This medium to large epiphyte grows in hill and lower montane forests of Malaysia, Sabah, Borneo, and Sumatra at 800 to 1100 meters. It has branched stems with closely set, overlapping, compressed green to red-tinged leaves that taper into sheaths. Blooming in spring, fall, and winter, it produces a short, single-flowered inflorescence on the leafless stem, with flowers held close to it. It thrives in warm to cool conditions and prefers partial sunlight.