Large houseplants are trendy  in January. The Christmas tree is gone and a large houseplant takes its place. We work together with a special preferred supplier who sells extremely large plants; grower Fachjan. Owner Paul gave us a tour and had many special stories to tell, including their commitment to sustainability.
 

From growing vegetables and fruit to large indoor plants

Paul's grandfather started the company C.H. Janssen back in the ‘50s, growing various types of vegetables, fruits and flowers. Later, houseplants were grown at the nursery and his four sons took over the business, including Paul's father. In 2011, sons Paul and Fred took over the business. Meanwhile, 120 employees are employed at 3 different locations. All locations together have a total cultivation area of 9.5 hectares in 's Gravenzande, Naaldwijk and Honselersdijk. The next expansion is already planned. Starting next year, a nearby nursery of 1 hectare will be included in the nursery.

Wide assortment

Fachjan imports 60% of all its houseplants, the other 40% they grow themselves, including the Schefflera Amate, Cissus, Epipremnum and Homalomena. Fachjan has more than 100 different plants in its range in total. From the smallest potsize 4 cm up to 180 cm! “Promise is promise and a fast, good service. They seem like basic principles, but many companies seem to forget this sometimes, and we think that this is the most important thing. Of course good quality is just as important. And that’s all set at our nursery.” Says Paul Janssen. Plants of 400 cm or larger are hard to import at this moment and there is a high demand. Plants up to 200 cm are still plenty in stock. Due to the high demand for green plants, many lots have been reserved for regular loyal customers.

Involved from the Westland to Central America

Fachjan is very involved with its suppliers, both locally and in Central America. They helped with the construction of a sports field and the renovation of a church. Another good example is the construction of a modern watering system with a shade house at one of the suppliers in Central America. A sustainable investment that also improves the quality of the plants.

Progressive in sustainability

Fachjan has applied their sustainability techniques extensively. Apart from the fact that they contribute locally in the form of, for example, the construction of a sports field, they also have taken many measures in the Netherlands to grow as sustainably as possible. They use solar panels, and 50% of their energy comes from geothermal heat, a very sustainable way of heating their greenhouses. They also try to reduce the use of potting soil (peat) and about 90% of their pest control is done organically. Using sustainable energy is good, but making sure that less energy is needed is of course even better. In 2011, they had three special energy screens installed. And even though in that year the greenhouse was extended from 4 to 5 hectares, they still used less energy.

A turbulent 2021

Last year, Fachjan faced several challenges. Corona and an obstructing ship in the Suez Canal caused container prices from Asia have increased. A non-native beetle, which turned out not to be so non-native at all, was found and for a while, the nursery was threatened with complete closure. Fortunately, the authorities were contacted in time and Fachjan managed to close 2021 in a very positive way, not in the least because of the efforts of a fantastic group of employees, of whom Paul and Fred are very proud of.