Small creature, big impact: how Little Spider helps make floriculture more sustainable
Tuesday 06 May 2025
A small discovery with a big impact. That鈥檚 the story of Little Spider in a nutshell. What began as a lucky find by plant grower Koos Bruinen has 鈥� thanks in part to his children Fleur and Luuk 鈥� grown into a promising, sustainable solution for pest control in floriculture.
In Koos's greenhouse, certain sections of crops were mysteriously free of pests like thrips, aphids and fungus gnats. The reason? A tiny spider that naturally hunted the insects. No chemicals, no outside interventions 鈥� just a case of natural balance.
Fleur and Luuk saw potential in the little creature and decided to build a business around it. With their father's blessing, Little Spider was born 鈥� with a clear mission: to reduce chemical use through the power of nature.
Biological control, without the hassle
The concept is simple, but requires commitment. The spider does its job as long as it can settle in a healthy greenhouse environment. That鈥檚 why Little Spider delivers not only the spiders, but also guidance, advice and regular checks by their own 鈥楽pider Controllers鈥�.
That guidance is essential, says Fleur: 鈥淲e want growers to understand how to use the spiders effectively. It takes time, but in the long run it brings peace and balance to the greenhouse.鈥�
Building a living ecosystem
Little Spider isn鈥檛 about short-term wins. Their method is about creating a living ecosystem. Unlike other biological agents, these spiders stay. One-time deployment, the right conditions 鈥� and nature takes care of the rest.
鈥淵ou don鈥檛 have to invest every year,鈥� says Fleur. 鈥淭he spiders reproduce themselves, as long as there鈥檚 enough food and shelter.鈥� That makes the approach both sustainable and cost-efficient. And for those used to the instant effect of chemicals, it requires a shift in mindset. Patience pays 鈥� literally.
Down-to-earth approach, big ambitions
Little Spider is currently focused on Dutch growers. Their support is intensive and personal 鈥� better to serve ten growers well than a hundred halfway, they say. Still, there鈥檚 international interest too, especially from Belgium, but also from further afield.
The strength lies in simplicity and conviction. Little Spider doesn鈥檛 offer a quick fix, but a greener future 鈥� for growers, florists and their customers.
Why this matters to you
Are you a grower looking for ways to grow more sustainably without compromising on quality? Or do you work in retail, flower trade or floristry and want to understand how the supply chain is becoming greener? Then this is the kind of innovation that matters.
Because every flower grown in a balanced, chemical-free greenhouse tells a better story. And sometimes, that story begins... with a little spider.
Want to know more or collaborate with Little Spider? Visit and discover how small the difference can begin.
