How Kwekerij van Winden Engineers the Perfect Climate for Zamioculcas
What does it take to grow a plant with an ‘on-off switch’? For the Van Winden family, it means creating the greenhouse environment. How effective are agricultural rain-shelter greenhouses and their components? The answer lies in an uncompromising quest for control, where every detail—from high-tech screens to durable tarpaulin-grade barriers—is engineered for stability.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A Sensitive Crop
At the heart of this operation is the Zamioculcas, a glossy, resilient houseplant beloved by consumers but notoriously sensitive in cultivation. “The moment conditions stray, it retreats into its tuber. Growth stops,” says grower Tom van Winden. This biological precision switch makes climate control non-negotiable and turns energy efficiency into a core strategy. “Our goal is to trap every kilowatt we put in,” Tom states.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Three-Layer Screen System Building a Thermal Fortress for Growth
In 2025, the growers took a decisive step. In one greenhouse, they installed a dual-layer system on a single wire bed: a blackout screen (Obscura) for darkness and insulation, topped with an energy screen (Luxous Light) designed to remain closed by day. Combined with an existing lower PAR perfect screen, this trio forms a thermal fortress.
“This isn’t just about light control; it’s a major insulation leap,” explains Jeroen de Jonge of Peter Dekker Installaties (PDI), the family’s long-term technical partner. The blackout screen is one of the best insulators available, and the Luxous Light fabric complements it perfectly for daytime use. For Tom, the logic is clear: “At night, the plant is at rest. That’s the perfect window to lock in heat and lose nothing.”
This technical precision is built on years of visionary groundwork. Founded by André van Winden and later expanded by him, the 12-hectare business grew through a series of strategic acquisitions and complete rebuilds of adjacent greenhouses, each upgraded to a proprietary standard. “André is a true visionary,” says Jeroen. “To rebuild to that level takes both courage and long-term vision.” This commitment to total control is at the core of everything, from infrastructure to daily operations, with Tom handling the business side and André overseeing the execution.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Partnership Built on Trust
Such ambitious projects rely on deep collaboration. The relationship with PDI is described as one of mutual understanding and trust. “We know how they think, and they know what to expect from us,” says Jeroen. This synergy is crucial when the stakes are high, especially before the commercial peak in January and February. “After Christmas, people buy houseplants. You simply must be ready,” Tom emphasizes.
For Kwekerij van Winden, success is a formula: the right plant, a visionary rebuild, a trusted partnership, and a shielded microclimate where even the most sensitive crop can thrive.
