Interview with LKP Plants - Wim Koolhaas
What began as a vegetable garden in Rotterdam started by grandfather Leo Koolhaas has grown into a colourful family business. When the city needed space for housing, the Koolhaas family moved to the village of Moerkapelle. Initially, they grew a variety of crops at the new location, but Leo and his son soon became fascinated by Bromeliads—a decision that changed the course of their company.
Today, Leo’s three grandsons continue the tradition with LKP Plants, a leading horticultural company specialising exclusively in Bromeliads. We caught up with Wim Koolhaas, third generation and co-owner of LKP Plants, to discuss the family business, his love for Bromeliads and his ambitions for the future.
Can you tell us more about LKP Plants?
LKP is short for Leo Koolhaas Potted Plants. Around 1900, my grandfather created a vegetable garden in Rotterdam. When the city council decided to build houses in the late 1960s, his land was expropriated. The family moved to Moerkapelle and started again from scratch. In those days, they grew absolutely everything—from green ferns to flowering plants—since a wide range of products was essential to compete at the auction. But from the late 1980s onwards, we began focusing entirely on Bromeliads. It was a conscious choice: more efficient in terms of cultivation techniques and climate control, and it allowed us to really get to know our product inside and out. We now grow between 80 and 100 varieties.
What is your role at LKP Plants?
Horticulture was instilled in us from an early age. My two brothers and I represent the third generation of our family business. We grew up surrounded by plants, but each of us gradually found our own niche. One brother is technically minded and handles greenhouse systems and innovations, while the other focuses on all aspects of cultivation. I’m responsible for sales and customer relations. This division of roles works well because we complement each other. Naturally, working together as brothers isn’t always easy. Knowing each other so well means we are honest with each other—and sometimes clash—but it also builds trust and a shared vision. Our parents always gave us the freedom to make our own choices, which ultimately led us to consciously choose the company. We strive to build on each other’s strengths so that together we can continue moving LKP Plants forward.
Have there been any recent expansions?
Two years ago, we added 1.5 hectares. This included a semi-closed greenhouse that allows us to retain heat and CO₂ without releasing it into the outside air. In the future, we plan to capture solar heat and store it in the ground, effectively creating a thermal energy storage system. This could cut energy consumption by half compared to traditional greenhouses. Sustainability is a key priority for us. We have been growing our plants organically for five years and hardly use any chemical agents. Both our water and fertiliser systems are fully closed. The more closed cultivation systems we can develop, the better prepared we will be for the future.
You recently ventured into the market independently. Could you tell us a bit more?
We used to work with Bromelia Specialist, a partnership that was highly successful for many years. Even so, our vision and ambitions led us to chart our own course. By going it alone, we have greater freedom to make decisions that align with our strategy and identity as a family business. We can shift direction more quickly, determine our own product positioning and respond directly to customer enquiries. This is extremely motivating for us. Admittedly, deciding to part ways with a trusted partner wasn’t easy. Still, it felt like a logical step in our development, and we have found that it has made us stronger as a team.
What do you think about your partnership with Anthura?
It’s a great partnership. We’ve been working together more closely for two years, and although our business relationship is still young, we have known each other as professionals for decades. Together, we focus on factors such as shelf life and the plant’s journey from greenhouse to consumer. Accurately mapping this entire process is essential. In the greenhouse, a plant receives the best possible care, but once it leaves, it must quickly adapt to very different conditions. Close coordination between all parties involved in this journey is crucial to identify where improvements can be made.
What are you most proud of?
When I’m abroad and spot a Bromelia that I know was cultivated by us, it always makes me smile. I was in Italy recently and saw a Guzmania Priscilla in a shopping trolley, with a child who was absolutely delighted by it. That’s when I realise that what we grow here with care can bring joy to someone far away.
