Flowers for Africa

When stepping into the LIV Flowers’ greenhouses in Chakas Rock, one is overwhelmed by thousands of beautiful flowers and healthy, bright green leaves.

They are proud to be known as one of the largest cut flower producers in South Africa and grow the highest quality flowers, specialising in Anthuriums, Gerberas and Ruscus.

Dendrobiums, a type of orchid, have recently been added to their greenhouses.

Rob Tucker studied agriculture in Pietermaritzburg and has been working at LIV Flowers for more than 20 years.

“I started working here and never wanted to leave,” said Tucker.

The hydroponically grown plants show no signs of the drought, which would be expected with the ever dropping Hazelmere Dam and the tightening water restrictions.

Still, life is becoming rather tough for them, as they have had to reduce their water usage to the minimum.

“We have boreholes, but even they are drying up and using municipal water will mean our costs will increase quite drastically.”

Nonetheless, they are still producing an incredible number of cut flowers.

Annually, an estimated 600 000 Anthurium stems and 350 000 Ruscus stems are sent to Multiflora, the largest flower auction house on the continent, based in Johannesburg.

This Multiflora mammoth consists of a 50 000 square metre roofed auction space that sees approximately 300 million flower stems roll across its floors every year.

Roughly a million flower stems pass through the doors during the four daily auction clocks.

From here, the flowers make their way into extravagant flower arrangements in hotels, conference rooms, reception areas, wedding bouquets and shops.

“We are paid weekly by Multiflora. They run a very efficient system and giving a true reflection of the demand and supply cycle in the plant world,” he said.

The 550 000 Gerbera stems are mostly found in Woolworths stores across KZN and Gauteng.

“It is great to see our flowers being sold and used all over, knowing that people are enjoying them.”

According to the flower expert, Gerberas tend to be the most difficult out of the four crops, but LIV Flowers have mastered the art and are hoping to produce nearly four times as many stems in the near future.

The Anthuriums are probably the most impressive of their crops, with a greenhouse that transports you into a wonderland of endless rows of thriving plants, full of flowers in every colour imaginable.

There are beautifully shaped, small silky white Anthuriums, while others are the size of a side plate, ranging from a soft green, to a bright red.

It is no wonder that Tucker’s favourite flower is the Anthurium.

While LIV Flowers are very successful, the flower industry is struggling, as plants are a luxury item and therefore during economically strenuous times, flower arrangements tend to become smaller and cheaper.

The many pests and diseases that thrive in KZN do not make life any easier.

“Continuous and effective pest control is critical in this industry,” he said.

Besides producing high quality flowers, LIV Flowers is proud to be part of a charitable cause, as all their profits go to LIV Village, which aims to give orphaned and vulnerable children an education and a sheltered upbringing.

“The flowers support the LIV village and go towards paying the teachers, house mothers and general upkeep of the village.”

It is touching to see that LIV Flowers nurture not only their plants, but also the children in need of caring in their community.