About Paul's Desert
A Passion for Cacti, a Legacy of Community
What began as Paul’s passion for cactus has blossomed into a beloved family-run nursery. Here, every plant has a story — and every guest becomes part of the family. We’re proud to carry forward Paul’s knowledge, kindness, and love for the desert.
A Passion for Cacti, a Legacy of Community
Paul’s Desert began as a labor of love. While running his heating and air conditioning business, Paul discovered a fascination with cacti and succulents, and in 1990 he joined the San Antonio Cactus and Xerophyte Society. What started as a hobby quickly grew into something much larger—by 1991, Paul was selling plants part-time, sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm with fellow plant lovers.
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The journey wasn’t without its challenges. In 1998, the “Flood of ’98” swept through the nursery, washing away much of the inventory. But out of adversity came connection: friends, neighbors, and fellow cactus enthusiasts brought plants they found near their homes or in nearby ditches, helping rebuild the nursery and creating lifelong bonds.
By 1999, Paul retired from the air conditioning business to focus entirely on his passion. Together with Lisa, he expanded the nursery, traveling to Arizona and California multiple times a year to source rare and beautiful cacti, succulents, pottery, and other unique items for the nursery.
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Paul’s Desert has always been more than a business—it’s a community hub for cactus enthusiasts. Paul actively participated in local and regional cactus clubs, serving as show chairman for the San Antonio Cactus and Xerophyte Society for eight years, while also supporting shows in Austin, Houston, Dallas, and Fort Worth. He loved sharing his deep knowledge with customers, many of whom became lifelong friends, and he was always willing to donate plants or volunteer to help wherever needed.
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Though Paul has passed, his legacy lives on through the nursery he built with love and dedication, and the community he nurtured along the way. Today, Paul’s Desert continues to offer a wide range of cacti and succulents, custom soil mixes, repotting services, and a curated selection of authentic Navajo and handmade pottery and jewelry—all with the same care, knowledge, and passion Paul shared every day.
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At Paul’s Desert, we’re not just selling plants; we’re cultivating curiosity, beauty, and community—one cactus at a time.
