Size Matters for Koppe Begonia at IPM Essen

Begonia Mocca Orange and Begonia Hailey Sunset

Begonia Sweeties are cute little plants grown in 10.5 cm pots that draw the attention of especially many young people. They are nicely full and their round plants are covered with lots of small double flowers. You can learn more about these Sweeties from grower Kuipers and in the article ‘Look at These Amazing Begonia Sweeties in Little Pots‘.

Then on to the leafy Begonias, like the Spotlight series. Spotlight Green and Spotlight Dark were introduced in 2024, and are now successfully sold in markets around the world. Koppe caught the eye of many visitors with its Spotlights in 30 cm pots with three plugs. Read more about these dotted Begonias in the article ‘The New Standard in Polka Dot Begonia?‘

Begonia Sweeties White and Begonia Spotlight Green

And there was so much more; the booth was packed with the above and other varieties, from the flowering Florencio Double Salmon and Begonia Halo to the leafy Belove Salmon Pink and Belove Red. All stunners that you want to have in your nursery, your shop, or at home.

Why Koppe Begonia Prioritizes Big Roots in Young Plants

When it comes to growing top-quality Begonias, one thing is clear: roots matter. Not just any roots—big, strong, well-developed roots. Begonia breeder Koppe Begonia has built its reputation on producing young plants with the best root systems in the industry. And they don’t just say it; they prove it. With decades of expertise, they’ve fine-tuned their breeding and cultivation methods to ensure their plants start strong from the ground up.

“When you start with young plants that have superior root systems, everything else falls into place.”

 

Rooted young plants in Koppe’s greenhouse

So, why does Koppe emphasize root size during its 15th participation of IPM in Essen, one of the world’s biggest plants and flowers exhibitions? And what is the story for all you growers out there who are aiming to produce high-performing, high-quality Begonias? Let’s dig in, so to speak.

Big Roots, Big Advantages

For a Begonia grower, success starts below the surface. While leaves and flowers steal the show, it’s the roots that determine how well a plant will grow, how easily it adapts, and how quickly it thrives in its new home. Koppe Begonia understands this better than anyone, which is why they focus on developing young plants with exceptionally large roots. Here’s why size matters:

1. Faster Establishment in Production. Big roots mean a young Begonia plant is quick to settle into its new environment. Whether it’s being transferred from a plug to a pot or shipped across the world, strong roots help the plant adapt and start growing almost immediately. For growers, this means reduced waiting times and a more predictable production schedule.

2. Efficient Water and Nutrient Uptake. A well-developed root system absorbs water and nutrients more efficiently. This reduces the need for excessive fertilization and irrigation, making the growing process smoother and more sustainable. When roots are small or weak, the plant struggles to take in what it needs, leading to uneven growth and increased maintenance.

3. Less Transplant Shock. One of the biggest challenges in commercial Begonia production is transplant shock. Moving young plants from one growing stage to another can cause stress, leading to slow growth, leaf drop, or even plant loss. Larger roots significantly reduce transplant shock, ensuring the plant continues to grow without setbacks. This means fewer losses for growers and a more consistent final product.

4. Stronger Above-Ground Growth. What happens below the soil directly affects what happens above it. When a young Begonia has a robust root system, it can dedicate more energy to growing full, lush foliage and, eventually, more flowers. This means a bushier plant with better symmetry and more blooms—a major plus for retailers and consumers alike.

5. Greater Resistance to Stress. Whether it’s a dry spell, temperature fluctuations, or handling during shipping, a Begonia with a strong root system is simply more resilient. It can handle stress better, bounce back faster, and continue growing under less-than-ideal conditions. This gives growers peace of mind, knowing their crops can withstand the inevitable challenges of plant production.

André Koppe states:

“With our slogan “Size matters… for our roots”, we continuously make an effort to root our Begonia in a large 5cm plug. This ensures that the cuttings get sufficient light, so they can even in winter grow out to large beautiful plants.”

 

At the greenhouse of Koppe Begonia

Koppe Begonia’s Secret to Superior Roots

What’s the secret of success? How does Koppe Begonia ensure their plants have the biggest roots in the game? During the four days of IPM Essen 2025, the breeder emphasizes that it’s not just luck—it’s a combination of meticulous breeding, innovative cultivation techniques, and a deep understanding of Begonia genetics.

Koppe doesn’t just select for beautiful flowers or compact growth; they prioritize root strength from the very start. Their breeding program focuses on plants with naturally vigorous root systems, ensuring that each new generation is stronger and more resilient than the last.

From the moment a young Begonia is propagated, it’s given the best possible conditions to develop a strong root system. This means carefully controlled humidity, temperature, and light to encourage optimal growth. It’s a science, and Koppe has mastered it.

It may be clear that not all methods produce the same results. Koppe has refined their propagation techniques to encourage maximum root development in the shortest time. By paying close attention to cutting quality, rooting media, and environmental conditions, they give their plants the best possible start.

Every young plant that leaves Koppe’s facilities has been carefully monitored for root development. This ensures that growers receive uniform, high-quality plants that perform consistently—batch after batch, year after year.

The IPM 2025 booth with (from the left) Bert Koppe, Koen Trommel, and Lisanne Koppe

Long-Term Benefits for the Grower

For commercial Begonia growers, partnering with a breeder like Koppe means one thing: reliability. for the long haul. When you start with young plants that have superior root systems, everything else falls into place. Faster growth, fewer losses, and stronger, more resilient plants mean better margins and happier customers.

Bigger and better roots for stronger Begonias

With Koppe Begonia, it’s clear—bigger roots lead to better plants. And for growers who value consistency, efficiency, and quality, that’s an advantage worth investing in.

Meet Koppe (Again) at FlowerTrials 2025

IPM Essen 2025 was, again, an outstanding fair for Koppe to meet with its customers from more than thirty countries. However, if you missed out on a chance to meet the people of Koppe Begonia and chat about their roots, young plants, and how this could benefit you as a grower, trader, or florist; soon there will be another wonderful opportunity. From 10-13 June 2025 the doors are open for you in the Aalsmeer HQ during the annual FlowerTrials. Check out this invitation.

The proud team with (from the left) André Vreugdenhil, Lisanne Koppe, Koen Trommel, and Bert Koppe