The Dutch orchid pioneer Jacques van der Weijden has passed away. On 21 November, Jacques, former director and owner of GreenBalanZ, died at the age of 81.
© GreenBalanz
"Since the early 1970s, Jacques dedicated his life to orchid propagation and production. He helped lay the groundwork for what would become the world's most beloved orchid, the Phalaenopsis. At a time when Phalaenopsis was mainly propagated for use as a cut flower, Jacques was one of the first to believe in its future as a potted plant. With that vision, he made an enormous contribution to the development of what is now the most popular houseplant in the world. We are incredibly proud of that," the Van der Weijden family and the GreenBalanZ team shared.
"Just last week, he dropped by for a moment, as he always did, for a cup of coffee in the canteen. Jacques lived a full and meaningful life and built a beautiful company. We will miss him deeply."
