As someone constantly exploring the flower industry for unique plants and flowers and seasonal specialties, I recently had the pleasure of visiting Kwekerij Mostert. In the facility, one doesn’t just feel the presence of plants, but also generations of work. Because this is not just an ordinary business; it is an heirloom. Sitting down with Ruben Mostert, one of the four brothers steering this family enterprise, I discovered an amazing blend of horticultural heritage, revolutionary innovation, a genuine passion for plants, and the quiet thrill of nurturing unique plants right from seedling to their stardom.
A Family Floral Enterprise With a Heritage Rooted in Tradition
Oozing the kind of warm enthusiasm that only comes from someone truly passionate about their floral trade, Ruben shared the rich horticultural history of their family and the business, and from our tête-à-tête, one could tell that growing the most beautiful and special plants is truly in their blood, given the family’s 150-year expertise in the nursery line of work.
The Mostert family’s journey began with Ruben’s great-great-grandfather, a man whose hands were perpetually dusted with soil and whose heart, he says, beat for husbandry. Just from that, one could tell plants are practically entrenched in their DNA. Alongside his three brothers, Ruben now leads the third generation of this horticultural enterprise, which officially passed to them in 2017. What began as a modest operation has grown into a successful nursery with over eighty employees, three locations, and a reputation for fineness that spans florists, garden centers, and plant enthusiasts across Europe.
But longevity isn’t their only bragging right. The family is made up of entrepreneurs at heart. For them, it is about marrying tradition with smart innovation, a mantra that drives everything from streamlining supply chains to investing in sustainable technology. Their secret sauce? An unyielding pioneering spirit. They are not afraid to step out of their comfort zone. If there is a path untaken, well, that is the one they take—as long as it leads to something extraordinary.
A Pioneering Spirit That Drives Growth
What struck me most was how they have managed to honor their heritage while simultaneously pushing limits and exploring new avenues in the industry. The Mostert brothers have essentially developed a substantial enterprise that, while welcoming new ideas, still maintains the personal touch of a family business.
Ruben emphasized:
"Aside from our horticultural craftsmanship, you could call us entrepreneurs at heart. Our passion is to run our business in the smartest possible way, focusing on innovation-updating processes, meeting consumer needs, investing in sustainable technology, and continuing to innovate. We create our own young plants and plugs. Our breeders are artists, constantly experimenting to develop new species. While we constantly look for new plants worldwide, we also believe in creating our unique varieties that cannot be found anywhere else."
Well, this is another factor that makes Kwekerij Mostert stand out; their commitment to self-sufficiency and innovation is admirable. This approach has resulted in several proprietary varieties of Pilea, Schefflera, and Monstera that have become signature offerings of the nursery. So, when I asked about his personal favorite, Ruben did not hesitate: “The Monstera deliciosa Variegata," he said.
Additionally, their approach to developing new and special plants and adapting their supply chain to stand closer to future-oriented solutions means the brothers combine their individual expertise in a team that pools the collective knowledge and experience of their entire staff.
Best-Kept Secret Offering a Diverse Portfolio for Diverse Needs
Ask a florist or garden center about Mostert, and you will likely hear one word mentioned several times: exclusive. If you want something rare, Ruben says, Kwekerij Mostert is, more often than not, the first call. Their clients range from boutique flower shops seeking statement greenery to large retailers craving flexibility. Garden centers especially love their ‘mix carts’—they can order diverse assortments without committing to bulk quantities. It is all about meeting their needs without waste.
The nursery’s catalog consists of different varieties. Initially specializing in Schefflera plants since 1976, they have since expanded their range considerably to include Pilea, Anthurium, Philodendron, Monstera, Syngonium and Tillandsia, as well as exclusives like variegated Pilea, Schefflera hybrids, and the ever-iconic Monstera deliciosa Variegata—as noted, Ruben’s favorite which, despite being quite a sensation during the ‘plantfluencer’ boom, its beauty remains timeless. Plus, Kwekerij Mostert has made the variety more accessible without compromising quality.
The Power of Teamwork as They Face Challenges, Sustainability, and Future Vision
Running such a floral business with siblings might sound like a recipe for drama. Plus, without a doubt, hardly any business is without its unique challenges. Kwekerij Mostert is no exception. But the Mostert brothers thrive on teamwork. Each one of them brings something different—finance, logistics, R&D, the list is practically endless.
Ruben
“We share the same drive: honest, ethical entrepreneurship. This unity trickles down through our tight-knit team, whose collective knowledge is important in whichever segment.”
Their biggest challenge? Scaling sustainably. Labor shortages and energy costs always loom large, but Ruben sees opportunity in consolidation. The dream, he says, is to centralize operations—merge three sites into one hub, which will significantly cut their carbon footprint and streamline their operations. Environmental responsibility is also important to the business. Already MPS-certified (a gold standard for eco-friendly growing), they are determined to lead the charge toward even more greener practices in an industry that is increasingly focused on reducing environmental impact.
For the Mosterts, honesty and good entrepreneurship are their biggest motivation. According to Ruben, making promises and always going the extra mile to keep them does it for them. They demand this of themselves so that they can provide for their employees and their customers with the best products and services. So, if you seek unique, high-quality plants cultivated with a heritage of passion and expertise, Kwekerij Mostert is worth checking out.
Photos by Peter van Delft
