July 2, 2021

A highly anticipated rare plant store is open in its new space downtown — and a long line of plant lovers was waiting for it.

The Deku Tree, owned by Joshua Cooper, opened its doors — and plants — to the public at 10 a.m., but a line had formed at the Jones421 building 30 minutes before and stretched out the door.

The business sources and sells plants from around the world that are rare in South Dakota including cacti and succulents.

“We’ve poured our hearts into this new space and I would love for you to come visit and enjoy,” Cooper said via Facebook. “I am full of thankfulness for this special moment. I may have started the Deku Tree but dozens of friends have graciously pulled together to make it what it is today.”

The Deku Tree had become extremely popular among plant lovers while Cooper was operating out of a garage-turned-greenhouse in Humboldt. That was evident opening day, as the space filled up fast with both people and plants.

Cooper anticipated as much, telling customers once the store has become filled to capacity that they would be asked to wait to enter to stay compliant with fire code.

“We are doing everything in our power, plant friends, not only to provide you with our best selection of beautiful, rare plants in a neat, new setting, but to also make your experience smooth and special,” he said.

The Deku Tree occupies the former Boki Gelato space, and some gelato now is sold out of the Boki European Street Food space in the same building. The Deku Tree will be open July 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and going forward hours will be Thursday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.