Among the millions of kalanchoe plants, chrysanthemums and celosias at the potted plant nursery Vilosa, there is also Mozaic. A kalanchoe that at first glance just has pastel shades, but nothing could be further from the truth. The longer it is outside, the more its flowers change color through the influence of light and temperature.
Loek Ammerlaan with the Mozaic during the Autumn Fair
Summer
The Mozaic is especially meant for summer, says Loek Ammerlaan. "Besides being a true summer plant, the Mozaic also does best as an outdoor plant. It can be indoors all year round, but then it does not reach its brightest colors. In addition, many people do not know that a kalanchoe can be placed outside just as soon as the night frost is over. It is often still considered an indoor plant. We tell exporters and garden centers that the Mozaic also does very well outdoors in summer, they can then share this information with customers."
Myrthe van Noort, marketing at Vilosa, added: "We offer support to exporters and end customers. We are happy to help with standard materials or customisation in case of a large order."
Light intensity
How exactly does this colour change work? Rick van Luijk, commercial director at Vilosa explains: "The moment you put the plant outside, it changes colour due to the difference of day and night temperatures. It also needs light intensity, which is why we supply the plant in summer. In winter, discolouration is not visible. The difference in discolouration when it rains for a week is different from when it is sunny. Different climate conditions will also cause the Mozaic to discolour differently. Furthermore, the Mozaic is just like any other kalanchoe, it needs light and not too much water."
On the left, is a Mozaic that has not yet been outside next to a Mozaic that has been outside.
End of season
Other kalanchoes are grown year-round, but as the Mozaic is meant for summer, they only grow it from the beginning of May until the end of September. Besides regular kalanchoes, they also have specials such as Lucky Bells and Magic Bells. "At two of Vilosa's three locations, which total about 80 employees, a lot goes automated. At the third location, almost everything is done manually. Here, among other things, our specials and celosias are grown and various tests are carried out."
Automation at the nursery.
This is the third year of growing Mozaic at Vilosa, which is the only nursery in Europe growing this kalanchoe, Loek says. At the nursery, the cuttings come in and are grown to the size they are delivered in. "The season has now come to an end, but orders for next year can already be placed," Loek concludes.
For more information:
Vilosa
Tel: +31 (0)174 210 380
[email protected]
www.vilosa.nl