What is the difference between organically and sustainably grown plants?

There are various quality marks for growing plants. The two most important ones are SKAL (organic) and MPS (sustainable). But what exactly is the difference? And why is that relevant if you want to have office plants installed?

Organic plants: the SKAL quality mark

With organic plants (SKAL), it is mandatory that the entire cultivation process takes place in a natural way. No chemical pesticides or artificial fertilizers may be used. Organic plants are, in any case, grown without:

Synthetic pesticides

Mineral fertilizers

Herbicides

Growth regulators

Grown in peat-reduced substrate

In the Netherlands, there are several organic growers for outdoor plants. For indoor plants, unfortunately, there are only two organic growers with a limited selection.

Sustainably grown plants: the MPS quality mark

In sustainable plant cultivation (MPS), attention is paid to several environmental themes that a grower must address: crop protection (including pesticides), fertilizers, energy, waste, and water. In all these areas, a grower can make a difference regarding negative effects on people and the environment.

Why Wildernis chooses MPS-A

Because there are only two organic growers for indoor plants in the Netherlands with a limited range, Wildernis has chosen to require at least MPS-A certification for its purchasing. A and A+ are the highest MPS quality marks. These growers strive to use no or limited chemical pesticides and to use biological agents preventatively. They also monitor the use of fertilizers by choosing alternatives to artificial fertilizer, such as organic fertilizers or fertilizers that do not contain nitrogen or phosphate. Additionally, they use geothermal energy for heating greenhouses or solar energy, for example. Efficiently reusing waste materials and water can all contribute to a higher sustainability class.

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May 4, 2026