[1] It is an epiphyte that is found in the canopy of tall trees near coastal areas, in the Brazilian states of Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina and São Paulo.

The orchid favors bright light and cool to warm conditions and is relatively easy to cultivate.

C. purpurata has been used extensively as a parent in hybridizing with Cattleyas.

Cattleya purpurata blooms from late spring to fall with three to five flowers on a spike.

& Paxton) Van den Berg (2008) × Cattleya tigrina A.Rich.