Colombia is one of the world’s top exporters of cut flowers, known globally for its roses that brighten homes, weddings, and holidays year-round. Behind every bloom is a story of careful propagation, technology, and dedicated people driving consistency and quality.
One such story comes from Facatativá, Cundinamarca, where Rosen Tantau SAS has built its reputation as a leading propagation company—and where Jiffy plays an essential role in growing millions of rose plants each year.
Rose Propagation in Colombia: Rosen Tantau SAS Leading the Way
Rosen Tantau SAS specializes in rose propagation, managing approximately 6.5 hectares dedicated to producing mini plants that eventually become thriving rose bushes. The company primarily supplies Elite Flower, one of the most important players in Colombia’s flower export market.
Led by Agricultural Engineer Dr. Nora Vélez, who brings a doctorate in Plant Production and years of expertise in plant physiology, Rosen Tantau SAS has developed a sophisticated propagation system. The process begins with healthy cuttings sourced from mother plants or external suppliers and moves through carefully managed phases of preparation, storage, hydration, and planting.
As Dr. Velez explains: “This year, the production of these propagated plants is projected to be approximately 10 to 11 million mini plants. All our mini plants are produced in [Jiffy] pellets, and we start by selecting the material, ensuring it is healthy and free of diseases or any phytopathogenic problems.”
From there, the plants move through grafting, growth, and sorting before completing an 11-week cycle and heading to farms where they become mother plants. These mother plants then produce the flushes of roses that supply markets around the world.
The Role of Jiffy Pellets in Rose Propagation
At the heart of this success are Jiffy Pellets—a growing medium designed for efficiency, sustainability, and plant health. For RT SAS, the choice to use Jiffy is both practical and strategic.
Propagation begins with hydrating the pellets, which takes 3 to 4 hours depending on conditions. Once ready, cuttings are inserted directly into the pellets, where the uniform structure of the substrate encourages quick and even root development. The pellets are held together by a thin netting that supports the root ball until transplant.
Rosen Tantau SAS has long embraced innovation to strengthen its propagation process. Beatriz Colomba, a propagation leader for more than 20 years, explained that the company once relied on larger pellets with non-biodegradable netting. “Over time, we switched to a smaller one with biodegradable netting. Using the smaller pellet has improved rooting, the plants develop better, and we save weeks in productivity,” Colomba says.
The switch to biodegradable netting (norm EN 13432) has also eased handling and sustainability efforts. Trays are lighter and easier to move, reducing strain for workers and making daily operations smoother.
Meeting Global Flower Market Demands with Jiffy Solutions
The Colombian flower market is driven by global demand peaks, such as Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day. Rosen Tantau SAS must not only produce millions of plants but also deliver the right varieties at the right times. Jiffy Pellets play a role in this precision by providing predictable rooting and growth performance, which helps the company stay on schedule.
For example, in the post-Valentine season, propagation focuses on a diverse range of colors. For Mother’s Day programs, production shifts heavily toward red roses, with varieties like ‘Freedom’ taking the lead. The consistency and scheduling advantages of Jiffy Pellets provide Rosen Tantau SAS with the stability clients expect when seasonal markets intensify. Learn more about Jiffy’s work in cut flowers here.
Jiffy and Rosen Tantau SAS: Growing the Future of Colombia’s Cut-Flower Industry
For Jiffy, the success of Rosen Tantau SAS reflects a broader commitment to supporting professional growers around the world. Jiffy Pellets are trusted by leading cut-flower producers for their ease of use, uniform performance, and sustainable design. These qualities translate directly into stronger plants and shorter production cycles for Colombian cut flower producers.
Colombian roses remain a global symbol of beauty. Innovations in propagation are helping keep the industry vibrant. With Jiffy’s solutions, growers like Rosen Tantau SAS can adapt to shifting consumer demands, scale production more efficiently, and strengthen sustainability practices.
The world’s appetite for flowers is only increasing, and Rosen Tantau SAS and Jiffy are positioned to lead Colombia’s cut-flower industry into a new era defined by innovation and sustainability.
Let’s work together
Jiffy is a leading global supplier of premium growing media and solution thinking. We aim to serve you, our customers in plant propagation and cultivation, to achieve better results with fewer worries. We do this by continually improving, innovating, and working toward our common goals, based on scientific research, teamwork, and decades of experience. Let’s develop sustainable plant growing solutions together: Let’s start today!
