We are witnessing a worldwide shift from larger to smaller pot sizes. After strong growth in the 9 cm pot segment in recent years, the pot sizes of 6 cm and 7 cm are now also gaining popularity. This also applies to Orchids and Anthuriums.
There are multiple reasons for this. Smaller pot sizes are more suitable for new and alternative positions in the house than the usual 12 cm pot. For example, the kitchen window, side table or home office. There is also a trend in the housing market: we are living in smaller homes.
In addition, thanks to better varieties and better cultivation in smaller pots, consumers get as much ornamental value for their money nowadays as they did 10 years ago with a larger pot. Smaller pot sizes are also more suitable for adding value and for processing into planting trays. For the trade, a higher load factor of smaller pot sizes also counts as a big plus, especially for distant destinations. There is also increasing interest in these sizes from the retail segment.
The assortment that is suitable for growing in small pots is still limited. Anthura anticipated this at an early stage, and our breeders started working on this years ago. This has resulted in our market leadership in the 9 cm pot size, and our aim is to lead the market in the 6 and 7 cm pot sizes as well.
Phalaenopsis varieties
With Phalaenopsis varieties such as Anthura Puebla, Anthura Salta, Anthura Bogota, Anthura Caracas, Anthura La Paz, Anthura Linz, Anthura Machu Picchu, Anthura Bern and Anthura Zurich, there is now a nice basic assortment for the 6 cm and 7 cm pots.
Anthurium varieties
For Anthurium, varieties like Lilli®, Zizou®, Spirit®. Cirano®, Mystral®, Vanilla®, Eclyps®, are examples of varieties that are particularly suitable for small pot sizes. This year, the Micra® variety will be added.
Choice of pot sizes
Every year, this basic range will be extended with new varieties and colours; breeding at Anthura is running at full speed! People often ask about the difference between the 6 cm and 7 cm pot sizes. This is largely determined by the sales channel. Retail often chooses the 6 cm pot, as this is a standard and popular pot size within this sales channel.
Florists and wholesalers tend to opt for the slightly larger 7 cm pot size: the larger volume allows more moisture to be delivered to this trade channel. The colour spectrum allows for a little more choice, because varieties with a slightly larger flower size can also be selected.
Because of the growing interest in this segment, we have launched the international campaign ‘Small the next BIG thing’, which will become increasingly apparent in the coming year. In addition to being showcased on our website, in the Anthurinfo and at trade fairs, there will also be frequent posts on our social media. New photography has also been developed for all our communications, which can be used for a wide range of purposes.
If you would like more information about small pot sizes with a bright future, please contact your account manager, Robert Kuijf (Product Manager Orchids) or Stefan de Hoog (Product Manager Anthurium).
