. Whew! So, when I saw the Cactus Mart, I figured:

• A cactus is like almost impossible to kill. Right?!? (Although I do remember receiving a cactus from a previous boyfriend after he traveled to Arizona….and I also remember tossing said cactus in the trash roughly a month later because it didn’t survive!
• The small fee of 59 cents was a small price to pay if I did end up killing the cactus.
• Digging up my own cactus, just well…that just sounds like fun now, doesn’t it?!

The Selection

As I entered the Cactus Mart, I noticed a sign indicating that dogs weren’t allowed. Wah!!! Looked like I wouldn’t be shopping with Fido. There was however a shaded area up at the entrance with seats and a water bowl. You can hang with Fido here, while the rest of your group takes to explore and track down cacti without you! I browsed around the desert emporium first and then came to the conclusion that plants and flowers are expensive! So, I was pleased that all I was interested in was the 59 cent dig your own cactus area.

Then they caught my eye!! All the little guys just waiting to find their forever home. The dig your own cactus area and all its glory. You could take them home in small pots for an additional price, but I knew I had a plethora or pots waiting at home from former plants that sadly didn’t make it.
So I loaded a small paper bag with my precious selections and headed to the check out with my new friends. And here’s the new home for four of the lovely cacti I picked up at Cactus Mart. Can’t wait to see how they do. I spent a whole $3.54 on six cacti. Big spender!

Oh Happy Cacti Days!

• Cactus Mart website
• Looking for a sweet treat on your visit. Try Coyote Cone!
• Don’t miss the National Park
• Check out the quirky World Famous Crochet Museum