Swan Orchid - Strange beauty in the orchid world

Swan orchids (Catasetum) are orchid species that look like swans, have special colors such as black, dark purple, dark brown and a unique "pollen shooting" mechanism.

Swan orchid (Catasetum) is the common name of Vietnamese people when referring to orchid species of the swan genus. Known for its elegant beauty, unique flower shape like a swan wriggling with many unique colors such as black, dark purple, dark brown, dark red,...

If you want to find orchids that are beautiful, unique, have high collectible value but are still easy to grow and care for, then swan orchids are not a bad choice.

Join orchid to learn more about swan orchids through the article below to understand more about this beautiful and strange orchid species.

Origin & distribution of swan orchid (Catasetum)

Swan orchid is the common name for several groups of orchids in the genus Catasetum.

Swan orchid or Catasetum is the common name in Vietnamese to refer to a group of orchids belonging to the genus Catasetum - a genus of orchids with unique flower shapes, one of a kind, originating from the Americas, most popular in Central America and South America, especially in some countries such as Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Colombia,...

In nature, Catasetum often lives on tree branches and rotten tree trunks in dense forests, where there is scattered light and high humidity.

Although Swan orchid is not native to Vietnam, thanks to its impressive appearance, it has been introduced and is quite popular in our country, especially among those who specialize in collecting unique and rare orchids.

General characteristics of morphology and growth of Swan orchids

A pot of swan orchid with a super beautiful deep red color.

Although there are many different species of swan orchids, they all have some common characteristics in morphology and growth ability as follows:

Pseudo-stem :

• Large body, bulging in the middle
• Succulent pseudobulbs, responsible for storing nutrients and water for orchids.

Leaves :

• Soft, thin, growing alternately on both sides of the body
• Leaves fall completely at the end of the year.

Flower :

• Grows in soft, curved clusters from the base of the pseudobulb.
• Flowers are usually large in size from 5 - 13 cm, with large petals and shaped like a swan drooping its neck.
• Each pseudobulb will produce 1 - 2 flower clusters/year.
• Flowers have many unique colors such as black, dark purple, white, brown, dark red,... depending on the variety.

Fragrance :

• Some species have a sweet, strong smell.
• Some species have a very light smell, or even no smell at all.

Reproduction :

• The unique "pollen shooting" mechanism, when lightly touching the male flower, it will release pollen.

Growth characteristics :

• At the end of the year (winter break) the tree will lose its leaves, this is the right time to stimulate flowering.
• Each pseudobulb blooms only 1-2 times, then becomes a stem to nourish the plant.

Popular types of swan orchids

Currently, in Vietnam, some popular swan orchid species are Catasetum Black Swan, Catasetum Orchidglade, Catasetum pileatum and Catasetum tenebrosum. They have the following specific characteristics:

Catasetum Black Swan

The mysterious colors of black swan orchid flowers (Catasetum Black Swan)

Catasetum Black Swan, also known as black swan orchid, is one of the most outstanding swan orchid species, a hybrid between two other swan orchid species, Catasetum pileatum × Catasetum expansum, with unique colors and many flowers.

Outstanding features of black swan orchid:

• Flowers are purple-black, dark purple or deep red.
• Shaped like dancing swans.
• Flowers have a strong sweet fragrance
• Usually blooms from October to February.
• Very easy to grow, fast growing and flowers can bloom after only 4 - 7 months of care.

Catasetum Orchidglade

Catasetum Orchidglade orchid clusters with unique, colorful colors.

Catasetum Orchidglade is a hybrid of Catasetum pileatum × Catasetum expansum, possessing a brilliant and attractive beauty, very popular among orchid collectors.

Characteristics of Catasetum Orchidglade:

• The flowers are yellow, orange, red or pink and have many dark spots which look very attractive.
• Large flowers with a diameter of 5 - 8 cm, usually grow in clusters from the base of the pseudobulb.
• Flowers have curved lips like a bird, rolled wings.
• Sweet, strong fragrance, especially in the morning and afternoon.
• Usually blooms from October to February.
• Easy to grow, fast growing and flowering regularly.

Catasetum pileatum

Catasetum pileatum swan orchid with "giant" flower size

Catasetum pileatum is one of the purebred swan orchid lines with outstanding beauty and the largest flower size in the Catasetum genus, often appearing in many tropical rainforests of South America such as Venezuela, Colombia,...

Characteristics of Catasetum pileatum orchid:

• The flowers are very large, up to 10 - 13 cm in diameter, one of the largest-flowered orchids in the genus Swan.
• Flowers have many colors such as white, light yellow, lemon yellow, metallic blue, wine red,...
• Male flowers have large round lips and even petals like a skirt.
• Has a mild to sweet but very pleasant aroma.
• Often used as mother plants in the process of crossbreeding many different swan orchid lines.

