Cycnoches loddigesii (swan orchid) gets its name from “kyknos; swan” and “auchen; neck” which describe the appearance of the male flowers. The epiphytic plants have four to eight inch pseudobulbs topped with long, pleated leaves.

Cycnoches loddigesii
Cycnoches loddigesii

The brownish-green male and female flowers of Cycnoches loddigesii are separate and have a different shape. A plant can have male flowers one year, female the next, or both at the same time. The male flowers are more numerous than the female flowers. If not pollinated, female flowers will last for six weeks.

Swan orchids usually bloom in summer or fall. Female flowers usually appear when the plant is in good health and gets bright light. Less light produces male flowers or no flowers at all.
Cycnoches loddigesii orchids prefer intermediate to warm temperatures. Keep the plant evenly moist while it is actively growing, but water it sparingly during resting periods and during the winter. Resume watering when the flower spike appears.

Orchid Types

Anguloa Uniflora OrchidLycaste Orchid
Anota violacea, Rhynchostylis violacea OrchidMaxillaria Houtteana Orchid
Ascocentrum Curvifolium Orchid
Miltonia Orchid
Brassavola Orchid
Odontoglossum Orchid
Bulbophyllum Lobbii Orchid
Oncidium Orchid
Cattleya Orchid
Paphiopedilum Orchid
Chysis Laevis Orchid
Phalaenopsis Orchid
Cycnoches Loddigesii Orchid
Pleurothallis Orchid
Cymbidum Orchid
Renanthera Brookie Chandler Orchid
Dendrobium Orchid
Rhynchostylis Coelestis Orchid
Doritis Orchid
Rodriguezia Secunda Orchid
Epidendrum Orchid
Sophronitella Violacea Orchid
Laelia Orchid
Stanhopea Orchid
Lokhartia Oerstedii Orchid

Vanda Orchid

Learn how to grow orchids: