According to Zion Market Research, the global orchid market size was worth around $750 million in 2023 and is predicted to grow to around $1. 2 billion by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of roughly 5.1% between 2024 and 2032.
This year, the New York Botanical Garden’s “Orchid Show” in the Bronx is not just about these beguiling plants; it’s about all things Mexican.
“The Orchid Show: Mexican Modernism” (Friday, Feb. 15, through April 27) — the 22nd edition of the popular, annual exhibit – takes visitors through a lush landscape of thousands of orchids, offset in designs (including fountain features and lattices) inspired by the bold, multicolored work of Mexican Modern architect Luis Barragán (1902–1988).
To complement the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory show on select evenings – including Feb. 15 and 22; March 8, 15, 22 and 29; and April 5, 12, 18, 19, 25 and 26 — “Orchid Nights,” called the “lushest bar in town,” will offer music and dancing as well as drinks and food for purchase. The evenings will include the Latin-American beat of cumbia music, with cumbia sonidera dance parties led by DJ hellotones, “El Hijo de PueblaYork,” also known as Anthony Dominguez, and dancer/instructor Mark Saldana, aka Coolmarx.
Meanwhile, in NYBG’s Arthur and Janet Ross Gallery, Mexican-American visual artist Martirene Alcántara presents “Homage to Luis Barragán: An Act of Poetry,” her series of still images that seek to capture the architect’s essence in colorful, geometric works.
Mexico’s wide range of ecosystems contains 10% to 12% of the world’s species, making it one of the largest biodiversity hotspots on Earth. This includes more than 1,300 orchid species, about 40% of which are endemic: They are not found anywhere else in the world.
Besides the variety of orchids, this year’s show also highlights succulents, such as cacti and agave. While immersed in these plants and thousands of flowers, visitors will learn about orchids in the wild and NYBG’s ongoing worldwide orchid research and conservation. Orchids aren’t just found in the tropics; they’re on every continent but Antarctica, including in New York state, and NYBG scientists are still discovering new species. On select weekend dates throughout the exhibit, visitors may discuss orchids and their care with NYBG’s horticulture staff.
For tickets and more, click here.
