The Phalaenopsis specialist
At CJ Orchids we grow exclusively the best varieties of Phalaenopsis, in an exceptionally wide range of colours.
Our longstanding collaboration with suppliers of cuttings (including Anthura, Sion, Microflor, Floricultura and Bremkens) has enabled us to put together a range of outstanding quality.
Our painstaking selection process has allowed us to refine the initial very diverse offering until only the most robust, reliable and decorative types remain in our range. This makes it simpler for us to "zoom in", improving and perfecting our range still further. The cultivation process is of course largely automated nowadays.
Ultramodern potting machinery
The potting-on process is almost entirely automated thanks to our ultramodern potting machine, with a capacity of 10,000 plants per day.
Unique plant ordering system
CJ Orchids have devised a unique plant ordering system, allowing us to put every order together with the greatest possible care.
We have our own transport fleet, so that the orchids can be delivered to their destination with the least possible delay.
Our own transport department
The young plants are with us for less than a year, but during that time they pass through two important phases in their lifecycle. The first phase is focused on the development of the root system and leaves, with high temperatures (around 30°C) and high humidity. As they move into the second phase the plants are moved in large groups to a different growing zone in the glasshouse where it is significantly cooler. Here the emphasis is on the development of branches and buds: the plants remain here for around 4 months, at a temperature of 18-20°C. The young orchids are moved between the different zones using large nursery tables, filled automatically using robot arms.
Temperature, humidity and nutrition are continuously monitored and adjusted using the latest climate computers. The plants are fed and watered by means of a specially designed rainwater recirculation system, typically twice per week. The unique feature of this system is that any water which falls outside the pots is captured and reused following filtration. This delivers substantial savings on water consumption, as well as being highly sustainable and environmentally friendly. All computer systems are programmed and operated by experienced plant nursery specialists. What we are aiming for is teamwork between man and machine.
We've also moved forward where plant protection is concerned. We moved from chemical pesticides to organic alternatives many years ago. In simple terms this involves placing live beneficial organisms like predatory mites and spiders (so small as to be barely visible to the human eye) among the crops to control any pest species that might be present. In the course of time the beneficial organisms will die out. This is a superb, natural approach to crop protection.
We hold both MPS-A and Global GAP certification, a reflection of our company's high standards where safety and hygiene are concerned.
Our entire nursery operation is provided with energy via our own sustainable and environmentally friendly combined heat and power plant, capable of producing electricity, heat and usable CO2 using a single process.
Orchid lovers, ourselves included, like to see heavy branches bearing numerous blooms in the choicest colours. But we need to consider not only what goes on above ground but also conditions within the pot. After years of trials and experimentation our nurserymen have come up with a recipe for the ideal potting compost for orchids, an ecologically sound mix of coir, bark and peat in which the plants feel completely at home.
Another technique we have adopted is as simple as it is effective: during cultivation the plants all "live" in special transparent plant growth cells. This allows their roots and aerial roots far more light and the leaves stay nice and compact. This method also prevents damage to the leaves during transport, for example to another section of the glasshouse.
The young plants are placed on the nursery table by hand, separated according to their individual colours.
The insertion of plant supports is a meticulous, manual process.
One of our staff operating a climate computer.
Once the plants are sufficiently in bud they are taken manually from the nursery table and placed in individual plant carriers, according to colour. These plant carriers include a special chip (known as an RFID tag) which can store all the plant's growth characteristics. These characteristics are recorded and stored as the plants pass one by one through a so-called "scanner cabinet". This cabinet houses a highly advanced sorting camera which is capable of recognising various aspects of the growth status of an individual plant, such as its height, the number of branches, the number of buds and the presence of side branches. All this information is stored on the RFID tag and also sent in real time to the central plant ordering system.
A plant at the entry to the scanning cabinet.
The exit from the scanning cabinet. The plants are also watered here.
One of our staff operating the plant ordering system.
Where the scanner classifies a plant as "ready for delivery" it will be placed automatically on one of the 130 conveyor belts in the "delivery buffer". From now on the plants may be added to an order. They are then called off by the order processor and sent to the packaging department. The scanning cabinet can record details of 2600 plants in an hour. During their time with us the plants pass through the scanner several times, which allows us to monitor their growth and development on an individual basis.
When it's time for the plants to leave the nursery they are in peak flowering condition, which is no more than you would expect after nearly a year of optimal care from our specialist nurserymen and women. Our cultivation methods ensure a long and productive "windowsill life". Here are a few plant care tips to help you as their new owner to make the optimal contribution to their well-being.
A popular plant!
The Phalaenopsis has become extremely popular in recent years, thanks in part to its rewarding nature. Enthusiasts often see it as a challenge to get a plant on the windowsill to flower a second or even a third time. A joyful youth and a graceful old age, you might say. This sort of enthusiasm is something we really appreciate, and in response we make sure that our plants have a compact and above all not too wide leaf structure, so that they will sit easily on any windowsill in groups or with other orchids.
Where the flowers are concerned our aim is to have the plants already in bloom when they reach the store, but they must at least have plenty of buds ready to open when they are taken home. We wish all enthusiasts much pleasure with our orchids!
A rich palette of colours
Below you can see a selection from our rich palette of colours. Wilco Bouman will always be pleased to answer any questions you may have, just call Wilco on 06-52592699 or send an email to sales@cjorchids.com
Care tips
The Phalaenopsis is the ideal plant to bring atmosphere to a room. They need plenty of light, however direct sunlight should be avoided. The ideal temperature is between 18°C and 22°C.
Watering
Ideally the pot should be plunged into lukewarm water every 6 to 8 days so that the compost is saturated. The water should then be allowed to run out so that no excess remains.
Feeding
It is recommended that Phalaenopsis should be fed once a month. This ensures better plant growth and even more beautiful results. The appropriate feed can be obtained from any garden centre.
After flowering
Just because your Phalaenopsis has finished flowering there's no need to throw it away. It's not too difficult to get the plant to bloom again. Cut off the finished branches above the second thickened area (the "eye" of the branch). Count from the bottom. The plant should then be placed in a somewhat cooler space, between 17°C and 19°C and out of direct sunlight. A new branch will eventually appear.
Contacting CJ Orchids
Questions
You can use the form below to provide comments or to ask questions:
Address details
CJ Orchids
Jacob Ekelmansstraat 46
5311 BA Gameren (NL)
General telephone number
+31 (0)418 745701
Telephone number, sales:
+31 (0)418 745700
Wilco Bouman: +31 (0)418 745700
Johan v.d. Werken: +31 (0)418 745707
Email: sales@cjorchids.com
Working at CJ Orchids
We are happy to consider speculative applications: just send your CV and a covering letter to info@cjorchids.com