Catasetum tenebrosum

Catasetum tenebrosum swan flowers with unique colors.

Catasetum tenebrosum is one of the purebred orchid lines with the most mysterious and unique beauty in the swan orchid genus, often hunted by original orchid collectors. They often appear in South American tropical forests such as Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia,...

Outstanding features of Catasetum tenebrosum orchid:

• Flowers are dark brown, purple, purple brown to black brown, looking extremely mysterious and strange.
• Flowers grow from the base of the pseudobulb, grow in soft curved clusters, with slightly twisted petals.
• Flowers have a light fragrance or even no scent.
• Usually blooms from October to February.

How to grow & care for swan orchids in Vietnam

Instructions for growing swan orchids properly.

Although swan orchids originate from America, if you know how to grow and care for them, you can still grow them in Vietnam. Please note the following instructions to help swan orchids grow well and bloom evenly and beautifully.

Selecting varieties and growing media for swan orchids

First, you need to choose the right swan orchid variety and suitable substrate so that the plant can adapt quickly and grow well.

Choose swan orchid variety :

• Preferably choose plants with large pseudobulbs and not soft roots.
• If you like big flowers, plant Catasetum pileatum. If you like fragrant flowers, plant Catasetum Orchidglade. If you want flowers with rare colors, plant Catasetum tenebrosum or Catasetum Black Swan.

Choose the right substrate :

• Prioritize choosing a well-ventilated, well-drained substrate.
• For example pine bark + charcoal + moss/coir.
• Plastic pots, ceramic pots with drainage holes.

How to grow and care for swan orchids

You need to master how to water, fertilize and the resting stages of swan orchids to help them grow well and bloom in season. Specifically as follows:

Watering :

• Dry season: Water 1 - 2 times/day, keep moist but do not let water accumulate at the base.
• Rainy season: Water less, only water when the substrate is dry.

Fertilizer :

• Should use NPK 30-10-10 fertilizer in the germination stage to help the plant quickly grow roots and leaves.
• Add organic fertilizer + calcium + Boron.
• Foliar fertilization should be applied instead of root fertilization.

Off season period:

• This is an important stage because if done incorrectly, the orchid will not flower. It usually takes place after the swan orchid has shed its leaves, from October to December.
• Stop watering completely
• No fertilizer

Care when flowering :

• When you see the flower buds emerge, start watering again and gradually increase the light.
• Do not move the pot because it can easily crush, damage or cause flower buds to fall off.

Proactive disease prevention

To help swan orchids avoid common diseases, you need to proactively prevent diseases. Follow these instructions:

• Preventing root rot: Do not water too much, do not let water accumulate at the base, the substrate needs to drain well. Spray anti-fungal drugs such as Ricomil Gol, Kasumin periodically.
• Prevention of pseudobulb rot: Cut off the rotten area, apply lime, and disinfect.
• Red spider and mealybug diseases: Spray insecticide such as Confidor, wash leaves with 70-degree alcohol or diluted soap.

Meaning of swan orchid

Swan orchids not only stand out with their unique flower shape and impressive colors, but they also have many profound meanings in feng shui, love and life. Specifically as follows:

• Is a symbol of elegance, grace and luxury.
• Swans are monogamous birds, so swan orchids also symbolize eternal love.
• In feng shui, yellow, red, and pink orchids often have the ability to attract wealth and luck.
• Swan orchid is a high-class gift for orchid lovers and those who like to collect rare and precious orchids.

Swan orchid price list

Currently, swan orchids are classified as high-class, rare orchids and have quite high prices in Vietnam because they have to be imported from abroad. Please refer to the following price list to get the most accurate price.

Note :

• Clearly identify the orchid variety you want to buy to avoid buying the wrong type.
• When buying, check carefully if the tree trunk is thick, has many dormant buds, and has strong, numerous roots...
• You should buy at reputable orchid gardens and farms to avoid buying poor quality products.

Beautiful swan orchid pictures

Below is a collection of the most beautiful images of different types of swan orchids, from pure white, bright yellow to mysterious black and brown. Please take a look to see the diversity and uniqueness of this strange flower.

A super beautiful pot of pearl eye swan orchid.

Super beautiful and unique purple swan orchid clusters (black swan).

White Swan orchid is super rare and beautiful.

Blue swan orchid with unusual color tone.

Golden swan orchid with brilliant color.

Brown swan orchids are extremely rare.

The purple-black swan orchid has a very high collectible value.

With its unique shape, special color and interesting ecological characteristics, swan orchids are always the top choice for those who love to collect rare orchids. Hopefully, through the article that orchid-vn.com shares above, you have learned more about swan orchids and chosen for yourself the most suitable orchid lines.

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