Cactus ecosystem blooms at CITTA Mall

On the sunlit third floor of CITTA Mall in Ara Damansara, a slice of desert is quietly thriving—far from any arid plain or dusty canyon. At its heart is Koh Kuan Meng, better known as Ah Boy, founder of Cactus Boy Nursery and a passionate desert ecologist. But he’s not just selling succulents—he’s recreating a true desert ecosystem, complete with authentic soil conditions, rocky landscapes, and resilient flora.

“I’m not just growing cacti. I’m replicating where they truly belong,” says Ah Boy. “The desert is harsh, but perfectly balanced. That balance is what I’m bringing here.”

His open-air balcony is more than a garden—it’s a living tribute to the Sonoran and Chihuahuan Deserts. Euphorbias emerge from volcanic stones, lithops camouflage themselves among gravel, and airflow is carefully curated to mimic arid winds. Every element is tuned to support the plants, just as nature intended.

The beauty of survival

Among Ah Boy’s growing collection, one new addition stands out: a stunning group of giant Golden Barrel cacti. These radiant globes gleam beneath the Malaysian sun, not only adding a dramatic presence but also resonating with feng shui symbolism of good fortune and protection.

These fast-growing, flowering cacti are cherished not only for their striking form but also for their association with good fortune. “Their appearances may not be flawless—but those scratches and blemishes are like battle scars, telling the story of survival in the wild.” Ah Boy shares.

The current Golden Barrel collection includes mature specimens aged between 40 and 55 years—living proof of nature’s patience and resilience. It’s a rare sight in Malaysia, and one that draws awe from casual visitors and collectors alike.

A quiet escape

What sets this project apart is its scientific depth. Ah Boy meticulously documents how each plant responds to the Klang Valley’s humidity, tests different soil compositions, and observes microclimate changes throughout the day. His balcony, though small, has become a living laboratory—and a quiet retreat from the bustle of mall life.

“It’s fascinating to see how these cacti thrive in their original, bare environment,” he says.

For those who stop by, it’s more than a shop—it’s an invitation to witness resilience, balance, and beauty. Some leave with a cactus. Others leave with inspiration. Either way, one thing is certain: step onto the third-floor balcony of CITTA Mall, and you just might forget you’re still in the city.