Michael Perry discovers Bernhard Orchids in Decorum’s Grower for a Day

In the Decorum web series Grower for a Day, we take viewers behind the scenes of premium flowers and plants. In this episode, Michael Perry, better known as Mr. Plantgeek, spends a full working day at Bernhard Orchids, specialist in Phalaenopsis.

Among millions of orchids, it quickly becomes clear how much care and craftsmanship are required for one perfect plant. Michael follows the entire process: from the arrival of young plants and the selection for strong roots and quality, to the moment the orchid is shaped into a distinctive finished product.

Bernhard grows a wide assortment of Phalaenopsis in 12 cm pots, ranging from short to long stems and from calm solid colours to striking speckled varieties and unique colour mixes. Depending on customer requirements, the plants are delivered with one, two or three stems, or shaped into special forms.

A highlight of the day is creating the signature cascade or ‘waterfall’ orchid. Michael steps onto the production line himself, puts on the Bernhard shirt and learns how to shape a stem step by step using sticks and clips. It requires precision, speed and a steady hand.

“An orchid should not only be beautiful, but also perfectly balanced,” Bernhard explains. “Behind every plant is a team working daily on quality, timing and finishing. You only truly see that when you spend a day in the greenhouse.”

Since 2007, Bernhard Orchids has been growing Phalaenopsis, with strong investments in quality and innovation over the years. With a modern internal transport system, computer-controlled camera grading and a dedicated team, every plant is carefully processed into a finished product. Sustainability plays a major role: the Elegant Phalaenopsis is grown completely energy-neutral using geothermal energy and 50,000 floating solar panels. In 2021, the company received the Greenovation Award from Royal FloraHolland for this achievement.