Denis-Plants celebrates 50 years of innovation, craftsmanship and passion for young plants

For half a century, the company has been synonymous with innovation, quality, and the courage to make bold, pioneering choices. Today, Denis-Plants is not only a trusted name in Belgian ornamental horticulture but also a globally respected player.

From pioneering spirit to international recognition

The story of Denis-Plants began in 1975 in Lochristi, when founder René Denis started a potted plant business. The company soon specialised in a single crop: Schefflera. From there, growth was swift. Denis-Plants invested in modern greenhouses and cultivation technologies, received an award from the Ministry of Agriculture for technological innovation, and opened doors to multiple export markets.

From the 1990s onwards, Denis-Plants built a strong reputation by introducing new indoor plant varieties each year, including Calathea, Ficus and Spathiphyllum. With the establishment of its own tissue culture laboratory in 1997, the company firmly positioned itself as a pioneer in plant biotechnology. It also expanded its portfolio with an important new product segment: perennials. Today, tissue culture propagation and acclimatisation form the core of Denis-Plants’ activities, supported by 3 hectares of greenhouses and an R&D laboratory in Belgium, along with partner laboratories abroad.

Awards, innovation and sustainable growth

Over the years, Denis-Plants has received numerous awards, including the top prize from the Dutch Ornamental Growers for green foliage plants and the title Ornamental Grower of the Year in 2011.

Product innovations such as the flowering Calathea Bicajoux series have also been recognised internationally. Equally important has been the company’s consistent focus on sustainability and modernisation: from introducing grading robots to implementing advanced water purification and storage systems, energy-efficient LED lighting, a state-of-the-art FOG greenhouse, solar panels, and battery systems.

In recent years, Denis-Plants has taken further steps into robotics with the introduction of transplanting robots, once again illustrating the company’s DNA: forward-thinking, innovative, and future-oriented. The company also recently achieved MPS GAP certification, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable growth.

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A new generation, the same spirit

In 2022, René Denis and his wife, Solange Declercq, handed over the management of the company to Johan Vrancken, who became CEO and co-shareholder. Together with their children, they remain actively involved as co-shareholders, members of the Board of Directors, and Ambassadors of Denis-Plants. Without their boundless dedication and commitment, the company would not be where it is today. Together, they continue the family story, a business built on a passion for plants, loyalty to its people, and a clear vision for sustainable growth.

“The beauty of this anniversary is that it’s not an endpoint but a milestone,” says CEO Johan Vrancken. “We don’t just want to look back, but use our history as a springboard for the future. Our focus remains the same: innovate, collaborate, and help the ornamental horticulture sector thrive.”

A word of thanks to the industry, partners and employees

As Denis-Plants celebrates its 50th anniversary, the company wishes to thank everyone who has contributed to its success: employees, customers, suppliers, and partners in Belgium and abroad. “Telling history is easier than predicting the future,” adds founder René Denis. “But our success has always been built on four pillars: follow your own path, learn from others without copying them, surround yourself with loyal and skilled people, and add a touch of luck. With that spirit, we look to the future with confidence.”

About Denis-Plants

What began as a small family business in Lochristi has grown into an international reference for young plants from tissue culture propagation. Denis-Plants remains true to its mission: delivering high-quality young plants of indoor and perennial varieties, including Helleborus, with a constant focus on R&D, sustainability, and innovation. Denis-Plants – Growing the future since 1975.

• Denis-Plants BV, Lochristi, Belgium, www.denis-plants.com