We caught up with Fernando Andres Ron Montenegro from Alma Spray Roses to talk all things World of Sprayroses, from how the farm evolved into a sprayrose specialist to sustainability, community projects, favourite varieties and a few fun facts along the way.
How long has Alma Spray Roses been around?
Alma Spray Roses has more than 30 years of experience in the floral industry.
Who founded Alma Spray Roses and how is the company structured today?
Alma Spray Roses is part of Natuflor, operating under its dedicated sprayrose division. Natuflor is a company within The Elite Group in Ecuador. The Alma project is led by Arturo Carvajal, whose leadership continues to shape the long-term vision, innovation and global projection of this amazing project.
Sustainability is a big topic in floriculture. What does Alma Spray Roses do in this area?
Sustainability is a core pillar of our work at Alma Spray Roses. Across the farm we integrate responsible agricultural practices such as rainwater collection from our greenhouses to optimize water use, soil tensiometers to determine exact irrigation needs and prevent waste, and 100 percent recycling of plant material to enrich cultivation areas. We hold Flor Verde and Fairtrade USA certifications, ensuring responsible social and environmental management and the safe, rational use of fertilizers and crop protection molecules. Hazardous waste is managed exclusively by certified providers, while all greenhouse plastic is returned to our supplier for repurposing and reintegration into the production chain. These efforts reflect our strong commitment to environmental stewardship, worker wellbeing and responsible resource management.
Do you work on any community or social projects?
Yes, Alma Spray Roses actively participates in multiple community initiatives, including road improvement projects to increase access for nearby communities, collaboration with the Granoble community to build a chapel for local families, and El Mercadito, a biweekly fair where workers can sell products they grow or create, supporting local entrepreneurship. We also maintain an ongoing partnership with Tupigachi through projects such as a vegetable garden for senior citizens and continued support for municipal programs, participate in regional cultural initiatives like the Pedro Moncayo Flower Parade, and have refurbished a local daycare centre to improve the space for children. These projects reflect our long term and meaningful connection with the communities around us.
How long have you been growing sprayroses and do you grow anything else?
We began growing sprayroses from the very beginning of the project. Although we initially grew both standard roses and sprayroses, we identified a strong global potential in spray varieties. As a result, for the past four years the farm has focused one hundred percent on sprayroses.
How many sprayrose varieties do you currently grow?
We currently grow more than 70 sprayrose varieties, including 48 Classic Sprayroses, 18 Garden Clusters, two Gypsy roses Gypsy Cherry and Gypsy Kiwi, and White and Pink Rosette, our newest variety. We continue expanding our portfolio every year.
What are your team’s top three sprayroses and why?
Our team highlights these three standout varieties.
Fibonacci Aureus is admired for its unique shape, vivid colour and impressive number of blooms per stem.
Dreamer is a garden type sprayrose with exceptional size, almost comparable to a standard rose.
Gypsy Rose features dome shaped blooms in cherry and green tones that bring structure, texture and striking visual impact.
Any fun facts our audience might enjoy?
Absolutely. We recently adopted a rescue dog who arrived at the farm expecting puppies. She gave birth shortly after, and our team cared for her babies and helped find them loving homes. The mother stayed with us permanently and was named Pink Irishka, just like one of our sprayrose varieties. She is now officially part of the Alma family.
Which markets buy the most Alma Spray Roses?
Our largest demand comes from the United States, Europe, Australia, Asia and Russia, these countries love the uniqueness of our beautiful sprayrose collection.
Where is Alma Spray Roses located and what makes that area special?
Our farm is located in Tabacundo, Ecuador, a region known for exceptional floral quality. High luminosity supports steady growth and strong colour development, rich volcanic soil provides natural nutrients for healthy plants, and the high altitude creates cooler temperatures that slow plant physiology just enough to produce longer, thicker stems and larger blooms. This unique environment is one of the main reasons Alma Spray Roses are recognized worldwide for their quality and character.
