‘What world will you pass on to your children?’ At Stolk Flora Nursery, this question is printed in bold letters on signs. Their answer? Growing orchids as naturally as possible with respect for people and the environment. “We have been a forerunner for years and want to remain so,” explains managing director Koen van Koppen. What’s more, an anniversary is coming up!
A century of sustainable cultivation
In 2025, Stolk Flora will blow out 100 candles. A blessed age, but the family business is sharper than ever. “The Stolk family started growing vegetables under flat glass in 1925. Current owner and progenitor Jan Stolk started growing peppers, which later became Cymbidiums,” Koen explains. “From 1997 we focused on Phalaenopsis in 12 cm pots. Very early on, the idea of sustainability was in the family’s DNA. This was accelerated because the knowledge gained in organic crop protection from pepper cultivation could be used in Phalaenopsis cultivation. Out of conviction, we started looking for a natural alternative. So behind the scenes, we had been working on this for a long time. In 2016, we also brought out that piece of our mission under the label Your Natural Orchid.”
“Under 100% green, we join forces with other orchid growers. We learn from each other and also involve our suppliers. Together noses in the same direction: greener ornamental cultivation”
Creative with tights
So Stolk Flora stays as close to nature as possible, working with organically based nutrients and auxiliary substances. They are also constantly looking for more creative solutions. “In addition to natural crop protection, we have recently started using pantyhose to protect the plants from potted worms.” Koen sees the question marks in our eyes and explains further. “Obviously not the tights that protect legs, but the principle is the same. The nylon is pulled around the neck of the pot and twisted further around until it sits around the plant like a rolling collar. At the same time, the underside of the table is protected by mesh. The advantage is that the worm can no longer touch the root. Moreover, the plant remains visible and receives sufficient light, which was not the case with the mosquito net, the previous method of protection. At the point of sale, this provides an additional advantage that the soil can no longer fall out of the pot when the consumer holds the plant.”
Greening together
It doesn’t stop at crop protection, the family business is also making efforts in other areas. “We have been making our packaging more sustainable for a while now. Instead of plastic sleeves around each plant, we were the first to use a paper wrapper that wraps the whole tray, reducing the amount of material needed.
We also save on energy. For instance, we built an extra 7,000 cubic metre basin to cope with dry periods. We have completely covered this basin with floating solar panels, making double use of the space. Soon, this will also be the case for the roof of our offices.
Recently, we have dehumidifiers. These units remove up to 60 litres of water per hour from the air, which means we have to heat less when humidity is high. A huge saving on gas. Furthermore, we light via LED.
We do a lot, but we don’t think we need to invent hot water. That is why we are part of 100% green, a group of seven orchid growers. Together, we join forces and investigate how to reduce resource use even further. We learn from each other and also involve our suppliers. Together the noses in the same direction: greener ornamental cultivation.”
Floréac as ambassador
Joining forces and learning from each other. That is also the core of the cooperation between Floréac and Stolk Flora. “In 2000, we delivered our first order to you, and we have continued to do so. A cooperation that runs like a train. We are grateful to Floréac for consciously choosing us all these years. They think along with us, also in the long term. Because they work in a data-driven way, they know very well what our customers want. And in that respect, we complement each other well. If the customer only wants to order by variety, that’s no problem for us. We deliver demand-driven and that is much appreciated.
“Floréac thinks with us, also in the long term. Because they work in a data-driven way, they know very well what our customers want. Conversely, they are also a bit our ambassador for customers”
Floréac is an enthusiastic partner. To give an example. We were once at a trade fair and a French customer came by. Now, my French is not too good, but coincidentally someone from Floréac was standing with me, praising our range in fluent French. (laughs) They are actually a bit of our ambassador too.”
Bouquet that stays beautiful for three months
Time to zoom in on that range. Because in that too, they are always looking for innovation. “With our Flower Symphony, we are marketing a sustainable alternative to a bunch of flowers. With an average length of 40-45 cm, they are shorter than traditional orchids. They also have multiple branches on which a multitude of flowers grow. Just like a posy, only they last much longer. We even have a fragrant Phalaenopsis in our range, the Bolgheri. This orchid has the same length as the Flower Symphony and the added bonus of its scent and intense orange colour. Here, too, we distinguish ourselves with it.”
Orchid as a lucky charm, today and tomorrow
Stolk Flora has continued to reinvent itself for a century and they intend to keep doing so. “I think the orchid has a bright future ahead of it. After all, you bring a piece of happiness to people. A flowering plant that lasts a long time. In itself, that’s a sustainable story.
I am also curious about the new varieties currently in development. That is also one of the reasons why I love my job so much. The wonder. Because it takes several years for a new variety to blossom, it is always a surprise. The way we do it also gives me satisfaction. We strive for innovation, but not at the expense of nature or people. And you notice that as soon as you enter here. We pay a lot of attention to the well-being of our employees. Everyone is equal here. Even if, by definition, they do not belong to our permanent team. We work together with the Sprank Foundation. That is an organisation for people with mental disabilities. They sometimes come here to stick labels. If someone asks them where they work, they proudly say: ‘At Stolk Flora’. Rightly so.”