Root volume kalanchoe increases with new pot

Slijkerman Kalanchoë in Heerhugowaard breeds, propagates and produces kalanchoë in all types and species for the higher market segments, up to the luxurious Diamond Series, which has been made more sustainable with diamond dust. Whatever the sales price, there’s a lot of attention paid to appearance in all plants. Everything at the company breathes quality. Each part of the operating system has to be right. But up to half a year ago the pot was a weak link. Not that there was really something wrong, but there was certainly room for improvement, was Slijkerman’s conviction. "We want a model where 100% of the holes remain open for good drainage. While kalanchoë is a succulent plant you want to often water it to steer it, so it is essential that no water remains in the pot."

Inspired by the pot form with orchids, Stefan Slijkerman had clear ideas for improving existing models. Because his producer's organization Decorum buys everything collectively at Royal Brinkman, it was logical to express the desire for the new pot design to the product specialist through the account manager. In addition, Slijkerman had a preference for a German producer who could produce a solid injection molded pot. Moreover, it had to fit in the plant carriers of the sorting system. Ronald van Dijk of Henke Topfit: “In consultation we found the solution in a conical shape at the bottom - which is called a thule - plus sloping square holes. The thule creates extra pressure towards the holes so draining of the pot is accelerated. The square holes are formed in such a way that rapid rehydration is possible. In a normal standard pot the ground in the middle is the wettest. Little roots grow there. This solution results in a root volume increase."

Slijkerman now has a half year of experience and he is very satisfied. In the greenhouse he enthusiastically shows how well the pot dries up so the plant will immediately create new roots: "Now we do not have compromise on the quality or breadth of the assortment in winter." During the design process continuous feedback was provided through 3D drawings and 3D models. Arjan van der Veer, specialist packaging and design at Royal Brinkman, sees the approach as a successful example of how to achieve customization by mutual agreement.

Henke Topfit could develop a special pot for one grower because Slijkerman promised to purchase certain quantities for at least three years. But both Van Dijk and Van der Veer see that the pot is now also catching on in other crops. "It can be a solution for many other crops that are sensitive to wet feet in winter."