There’s a bit of bad news for Wichita plant lovers, quickly followed by some good news

There’s a bit of bad news for Wichita plant lovers quickly followed by some good news.

After five years in business, Worldwide Cactus And Exotics at 2630 E. Central, a few blocks west of Hillside, has closed.

The good news is that Rooted in Nature is taking its place to sell household plants and related gifts.

“We’re wanting to . . . have a wide variety,” said Sam Schwab, whose mother, Angie Hart, is opening the business. “Everything you need for your houseplants is our whole goal.”

In addition to buying the majority of Worldwide Cactus’ products and shelving, Schwab said her mother has a lot of her own products.

“My mom has a ton of plants. She’s always loved plants, and it’s always been kind of a dream of hers to have a plant store.”

Hart is a bookkeeper and will continue that job as well.

The store’s main employee will be Taylor Hinkley, whom Schwab calls an especially knowledgeable source.

“It’s funny because she can keep certain houseplants alive that my mom can’t.”

In addition to plants, the store’s gift shop will carry plant-related T-shirts, like ones that say Pothead.

The store will be open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m Monday through Saturday starting Sept. 3.

Rooted in Nature also will participate in the September Plant Hop that features other area plant stores and encourages shoppers to stop by all of them.