Celebrating two decades of remarkable growth and innovation, CosMic Plants has evolved from a modest family business into a leading name in the North American horticultural industry.
Founded by brothers Neil and Mike Van Steeklenburg, the company began with fewer than five employees and a weekly production of just 2,000 plants. Today, under the leadership of Neil and his son, Connor, the company has expanded to over 40 employees, shipping more than 25,000 premium phalaenopsis orchids each week.
The hallmark of CosMic Plants is their commitment to quality and sustainability, a philosophy deeply ingrained in their operations.
In a conversation with Produce Leaders, Taylor Graham, the marketing manager at CosMic Plants explains, “We grow exclusively from tissue culture, and focus on a longer growth cycle to produce higher quality plants that bloom longer.”
This meticulous attention to the growth process allows CosMic Plants to cultivate orchids that not only last longer but are also of superior quality compared to standard offerings in the market.
As the only MPS-A+ certified orchid grower in North America, CosMic Plants sets a high standard for environmental responsibility.
This certification is more than just a label. It’s a testimony to the company’s commitment to sustainable practices, ensuring that its operations positively impact the environment while still meeting the demands of a competitive market.
The company’s product range is as innovative as it is diverse. They offer orchids in two pot sizes, 3 and 5 inches, and have developed five distinct product categories to cater to various consumer preferences.
These include Piccola, a traditional style in a smaller pot; Magnifica, a larger version of the traditional style; Artistica, which features orchids hand-shaped onto metal forms; Compagnia, which includes planter arrangements; and Autentica, a line for products that do not meet premium standards but still find a niche in the market.
Graham is particularly excited about the company’s upcoming innovations, which include a program designed to support retail customers and their front-line staff.
“While I can’t release too many details at this point, we are aiming to have the program ready for a July launch!” she shares.
Some of CosMic Plants’ product offerings
Additionally, this spring will see the introduction of the “Grab & Go” orchid carrier, a novel product that promises to revolutionize how orchids are presented and transported in the Canadian market.
Designed with a sturdy structure and a charcoal background, the carrier enhances the orchids’ visual appeal while ensuring they remain in perfect condition during transit.
These developments are part of CosMic Plants’ broader strategy to not only enhance their product offerings but also to support their partners in the retail industry.
The forthcoming retail support program and the “Grab & Go” carrier are examples of how the company continuously seeks to innovate, providing value-added products and services that distinguish them in a crowded marketplace
CosMic Plants’ dedication to sustainability extends deep into their operations. The company employs advanced climate control systems to minimize energy consumption, uses biological crop protection techniques, and practices rain and irrigation water recycling.
Their orchids are grown with ample space and light, enabling more blooms per plant, stronger root systems, and longer shelf-life. This meticulous care takes time, approximately 1.5 years to grow a Phalaenopsis Orchid to maturity.
“It is in the nature of our business to plan for the future,” states their website, highlighting the company’s forward-looking approach.
Their commitment to environmental sustainability is evident in their innovative use of resources. For instance, all rainwater caught on their expansive 350,000 ft² roof is collected, cleaned, and then used for irrigating their orchid crops.
This approach conserves water and reduces their dependency on the public water system to almost zero. They also reuse about 100% of the irrigation water, which allows them to recycle fertilizers and significantly cut down on waste.
CosMic Plants also emphasizes a local approach to business. “Our Orchids are grown not too far from you! The range of our supply chain is short, and our location is ideal. We reach the northeastern quadrant of North America within 10 hours of trucking,” their website also proudly states.
This strategic positioning reduces transportation times, cuts emissions, and supports the local economy.
As CosMic Plants looks forward to the next 20 years, its trajectory from a small family business to a key player in the orchid market is not just a story of growth but also a commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation.
