Xcaret Park in the Riviera Maya, Mexico established a greenhouse in 1993, with the collection of trees that were rescued during the opening of trails.

The orchid farm and greenhouse at Xcaret Park, Mexico  started their work with twelve native species. Later, Xcaret Park in the Riviera Maya began breeding native plants with the aim of spreading the vegetation of the region.

Xcaret Park has a laboratory that breeds mushrooms, orchids, bromeliads and more than 72,320 plants native to the Mexican Southeast, including 17 endemic species such as endangered cacti, ferns, insectivorous plants and palms. Also spreads 95 native species,  12 hybrids and host plants for butterflies with a plant breeding program to rescue wild plants whose environment has been altered for major reforestation purposes but also for marketing to reduce indiscriminate pillaging.

Nowadays, Xcaret Park rescues an average of 2,000 plants of 30 different species each year, especially kukab, chit, nak’as ku’um, and guano palms that have been overexploited due to the construction of thatched roofs and the four species mangroves: botoncillo,  red, white and black.

The breeding program of a plant follows three stages: the hand-pollination, in vitro system and after two years, moving outdoor pots first and then his natural habitat.

The in vitro cultivation of orchid’s technique requires high technology, since germination is the most delicate stage in the life cycle of the orchid, optimal conditions must be observed to prevent cross-breeding and a strict temperature, light and moisture control. The labs hold about 5 000 bottles, each stocked with 25 to 50 seedlings that were transformed into 250 000 beautiful orchids.

The orchid collection at Xcaret Park increases with donations, exchanges and certified purchases.
Of the 35,000 species of orchids in the world, 21,000 are native to Mexico and 109 of them are found in the Yucatan Peninsula. However, due to the great beauty and variety of flowers and the healing properties of some of the orchids, they have been subject to unmeasured collections, together with deforestation, causing the extinction of many species.

All Xcaret tours and tickets include a visit to the Orchid Farm, being this a way for visitors to learn about the different species of regional flora and the importance of keeping them thriving. The park staff provides lectures and lessons for students, visitors and communities in the area. At the end of the day, there is a wonderful night show that you can’t miss, Xcaret Mexico Espectacular.

Xcaret park’s main objective is that its visitors spend a day packed of fun, with different attractions.  In addition, Xcaret Park has interactive programs to awake awareness of our planet, so buying your tickets to Xcaret you contribute to endangered species conservation activities.