In search of an orchid gem
In 1994, Steef van Adrichem traveled to Thailand to visit Tamlong Suphachadiwong, an entrepreneur who had achieved the first crossbreeding of a unique orchid: the Vanda. The two shared their passion for extraordinary flowers and plants. Steef wanted to focus on orchid cultivation, but with a distinct variety: the Vanda. This was precisely the exclusive variety Steef was searching for. However, there was one challenge: no one had ever succeeded in trading the elusive Vanda as a blooming plant.

What exactly is the Vanda? 
The Vanda is an orchid considered one of the most exclusive orchid species in the world, often referred to as ‘the queen of orchids’. Due to its exclusivity and luxurious appearance, the Vanda is frequently purchased by hotels and fashion labels such as Versace. The plants originate from the rugged southern slopes of the Himalayas, where they grow high in the trees. To attract insects for pollination in these locations, the Vanda is extraordinarily richly colored in every imaginable shade, even blue—a color rarely found in nature.

The beginning of a success story
In the year 2000, a breeding and propagation process of several years commenced, marked by creativity and determination. Slowly but surely, the Vanda orchid gained popularity, first as a plant and later as a cut flower. The market responded with unprecedented enthusiasm, and the Vanda became a symbol of exclusivity in ornamental horticulture.

ANSU, initially named ANCO, expanded significantly in 2009 when Ed Helderman joined as a partner, increasing the cultivation area from 2.4 to 6 hectares. This expansion led to a broader range of Vanda varieties and international recognition.

In 2019, ANCO merged with Suphachadiwong Orchids to form ANSU. This merger enabled ANSU to diversify into green plants such as Tillandsia and Sansevieria, with a focus on exclusive varieties. Operating in both the Netherlands and Thailand with high professionalism, ANSU is one of the first companies in Thailand to receive MPS certification. Today, ANSU is the only nursery in all of Europe specializing in the cultivation of Vandas.

In 2020, a merger also took place with tomato grower Arjo van der Wel. As a tomato grower, he is now responsible for the growth of ANSU's beautiful new green plants.

An incredible collection: more than just Vanda’s
As many already know, ANSU is synonymous with the Vanda: in a variety of colours, rare and extravagant. However, the company has expanded its collection far beyond that. ANSU recognises that no matter how exclusive a plant is, consumers want to be surprised by a distinctive appearance, ease of care, and a unique presentation. Therefore, ANSU has been offering plants with a ready-to-sell concept for several years now.

• Aglaonema 
  Currently, ANSU’s collection includes 90 varieties of Aglaonema, making it the largest collection in all of Europe. Examples include Zebra Feathers, White Kiwi, Salmon Fantasy, Red Joy, and Arctic Lime. These robust species are easy to care for and bring a festive atmosphere with their striking colours. Available in pot sizes of 12 and 19 cm.
• New Cacti
  ANSU now also offers top-quality cacti, originally from Japan. Each cactus is unique due to variations in colour, much like koi carp. No two cacti are the same. The distinctive design with black stones around the cactus ensures that ANSU grabs your attention with a product that truly stands out. As the icing on the cake, ANSU will soon introduce three small cacti in a designer frame, perfect as a gift.
• Tillandsia 
  Another beautiful gift idea is ANSU's Tillandsia. The Tillandsias are presented in various original decorative forms. A beautiful example of this is the Tillandsia concept ‘Tilly Tiles’. These consist of handmade ceramic tiles, each adorned with a Tillandsia. The tiles have hooks at the top and bottom, allowing you to create a natural chain. With this concept, ANSU won the Glass Tulip Award 2023-2024 in the ‘Concepts’ category.

Green innovation

• Biological pest control: Instead of pesticides and other toxic control methods, ANSU uses natural predatory mites that eat harmful insects.
• Generating own electricity: With their own dynamo, ANSU generates electricity used to illuminate the Vanda orchids. This means there are no waste streams.
• Solar panels: ANSU generates its own electricity through solar panels.
• Using a water technical room: Excess water not used by the Vandas is pumped back into silos through a piping system. There, it is purified with a disinfectant so ANSU can reuse the water.